(BPT) – With dogs living in more than 60 million U.S. households, pooches are by far the most popular pet in America according to the America Pet Products Association’s 2017-2018 National Owners Survey. The same research also indicates that dog food accounts for a large proportion of the expenses to own a dog at around $300 a year, depending on the type of dog and their choice of chow. Regardless of expense, no owner wants to see good food go to waste because their clumsy dog accidently knocks over the bowl or an unexpected storm blows the dish across the back patio. Dog owners can avoid the repeated exercise and cost of replacing wasted food by using a sturdy and durable concrete dog bowl.
Now before a dog owner shells out $40 or $50 buying a concrete dog bowl, he or she should consider making one at a fraction of the cost using a packaged concrete like QUIKRETE 5000. This type of pre-blended concrete is simply mixed with water making this do-it-yourself project so easy that even dog owners with limited concrete experience can handle it.
Steps for making a concrete dog bowl
(For complete how-to project instructions, watch the video at QUIKRETE.com)
Remember: when working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.
* Cut strips of melamine board into the desired dimensions of the concrete dog bowl.
* Glue the melamine strips to a sheet of melamine to create a form and glue two metal dog dishes face down in the middle for the form
* Seal the seams of the newly created form with silicone and remove any excess with a gloved finger.
* Duct tape water bottles to the bottom of each dog bowl to create handles for easily removing the bowl from the concrete later.
* Mix the concrete according to the directions on the bag, pour into the form and scrap off any excess so its level with the form.
* Vibrate the form by tapping with a rubber mallet or placing an orbital sander without a pad against the sides to release any air bubbles that could create voids in the concrete.
* Place rubber furniture pads into each of the corners of the form while the concrete is still wet to prevent the concrete from scratching the floor.
* Cover the concrete to control moisture and let cure for at least 48 hours.
* Cut and remove the plastic water bottles and remove the form from the concrete
* Push the dog bowls out of the concrete and use a knife to scrape away any residual glue before returning the bowls into the concrete form.
For adventures owners looking to make a fashion statement, the dog bowl can be customized by decorating with QUIKRETE Liquid Color Cement, embedding with decorative marbles and/or inscribing with a personal a message while the concrete is wet. It’s also a good idea to seal the concrete dog bowl for added protection.