Laura Smith
Building a cement mushroom playhouse is a fun DIY project that can be done in several steps. First, you need to prepare the work area and gather the necessary materials, such as cement, sand, water, bowls, PVC pipes, and other tools. Then, you need to create a sturdy foundation by levelling the ground and building a frame to ensure the concrete doesn't leak out. After mixing the cement to the right consistency, you can start forming the mushroom shapes using different techniques, such as casting or moulding. Once the cement is dry, you can remove it from the moulds and cure it by keeping it moist for several days. Finally, you can assemble the playhouse by joining the mushroom pieces and adding any necessary finishing touches, such as paint or decorations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Decoration or playhouse |
| Materials | Cement, modelling clay, aluminium foil, compress, hot glue, sand, water, trowel, carving tool, leaves, bowls, duct tape, sand, water, large container, galvanised rod, cardboard roll, plastic fork, spray paint, stickers, acrylic paint, sealant, Quikrete, tube or vase, PAM vegetable spray, landscape block adhesive, caulking gun, paintbrush |
| Tools | Shovel, float, cement trowel, bucket, 2x4, tamper, level, screws, nails, plastic sheeting, hose, tarp, string, stakes, box cutter, concrete glue, latex or rubber gloves |
| Steps | Scrape and level the ground, build a frame, pack dirt under gaps, pour concrete into the frame, smooth the surface, insert bolts, cover with a tarp, dig holes, lay plastic sheeting, mix concrete, pour concrete into holes, remove mushroom tops, paint, stick stickers, paint again, remove stickers, find sticks, remove concrete from molds, push PVC pipe into concrete-filled tubes, smooth the edges, let concrete sit in molds, remove concrete from bowls, cut stems from tubes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the ground and build a frame
To prepare the ground and build a frame for a cement mushroom playhouse, follow these steps:
Firstly, you need to decide on the size of your playhouse and prepare the ground accordingly. For a small playhouse, you will need to scrape and level a section of the ground to create a firm base. Use a flat shovel to scrape and level the ground, and if you need to build up the ground, use a tamper to pack it down.
Once the ground is level, it's time to build the frame. For a small playhouse with internal dimensions of 3' x 6', use 6' 2x4's screwed or nailed to 3'4" 2x4s. Level the frame by digging down or using stones and dirt to raise it so that it is level in both X and Y directions. Make sure to fill any gaps under the frame with dirt to prevent concrete from leaking out when pouring.
The concrete is heavy and will force the frame to move, so stake the frame securely to the ground. Cut the ends of leftover 1x2s into stakes and pound them into the ground against the frame. Then, fasten them with screws or nails.
Cover the frame with a tarp to protect it from rain, leaves, and any potential damage. You can tie strings through the tarp grommets and drape them over the stakes.
Now, you are ready to start working with the cement. Mix your concrete in a large bucket, adding water to create a pourable consistency. A good rule of thumb is to aim for the consistency of wet peanut butter.
Following these steps will ensure you have a well-prepared ground and sturdy frame for your cement mushroom playhouse.
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Mix and pour concrete
Mixing and pouring concrete is a crucial step in building a sturdy and long-lasting cement mushroom playhouse. Here's a detailed guide on how to mix and pour concrete effectively:
Mixing Concrete:
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary materials, including concrete powder or mix, water, a large mixing container, a flat shovel, a mixing spoon or trowel, and protective gear like gloves and a mask.
- Prepare the Work Area: Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling concrete dust. Cover the surrounding area with a tarp to facilitate cleanup and prevent concrete from drying on unwanted surfaces.
- Measure and Combine Ingredients: Start by pouring the concrete powder or mix into your large mixing container. Gradually add water, aiming for a ratio of approximately one part water to four parts concrete. The consistency should be similar to wet peanut butter or muffin batter—pourable but not too runny.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use your mixing spoon or trowel to combine the concrete and water thoroughly. Mix until the concrete achieves a smooth and consistent texture, ensuring there are no dry pockets or lumps. Add more water or concrete powder as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Pouring Concrete:
- Prepare the Mould: Have your mould ready before the concrete starts to set. You can create a mould by digging a shallow hole and lining it with plastic sheeting, or you can use other materials such as bowls, PVC pipes, or aluminium foil shaped around a small ball to form the desired shape of your playhouse.
- Pour the Concrete: Once your mould is ready and firmly secured, carefully pour the mixed concrete into it. If creating a simple slab, use a flat shovel to level and spread the concrete evenly within the frame. If creating a more complex shape, gently shake the mould to ensure the concrete settles evenly and fills all crevices.
- Smooth and Finish: Use a float or curved trowel to smooth the surface of the poured concrete, creating a flat or rounded edge, depending on your design. If embedding bolts or other hardware, do so now, pushing them into the concrete and ensuring they are secure.
- Cure and Set: Allow the concrete adequate time to cure and set. This typically takes at least 24 hours but can vary due to temperature and humidity. Keep the concrete moist by covering it with plastic and spraying it with water periodically to ensure proper curing.
Remember to work carefully and methodically, as rushing the concrete mixing and pouring process can compromise the integrity of your cement mushroom playhouse. Always wear protective gear and follow safety instructions when working with concrete.
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Smooth the surface
To build a cement mushroom playhouse, you will need to start by creating a strong foundation. This involves levelling a section of the ground and building a frame to ensure the concrete doesn't leak out when poured.
Once the frame is secure, you can mix your cement and pour it into the frame. At this stage, it is crucial to ensure the surface of the wet concrete is smooth. Here are some detailed steps to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to understand that the smoothness of the concrete surface is largely determined by the finishing process rather than the mix itself. The key to achieving a smooth finish lies in the techniques and tools employed during this critical phase.
One essential tool for levelling and smoothing fresh concrete is a screed board. A screed board can be a simple strip of aluminium or a flat board that you draw across the surface of the wet concrete. This helps fill any gaps and remove excess concrete, creating a more even surface.
Next, you can use a darby, which is essentially a large trowel with a long, narrow strip and one or two handles. The darby will help further smooth out the concrete. It is best to move the darby in an arc-like pattern, keeping it level to avoid leaving any imperfections on the surface.
Another important technique to achieve a smooth surface is floating. Floating helps to smooth out imperfections, compact the concrete, and prepare for additional finishing steps. You can float the concrete by hand using small hand floats or larger bull floats, which are more suitable for bigger surfaces.
If you desire an extremely smooth finish, power trowelling is an option, though it may be too powerful for a small playhouse foundation.
Additionally, the consistency of your cement mix is vital. Ensure it is pourable, and if you are creating a curved mushroom shape, consider using thinner PVC pipes to achieve the desired form without compromising the smoothness of the surface.
Finally, keep the concrete slab covered with a tarp to protect it from rain, leaves, and other potential disruptions during the curing process.
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Create the mushroom shape
To create the mushroom shape, you will need to prepare a mould. One way to do this is by using sand. Put at least 30 cm of damp sand in a large plastic container and create an impression in the sand to form the top of the mushroom. Alternatively, you can use a bowl with a rounded bottom to create the mushroom top. You can use any type of bowl that you find aesthetically pleasing, such as plastic or ceramic.
Another method for creating the mushroom shape is to use a PVC pipe. Cut a slit along the length of the PVC pipe and seal it back together with duct tape. This will be used to create the stem of the mushroom. If you want the mushroom to tilt, you can cut one end of the PVC pipe at an angle.
Once you have prepared your mould, it's time to mix the cement. For the mushroom top, you can use a pre-mixed sand and cement mixture. Make sure the cement is pourable and has the consistency of wet peanut butter. Pour the cement mixture into your mould and, after about 30 minutes, press a galvanized rod into the cement to act as a support for the mushroom stem.
If you are using the sand mould method, you can create the stem by placing a cardboard roll into the centre of the mushroom top and pressing it into the concrete. Use a plastic fork to draw lines on the underside of the mushroom top to resemble the ribs of a mushroom.
Allow the cement to dry completely before removing it from the mould. The drying time will vary depending on the weather, temperature, and size of the mushroom, but it typically takes around 24 hours. After removing the cement from the mould, let it cure for a week by wrapping it in plastic and spraying it with water to keep it moist.
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Paint and decorate
Once you have prepared your cement mixture, you can add sand to the mix for a better result. This layer must be thicker so that you can make the door and windows. To make the surface smoother, use water from time to time. You can use a trowel to smooth the surface. After 2 hours, use a carving tool to draw the door and grooves to add a wood effect. Cut small rectangular pieces of cement and use water to glue them around the door. You can also make holes for windows using the same tools.
To decorate your playhouse, you can use acrylic paints, paintbrushes, and sealants. Consider whether you want a flat finish, medium gloss, or high gloss for your playhouse. You can also use miniature mushrooms made from aluminium foil, covered with compress and two layers of cement.
Another option is to spray a base layer of spray paint on the playhouse and create spots on the mushroom tops by using round stickers. After the paint dries, place the stickers on the mushroom tops and spray a different colour of paint. Once the paint is dry, remove the stickers to reveal the spots.
To create a smooth and rounded edge around the slab, use a curved cement trowel. After the concrete has stiffened, tap the hex bolts thread side up, about 1" in from the edges every 1.5'.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to decide on the size of your playhouse and scrape a section of ground with a flat shovel to level the ground. Then, use a tamper to pack the ground and check your progress with a level.
Build a frame with internal dimensions matching the desired size of your playhouse. Level the frame by digging down or using stones and dirt to raise it so it's level in both X and Y directions.
Mix cement with water to achieve a pourable consistency. You can add sand to the mix for better results.
Use a bowl with a rounded bottom for the top of the mushroom and create an impression in damp sand to form the shape. Pour the cement mixture into this form and press a galvanised rod to support the stem.
Allow the cement to dry for at least 24 hours. After it has dried, carefully remove the mushroom top from the mould and let it cure for a week by wrapping it in plastic and spraying it with water.
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