I love a project that turns a humble summer item into something surprisingly practical, and this one does exactly that. By using vinyl drink floats as flexible molds and pairing them with cement, you can make two heavy, ring-shaped patio forms that work beautifully as decorative garden accents, hose guides, candle bases, small planter stands, or simply as sculptural weighty pieces on an outdoor table.
What makes this especially appealing is how little you need to get started. The floats create the shape for you, so there’s no woodworking, no complex form-building, and very little measuring beyond keeping your cement mix consistent. If you enjoy low-fuss outdoor DIYs with a clever upcycled twist, this is an easy weekend make with a genuinely polished result.
Materials
2 deflated vinyl drink floats, approximately 7 to 10 inches across each
Instructions
1. Cover your work surface with a plastic drop cloth and set the two deflated vinyl drink floats flat so they are easy to fill and won’t pick up dirt.
2. Roll or squeeze each float to open the air valve area as much as possible, and if needed, use a short strip of painter’s tape to hold the opening accessible while you work.
3. In a plastic bucket, combine the cement mix with water a little at a time until it reaches the texture of thick cake batter or soft peanut butter; it should pour slowly, not run.
4. Fit the funnel into the opening of the first float and slowly spoon or pour cement into it, pausing often to massage the vinyl so the mixture moves evenly around the ring.
5. Fill the first float until it feels full and firm but not overstretched, then repeat with the second float using roughly the same amount of cement so the pair looks balanced.
6. Gently press and shape each filled float so the cement distributes into a smooth, continuous ring with an even thickness all the way around.
7. Lay the filled floats flat in a safe place and let them cure undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours, depending on temperature and humidity, until fully hardened.
8. Once the cement is fully hard, cut or peel away the vinyl carefully to release the concrete rings without chipping the edges.
9. Set the rings aside for another day to finish drying and strengthening before placing them on the patio or in the garden.
Variations & Tips
Smoother Finish: If you want a cleaner surface, tap the filled floats lightly on the table before curing to help release trapped air pockets.
Different Ring Sizes: Larger drink floats create wider statement rings, while smaller ones make compact pieces that work nicely under planters or lanterns.
Color Option: You can mix in a small amount of concrete pigment when combining the cement for a warmer stone tone, charcoal finish, or earthy garden color.
Use Them Creatively: I like these grouped in pairs near container plants, but they also work as rustic risers, sculptural accents, or weights for lightweight outdoor décor.
Curing Tip: Don’t rush the unmolding. Cement that feels hard on the outside can still be fragile inside, and waiting an extra day usually gives a much stronger ring.
Safety Note: Wear gloves while mixing and handling wet cement, and work in a ventilated outdoor area to keep cleanup simple and comfortable.