How to Make a Concrete Bird Bath

Having a birdbath in your backyard or near your window is a calming ornament for whatever size yard you might have. It provides a soothing pastime to sit and watch the different birds that will come and splash and chirp noisily. Of course, you can go out and buy one from your local garden outlet, or be adventurous and make your own.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Leaves (optional)
• Sand
• Kwikrete
• Wheelbarrow
• Water
• Trowel
• Level
• Gardener’s cloth (2 foot square)
• Spray oil
• Concrete sealer
• Plastic wrap

Instructions

1. Find a spot about 5 feet square where you can work in your backyard or garage. Use a cleared area, board or tarp to work on, as it could get messy. You will also need the cleared spot for at least two days.

2. 

   Pour out a bag of sand on the surface and pile it in the shape of an inverted bowl about 18 inches wide and about 6 inches high. Birds are most comfortable with just a couple inches of water, and if you try to make it too big, it will be so heavy you will have difficulty moving it. Cover it with the plastic wrap for a smooth surface or leave it off for a rougher look.

3. Add any decorations now by putting them on top of the sand. You can use things like banana leaves, rhubarb leaves, or any other kinds of leaves. They will not stay in the finished product, just their imprint.

4. 

   Spray the decorations with the oil, coating very well. This will keep the concrete from sticking when it is finished.

5. 

   Mix up the cement in your wheelbarrow according to the manufacturer's directions until it is the texture of thick mud. It cannot be too dry or it will not smooth out nicely but neither can it be too loose, as it will just pour down the sides of your sand mound. Using gloves to protect your skin, pat on a layer about an inch thick, being careful to press out any air pockets.

6. Place a trimmed piece of gardener's cloth over the concrete, making sure it does not extend beyond the edges at any point. The cloth will add strength to the concrete once it has dried.

7. Smooth on another inch to 2 inches of concrete, smoothing it as level as possible. Build up the concrete in the middle to form a base that is about three inches high. Use a trowel to add texture to the outside surface. Using a level, scrape a flat surface at the very top where you built it up. Of course, the level is only useful if the sand mold is on a level surface to start with, but do the best you can.

8. Cover it loosely with a tarp and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. Carefully lift it off the sand mound and remove the leaves. Brush off any loose sand and use a sanding block to smooth out the edges.

9. Once the concrete has cured for about a week in a dry place, apply a concrete sealer to keep it from staining in the weather. It is now ready to be placed in your garden on a stump or any base you choose.