What is Hypertufa?

So, what is hypertufa anyways? Is it some kind of new spaceage material? Not at all really.

Hypertufa is actually a manufactured lightweight material used to imitate tufa, the porous stone used to make troughs and planters. The English used to carve tufa out to make these planters hundreds of years ago. 

Why Should I Make My Own Hypertufa?

For one, it is very easy to make with materials you can buy at your local home building store like Home Depot or Lowes.

Second, they add a great touch to your flower garden, porch or patio. The old world look of concrete or stone planters gives off a majestic look that your neighbors and friends will be jealous of.

Also, they are very durable, even during the harshest of winters. They stand up to the weather well so you don't have to worry about them cracking or breaking. Plastic planters are not well make for hard winters and crack from the change in weather or even just picking them up.

How Do I Make Hypertufa?

Here is the recipe for the basic hypertufa mix:

• 1 part portland cement
• 1 part perlite
• 1 part peat moss

Note: Part is the container that you are using to measure the ingredients. Use the same container to measure all the ingredients.

Now start adding water in small amounts until all ingredients mixed well with the water. The mix should able to formed into a ball and not fall apart and have "cottage cheesy" consistency.

There are other recipes you can find to make hypertufa, but this is the one that I favor the most. It is easy to measure, mix and work with

So That Is It?

No, not quite. You now have to take the mixture and place it into molds. You can use anything for a mold like an old bucket, old planter or make you own out of wood. I love to recycle and using old pallets is my favorite way to make molds. 

Once you have your mold made, put the mixture into the mold and let set for up to 48 hours and then remove from the mold. Then let the planter cure for another 2 -4 weeks to let the planter become harder and stronger. Then rinse with vinegar to remove any lime residue that will hinder plant growth.

Hyper Hypertufa!

Listed below are some additional ways to make your hypertufa planters a little more decorative or flashy.

Coloring - You can add cement coloring to your mix and have colorful hypertufa. This will make your planters stand out.

Add Stones or Tile - You can add stones or colored tile to the surface of your hypertufa. This is best done when you are filling the mold with the hypertufa. First place the stone or tile on the outside edge of the mold and then place the hypertufa over it and bingo you have a great looking new hypertufa.

Use Bubble Wrap - Yep, place bubble wrap around the inside of your mold then place the hypertufa over it and when it comes out, the hypertufa planter has a wonderful bubbly design on the outside.

Wire brush - After removing the planter from the mold, scratch the outside with a wire brush, this will rough up the outside and give it an aged look.

Yogurt And Moss - To add even more aging to the process, mix some moss from a tree or ground in with some yogurt. Now brush this mixture on the hypertufa and in no time the moss will attach itself to the hypertufa and yet another aged look added.

 

 

Excellent Hypertufa Tutorial