How to Make Concrete Coasters 2026

This article will show you a quick and easy way to how to make concrete coasters and trivets from plastic container lids.

The lids used in this Project are plastic tupperware. Look for caps that are not too shallow or you could have problems with the concrete cracking.

There are four steps in this article: lid preparation, mixing, concrete pouring, grinding, demoulding, sealing and finishing.

Materials:

• Plastic Tupperware Lids
• Pro-Formula Mix Concrete (Or whatever you prefer)
• Sakrete 5000+ Concrete or equivalent
• Decorative aggregate – Optional (semi-precious minerals, crushed glass, etc.)

Concrete mix:

• Cube
• Water
• Particle mask
• Rubber gloves

Tools/Supplies:

• Soapy water/denatured alcohol
• Spray adhesive (3M Super 77)
• Diamond sanding pads/sandpaper
• Plastic bag to cover while drying.
• Variable speed polisher

Steps on how to make concrete coasters

Step 1: Preparing the Lid

A good cover for this project:

• Coaster size = 4+ inches
• Trivet = 6+ inches
• Flexible plastic
• Plastic that is durable enough to be reused.
• Waterproof
• At least 1/4 inch thick
• Not threaded on the inside (so that the concrete can come off the lid without having to break it)
• No logos
• Free/Cheap

Less than Ideal:

• Paper/Cardboard
• Thinner than 1/4 inch
• Logos
• Thin plastic is fine for a casting, but it cannot be easily reused.
• Clean the lids with soapy water using something non-scratch, such as a 100% cotton cloth.

Concrete Decoration:

• Use a light mist of spray adhesive on the lid if you want to include decorative aggregates, crushed glass or any type of inlays.
• Use crushed glass and decorative aggregates that complement the color of the concrete.
• Rubber stamps can be attached to the form with spray adhesive and removed after the concrete has dried, leaving the rubber stamp pattern as a relief on the surface.

Step 2: Mix + Pour Concrete

Mixed:

• For tips on mixing concrete. Visit this link: http://perfectaidea.com/como-mezclar-correctamente-el-concreto/
• Find out how much concrete you are going to mix. Each of these coasters weighs less than half a pound.
• You can mix 10 pounds of concrete by hand in a 5-gallon bucket with a trowel. For larger quantities, use a wheelbarrow and shovel.
• After the dry materials (concrete mix, additives, pigments, etc.) are combined, begin adding water gradually.
• The best way to estimate the amount of water to add is by experience. If the mixture is too wet, it will flow and pour easily, but there will be excess water on the surface as the concrete begins to cure. If the mixture is too dry, it will be sandy.
• Excess water will weaken the concrete. If the mixture becomes too wet, add more concrete.
• Break up or discard any clumps of unmixed concretelar before filling out the form.

Pour:

• Make sure the mold is clean and free of debris.
• Press some concrete into the mold and stick it to remove air bubbles
• Slapping the mold on the table will expel even more air
• Remove any rocks protruding from the top surface. If you don't have an orbital polisher, grinding them will be time-consuming (almost impossible).
• It is important that the top surface is flat and smooth up to the edge of the lid.
• Smooth the top of the concrete with a straight edge or trowel.

Drying:

• Place the concrete on a level surface and cover it with plastic to dry for 4 days. The plastic will help keep moisture inside, if the concrete dries too quickly it can cause small cracks.
• The drying process can be accelerated by using a setting cement mixture, but this can also affect the color of the concrete.
• Drying should be done between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, never in direct sunlight, and concrete should never freeze while drying.

Step 3: Sanding + De-Molding

Polished with an orbital polisher:

• While the concrete is still in the plastic lid, grind the top flat with an orbital grinder. Keeping it on the lid will give you an even edge to grind on.
• Soilless concrete will be a uniform color without any exposed aggregate.

Grinding without orbital polisher:

• Concrete is extremely difficult to grind without the correct diamond grinding tools. Even with a thick diamond hand pad, it will take a long time to flatten a 4″ disc. That's why it's so important to smooth the back surface while the concrete is still workable.
• Use a lapping wheel with diamond discs.
• Try a coarse sharpening stone.
• Try a coarse/dry sandpaper (45 or 60 grit).

De-molding:

• You will break the coasters in half during demolding if you have not waited long enough for them to dry (3 to 5 days).
• Remove the plastic cap by pushing down with a flat screwdriver and work around the cap.
• Take your time and be careful not to scratch or chip the concrete during removal.
• If the concrete is really stuck, try blowing down between the edge of the plastic cap and the concrete with compressed air.
• If the concrete is still stuck, the last resort is to break the plastic mold with wire cutters or scissors.
• These caps can be reused dozens of times, just wipe away concrete residue with warm soapy water or denatured alcohol.

Edge sanding:

• Knock down any sharp edges with a diamond hand sanding pad or a coarse whetstone.

Step 4: Sealing + Finishing

Touch:

• Concrete is vulnerable to etching and staining from anything acidic such as lemon juice, vinegar, red wine, etc.
• Sealing is not necessary, but it will help protect the concrete from stains and keep it looking good for a long time.

Refinement:

• If your coasters don't sit flat, you can cut thin cork backs or cork legs and attach them with spray adhesive.

Hopefully this little project inspires you to make your own concrete coaster.

Creative Home Decor Ideas to Transform Every Space

Refreshing your home starts with smart design choices that combine comfort, personality, and functionality. Whether you want to modernize a small apartment, upgrade outdoor areas, or create cozy rustic interiors, these trending ideas can completely change the atmosphere of your space.

Outdoor Spaces That Increase Style and Functionality

Outdoor living continues to dominate modern home trends. Homeowners are increasingly investing in practical entertainment zones inspired by these BBQ shed ideas, which create the perfect setup for gatherings and weekend cooking sessions.

First impressions also matter when designing exteriors. Elegant farm entrance gates design ideas help properties stand out while improving privacy and curb appeal.

Compact living solutions are also gaining popularity. These inspiring 16x40 shed house interior design ideas show how smaller spaces can still feel luxurious and functional.

To enhance patios and entryways, homeowners are adding stylish protection with these creative porch awning exterior DIY ideas that blend aesthetics with practicality.

Rustic and Cozy Interior Design Trends

Warm and natural interiors remain timeless. These charming rustic decor ideas combine wood textures, vintage accents, and earthy tones to create welcoming spaces.

Bedrooms are becoming more personalized with curated wall arrangements. Many homeowners use these stylish picture wall ideas for bedroom spaces to display memories and artwork creatively.

Textured wall treatments are another major trend. Installing a board and batten wall adds architectural character while keeping interiors elegant and modern.

Similarly, bold accent wall ideas can instantly transform plain rooms into eye-catching focal points without requiring a full renovation.

Smart Kitchen and Organization Inspiration

Functional kitchens are essential for modern homes. These practical kitchen wall cabinet ideas maximize storage while maintaining a clean and stylish appearance.

Organization also starts at the entrance. Well-designed mud room ideas help families keep shoes, coats, and daily essentials neatly arranged.

Colorful and Personalized Home Styling

Vibrant interiors are becoming increasingly popular thanks to playful dopamine decor ideas that use bright colors and joyful accessories to improve mood and energy.

Gallery walls also continue to evolve as a major decorative feature. These trendy gallery wall inspiration ideas offer creative ways to combine prints, photos, and statement art.

Young renters and new homeowners are especially embracing these stylish first apartment aesthetic ideas to create sophisticated interiors on a budget.

Finally, selecting the right shades can dramatically influence any room’s atmosphere. These modern trendy color ideas help homeowners choose palettes that feel fresh, elegant, and timeless.

Final Thoughts

From rustic charm and colorful interiors to outdoor entertaining areas and functional storage solutions, today’s home decor trends focus on creating spaces that feel both beautiful and livable. By combining smart layouts, modern textures, and personalized decorative elements, any home can become more stylish, comfortable, and inspiring.