Yes cement is porous.... And overtime cement birdbaths breakdown and leak ... Plus you have to let it cure for over 2 weeks... Because of the toxins in cement.... I keep my eyes open for large semi large and medium and sometimes small flat shape glass, ceramic bowls even low-sided baking dishes even then I still put some rocks inside.... Because I don't want birds falling in and drowning.... I have lots of birds even the low sided bowls or some call it plates that you can put underneath your plants.... I had two birdbath cement that had lost their tops by cracking or leaking over time.... And I replaced both of them with large plates ones with shallow sides.... Fasten it to the top of my cement bird bath pedestal.... With expensive clear silicone caulking.... Some people also glue to cement with hard as nails caulking... Hope this helps.... Also I have these large flat bowls plates that is used for plants place directly on the ground... and on bakers racks in my garden which are also feeding and water stations....
I am not sure how long water will stay in this bird bath. It may leak eventually. Of course one needs to keep the water fresh. Replace what is splashed away, and used by birds or evaporated. So you may need to add fresh water depending on seasons and other things. If it soaks water in the concrete mixture will fail eventually. One could add a waterproof/concrete additive to mix. Also you could paint inside with swimming pool paint or other brush or spray waterproof product. For what's worth. Tile fragments and grout cand be made to adhere ..... Becareful because some products may leach into water and might be harmful when ingested by birds.
Good question ! Years ago I read about a building that was built in the war as an experiment . It was made from cement and peat, dug from the hill nearby. The building was a small shed on a pier in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was to see if this mixture could work as a wood substitute to overcome wartime shortages. The shed was still there thirty years later.
I've been looking for a DIY bird bath for months. This is exactly what i needed! Nice video. Thank you!
That mate is brilliant
Now I know how to make my birdbath. Thanks
A very clear to the point video.👍🏻
So cool. Love what you did!
If you're undertaking this project, look for a finer sand. I used coarse playsand and the adhesion was slightly lacking.
ThanQ👍👍👍So much nicer than store bought! U could even put that bowl on top of that pot for pedistal birdbath👍🐦🐦🐦
I would love to see someone make a tall pot making it not inside the pot but outside as it will be to tall to lean in any offers ???
Great job!!
Peat moss expensive. Try pulverized paper egg cartons or packing material made out of paper slurry.
I wonder if sawdust will work. It’s free in a lot of places.
Yes peat moss has gone up so much it’s insane
Coco coir ( coconut fiber)
Just curious - most people use pearlite and you use sand. Why?
Why add peat moss, what properties does it bring?
I was wondering the same thing… only thing I can think of is to make it lighter
Lightweight and natural appearance of the final product
Can I make bricks with this ??
Isnt cement porous? Wont the birdbath leak?
I have the same question as well. Did you get a respond for your question?
Yes cement is porous.... And overtime cement birdbaths breakdown and leak ... Plus you have to let it cure for over 2 weeks... Because of the toxins in cement.... I keep my eyes open for large semi large and medium and sometimes small flat shape glass, ceramic bowls even low-sided baking dishes even then I still put some rocks inside.... Because I don't want birds falling in and drowning.... I have lots of birds even the low sided bowls or some call it plates that you can put underneath your plants.... I had two birdbath cement that had lost their tops by cracking or leaking over time.... And I replaced both of them with large plates ones with shallow sides.... Fasten it to the top of my cement bird bath pedestal.... With expensive clear silicone caulking.... Some people also glue to cement with hard as nails caulking... Hope this helps.... Also I have these large flat bowls plates that is used for plants place directly on the ground... and on bakers racks in my garden which are also feeding and water stations....
I am not sure how long water will stay in this bird bath. It may leak eventually. Of course one needs to keep the water fresh. Replace what is splashed away, and used by birds or evaporated. So you may need to add fresh water depending on seasons and other things.
If it soaks water in the concrete mixture will fail eventually.
One could add a waterproof/concrete additive to mix. Also you could paint inside with swimming pool paint or other brush or spray waterproof product. For what's worth. Tile fragments and grout cand be made to adhere .....
Becareful because some products may leach into water and might be harmful when ingested by birds.
Peat moss?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I think u just answered the meaning to life, don't be adults
Can I use peat?
Good question ! Years ago I read about a building that was built in the war as an experiment . It was made from cement and peat, dug from the hill nearby. The building was a small shed on a pier in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. It was to see if this mixture could work as a wood substitute to overcome wartime shortages. The shed was still there thirty years later.
peat moss is a nature recourse. You should not use it! March is extremely important for wildlife! 😢
I've made it with cocopeat instead. Works