Lightweight Concrete Stackable Garden Beds

MAN about TOOLS
MAN about TOOLS
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Published 2024-07-20
Make stackable lightweight concrete panels that link together to make long-lasting rot-proof garden beds. In this episode I mix and pour two lightweight concrete blends and cast garden box panels that can be stacked to create deep garden beds. The panels link together at right angles to make a square or rectangular raised garden beds. They can also be linked end-to-end to lengthen the garden box. The two lightweight concrete blends replace the gravel in a portland cement based concrete with perlite or vermiculite. Perlite and vermiculite are minerals that are naturally light and abundant and make an excellent alternative to heavier gravel. The panels are poured in plastic ABS vacuum formed molds with removable pipes to form holes in each end.

BLOG POST: manabouttools.com/deepbeds

MOLDS: manabouttools.com/product-category/abs-plastic-mol…
WEDGES: amzn.to/3WtFlba
GLASS FIBRE: amzn.to/3LyC7gg
CEMENT COLOR: amzn.to/3LSh6xn
CONCRETE RUB BRICK: amzn.to/3WGfeOt
PERLITE: amzn.to/3zYQPdI
VERMICULITE: amzn.to/3WwMsQe
FINISHING WAX: amzn.to/3LzkHAe
PETROLEUM JELLY: amzn.to/3LAkiNT
DIGITAL SCALE: amzn.to/3YbFXTR

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Some of these links have an affiliate code, if you purchase tools with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you! The tools or equipment seen in this video and have been purchased ourselves.

#lightweighconcrete #concretemold #absplastic
All Comments (21)
  • @derekdean5691
    I have been watching for 2 years and I finally purchased a set for my garden. Thank you for all your videos.
  • @woodturner1954
    To make separation easier, use compressed air at the joints. We used to separate boat hulls that way.
  • @RFMongoose
    I have plans to do exactly this for the foundation of my green house. I have 18 inch tall blocks from following your design, I plan to mortar in the blocks, and then just frame out some recycled windows I got from a friend's house when he got his windows replaced.
  • @cap2c484
    Fantastic. Really love this series and appreciate the updates. 👍
  • @dusk1947
    Wonderful, Thank you. We've acquired 4 of your excellent molds, with the intent to stack them two courses high. This was appreciated.
  • @heatherthomas7545
    Been watching for a few years. So happy to see the progression of this product! I will be a customer as soon as I get through some other projects.
  • @lightwan7069
    Love to see how you are making the process better and keep innovating
  • @DesertGardenPrepper
    love your diy garden beds and love your videos! can't wait for the high strength version!
  • @miketerner4368
    Hello from Russia, I've been watching your videos for a long time. The product is excellent, I will do it soon.
  • @MattHolstein
    Just fyi, microfiber does not prevent long term cracks nor replace reinforcement. It only helps with shrinkage cracking during the curing process, which is when you are more likely to get micro-fractures. For this application I would definitely not skip.
  • @snortder
    I am excited about the molds! I am not excited about making my own currently and this will give me more of an incentive to make raised garden beds. When I have a new property and tool shed that I want I will be happier to make my own design of molds with wood. Maybe something fancy. I am dreaming of making the surface rough and sealing the cement then spraying a moss starter on the outer surface to make it all look organic after the moss grows in.
  • @Jerry-ko9pi
    Trying removing the mold with compressed air. That might work and be way easier. I want to order some of the molds when I get my new house built.
  • @boots7859
    $17/kg on Amazon for the poly fiber. And important to remember you are not making regular concrete that has aggregates for the cement to bind to. For $8#, using an ounce is only adding $0.50/panel. Also, a small $10 kiddie wading pool/trough with water is great to let concrete forms cure for a week or three for absolutely the hardest/strongest result.
  • @terryjohnson3100
    Wasn't able to afford a set this year, hopefully next season... What a great idea!
  • @GARDENER42
    I watched your videos on the earlier panels, so this is a great update. Unfortunately, I'm in the UK. so the only economic way to get the moulds will be to make them myself. What I'll be making them for will be to stack vertically to make 1.2m/4' cubes as compost bays, as even treated wood only lasts 4-5 years.
  • @vesc1389
    Saw a tip somewhere… soaking the perlite/vermiculite overnight keeps the mix moist longer throughout leading to higher strength.