How to Make Concrete House Numbers
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019Welcome visitors (and help out pizza delivery people) by creating these cool concrete house numbers for your front yard.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen my dinner drive past my house, turn around in the cul-de-sac and drive past again because the delivery person can’t see my house number. Well not anymore! These extra-large concrete house numbers are easy to make and easy to read from the road. Plus, they add a touch of personality to your landscape. Follow these steps to make your own house numbers:
Tools & Materials
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Packing tape
- Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement Mix (small container)
- 4-ft. 7/16-in. dowels (2 or 3, depending on how many numbers you make; optional)
- WD-40
- Putty knife
Create Number Templates
First, find a font that you like and print out your house numbers as large as possible on a standard sheet of paper. Cut out each number. These will be your templates for creating the concrete forms.
Cut Pieces for the Forms
Trace the number templates onto a piece of cardboard and cut them out to create the base of each form. Then cut 2-1/2-in.-wide strips of cardboard to fit around the number templates as shown in the photo.
Build the Forms and Add Dowels
Use packing tape to secure the form walls, making sure to seal all cracks. Note: In order to have the smoothest surface for the face of your numbers, the forms must be backward versions of the numbers. Cut a hole in the bottom of each form and insert a 10-in. dowel so that half goes into the form and half hangs out of the form.
Cast Concrete Numbers
Add water to your concrete mix according to the package directions. Important: Spray the forms with WD-40 or similar lubricant before filling them. Pour the concrete mixture into each form, tap the sides a few times to bring bubbles to the surface and then level the top. Allow the concrete to dry in the forms for 24 hours or more.
Remove Forms and Finish
Peel off the cardboard forms and use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on the numbers. Then place the numbers anywhere in your yard. The raw concrete looks great in any outdoor setting, or you could paint the numbers to add a splash of color. Or add a couple of solar lights next to your numbers and after-dark dinner deliveries will be on time every time!
Check out two more simple concrete projects you can do in a weekend:
How to Build a Garden Fountain
