How to Make Concrete Stumps

This concrete stump is part of an artistic tradition that dates back to the nineteenth century. French artisans made faux bois, or "false wood," railings, planters and even garden seats from molded concrete. Today you'll find them in antique shops. You can enjoy the same tradition by making this concrete stump for your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Mold Nonstick cooking oil spray Sand mix premixed concrete and concrete bonding adhesive Portland cement and fine sand Water Mixing bucket Strong stirring rod Paper or foam cup Heavy cardboard tube two inches shorter than the mold Gloves Concrete stain

Instructions

Mix, pour, and level the concrete

1. Mix the concrete according to package directions, but using a concrete bonding adhesive in place of half the water.
   If you're preparing the mix yourself, mix 2 parts sand with 1 part cement. Wet it with about 1/2 part water.

2. Do a slump test. This will determine whether the concrete is ready for the mold. A slightly dry, stiff concrete is easier to work with and will retain the details of the mold better.
   Cut off the bottom of the paper cup. Set the cup upside down on a flat surface. Fill it with the wet concrete. As you fill, tap on the side of the cup to remove air bubbles. Lift the cup straight up off the concrete.
   If the concrete pile slumps very little, the mix is right to use in a mold. If it slumps more than that, the mix is too wet, so you should add a little more dry concrete mix.

3. Prepare the mold. Spray the inside of the mold with cooking oil. This will help the concrete remove from the mold smoothly when it has dried. Be especially sure to spray details, such as the shape of the "bark."

4. Begin filling the mold. Fill the bottom of the mold to a height of about two inches. Jiggle the mold to settle the concrete mix and remove air bubbles.

5. Place the cardboard tube in the center of the mold. This will create a hollow core, so that the finished stump isn't quite so heavy.

6. Finish filling the mold. Fill the space between the mold and the cardboard tube with the wet concrete mix. Tamp it firmly into place, using a stick that fits in the space.

7. Level the surface with a trowel. Use a trowel or putty knife to smooth and shape the edges.

Cure and color the concrete

1. Place a polyurethane sheet over the mold to hold in moisture. Leave the concrete in the form in a warm, dry spot for at least three days.

2. Remove the stump from the mold. Gently tap the exterior of the mold in several places to loosen the concrete. Remove the concrete stump from the mold. Peel the cardboard tube away from the hollow in the center of the stump if you want to. It's all right to leave it in place.

3. Let the concrete finish curing. The concrete will continue to cure and become stronger for 28 days. Leave it somewhere warm and dry to complete the curing process.

4. Color the stump. When the concrete has completely cured, stain the concrete stump in the colors of your choice. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when working with concrete.

• If you get wet concrete on your skin, wash it off promptly. Read the manufacturer's warnings and follow all safety guidelines when using stains.