There’s no doubt concrete is one of the most stylish and durable materials you can choose for outdoor and interior design. From statement benchtops and sleek furniture to custom firepits and garden features, concrete adds a timeless edge to any space.
But when it comes to actually creating those pieces, many homeowners are faced with a choice: DIY, or hire a professional?
While the idea of a DIY project might sound rewarding, the reality is that concrete design is a craft — one that demands skill, experience, and precision. Here’s how doing it yourself compares with working with a professional, and why the expert route usually leads to better results.
1. Planning & Design
DIY
Most DIYers work from basic online tutorials or rough sketches, with limited understanding of how shape, thickness, weight, and setting conditions affect the end result. This often leads to awkward dimensions, poor fit, or pieces that simply don’t suit the space.
Professional
A professional takes time to understand the space, the function, and the desired aesthetic. They plan around practical needs like drainage, shading, anchoring, and furniture layout — and create something that complements your home, not competes with it.
Why it matters: Better planning means better function and visual impact.
2. Materials & Techniques
DIY
DIY projects typically use off-the-shelf mixes and entry-level tools. This can limit the finish, colour consistency, and strength of the final piece. Without experience, it’s hard to know how long to mix, when to pour, or how to prevent cracking and surface flaws.
Professional
Professionals use proven mixes, premium sealers, custom moulds, and trade tools to control every aspect — from the first pour to the final finish. They know how to achieve the specific look you want, and how to make it last.
Why it matters: The right techniques lead to stronger, smoother, longer-lasting concrete.
3. Surface Finish & Detailing
DIY
Achieving a polished, consistent finish is one of the most challenging parts of working with concrete. DIY pieces often end up rough, uneven, or with visible air bubbles and patchy sealing.
Professional
Professionals bring years of finishing experience — whether that’s a smooth matte polish, burnished texture, or exposed aggregate look. They know how to edge, seal, and cure correctly, so every detail feels refined and intentional.
Why it matters: Finishing quality is what separates handmade from homemade.
4. Installation & Placement
DIY
Even if the DIY pour goes well, many underestimate the weight, fragility (during curing), or levelling challenges when moving concrete pieces into position. Outdoor items may be uneven, unanchored, or at risk of weather damage.
Professional
A professional will not only deliver the piece, but install it properly. They ensure it’s level, secure, and able to withstand foot traffic, weather, and everyday use. If it’s part of a bigger design, it’s installed to fit cleanly into the space.
Why it matters: Precision installation means your piece looks like it belongs — not like an afterthought.
5. Ongoing Reliability
DIY
DIY projects may seem fine at first but can start to show wear early — discolouration, chipping, or water marks from improper sealing or curing. Repairs are often difficult or costly to correct.
Professional
Professionals deliver pieces built to last. From reinforced internal structures to protective sealants, their work is designed to withstand years of outdoor exposure and daily use with minimal maintenance.
Why it matters: Longevity and durability come from doing it right from the start.
Final Thoughts
Concrete is a powerful design material — but it performs best in the hands of someone who knows how to shape, finish, and install it properly. When you choose a professional, you’re not just paying for the end product — you’re investing in years of experience, attention to detail, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re dreaming of a custom outdoor bench, a statement firepit, or a sleek concrete table, getting it made professionally ensures you’ll get something you’ll love — and that will last.
So before you reach for the trowel, consider what a specialist can do — and enjoy the confidence that your concrete project is in expert hands.
Looking for something inspiring in concrete? Contact us today