The Ultimate 14 Step Guide to Creating Your Dream Concrete Crafting Studio

So, you’ve decided to dive into the world of concrete crafting. Whether you’re moulding miniature sculptures or creating custom planters, or making your own home decor. Having a well-equipped studio is essential to bring your ideas to life without turning your living room or home into an art disaster zone (we’ve all been there). But where do you start? Let’s take a stroll through the 14 must-have considerations for your concrete crafting sanctuary.

1. Your Foundation: Work Surface and Benches

A good concrete crafting studio needs a solid base to work from—literally.

• Sturdy Workbench: This isn’t just any table. You’ll need something heavy-duty to handle the weight of concrete, the vigor of mixing and working with concrete that is also able to stand up to the occasional messy "oops" moments. Personally I like to stand while working in my studio and have chosen non adjustable tall tables. I use a couple of these ones which I found at IKEA back in 2021, I got them for $140 each they are the Tommaryd standing tables – you could get them with different tops on them. I love these so much as they are the perfect height for mixing and pouring comfortably. They are really study and solid - no wobbling. I cut a piece of timber and placed over the ‘footrest’ area and created a fantastic shelf to store my supplies (e.g. boxes of wax, Hydrostone etc. I have two and have placed them back to back (length ways - with the stocked shelf below (on the kickstand) and with them butting up against each other they are super sturdy and stable and give me a large overall surface space to work.
  
• Additional Tables or Benches: For all those stages of your project (mixing, curing, painting, etc.), extra durable surfaces are a must. Bonus points if you can make them mobile.  I use a commercial stainless steel kitchen bench on wheels similar to this one from Bunnings.
• Curing Space: Making concrete is a multi-stage process and it doing it right takes time - sometimes weeks or months from start until you are holding a for sale ready piece in your hand. Therefore having an easily accessible, viewable, safe space to store and interact with your pieces over a period of time is critical. I have limited space to work with in my studio so I have chosen a commercial style bakery trolley Similar to this one. Its rough dimensions are 58cm deep, 48cm wide and 2 metres tall with 16 shelves (the shelves were not included in the purchase (I got it on sale for about $260 3 or 4 years ago). The shelves would have been super expensive to purchase so I simply measured and made the shelves myself, using plywood that I purchased from Bunnings and it’s fantastic – for more than curing and storing my 'in progress' concrete pieces (I use it for my wax melts as well). I brought a heap of stackable serving trays that I can wash and I use those on the shelves.
  
• Floor Coverings: Concrete crafting can get messy - well most craft, at least most of my crafting/making activities end up getting messy, no matter how hard I try to keep things orderly and pristine like you see when watching a number of You Tube crafters. We’re talking about spills, splashes, and the occasional concrete snowstorm. Protect your floors with whatever works best for you, I know of a number of crafters that use plastic painters drop cloths or tarps. I don’t personally use the plastic  or tarp sheeting option – as it made my studio look too much like I was about to commit a serious crime and I don’t like the sound it makes as I move around. I have carpet in my studio and its in good condition so rather than ruin it or replace it -  I have opted to put large industrial kitchen/factory mats down – I love these as I can take them out and clean them if/when I make a mess and they give me some extra support when I am standing for extended periods. For me its about adapting the spaces that I have without ruining/damaging them.
  

2. Organization Nation: Storage and Organization

It’s easy to accumulate tools and materials, but without proper storage, it’s just a cluttered nightmare. Even with proper storage I still find my studio space becoming an oasis of chaos and clutter from time to time – but perhaps that’s just me.

• Shelves and Cabinets: Stash your concrete bags, moulds, and tools where you can find them easily. If your studio doesn’t have shelves, the concrete bags  may end up being your new shelf system (we really recommend you don’t do that as your Hydrostone concrete or whatever medium you choose to use needs to be kept sealed and away from everything – the last thing you want is for the dry powder to get transferred to other things (like your completed products or on your hands and skin). I love the IKEA Billy shelves and have 4 of them that I keep my product stock stored on. I also have 2 x Coda 6 Shelf bookcases which I use to keep all of my studio ‘making’ equipment and supplies – jugs, beakers, ingredients, moulds, utensils, PPE gear, and heaps more.
• Tool Organizers and Bins: A small tool organizer will save you from that frantic 10-minute search for a misplaced sanding blocks. You know the one! I love little roller carts and trolleys –  and they don’t cost too much. I have a number of them, some on wheels and others not that I can tuck under desks/tables etc. I also have a couple tall (wheeled) sets of drawers – a draw trolley that are great for keeping supplies close at hand but still able to keep them out of the way. My studio space is full of baskets, storage containers and labeled boxes and bins. And yes while it may get messy during a studio session - it is really easy to find things and clean it up quickly as everything has a designated place and clear labelling has been key.
  

3. Lighting the Way: Proper Lighting

We all know that great lighting makes everything look better—especially our beautiful handmade creations that deserve their time in the spotlight.

• Adequate Lighting: Make sure your workspace is bright enough to avoid any... awkward mishaps, like mixing your concrete with the wrong proportions or picking up air bubbles and flaws early on. I keep the cute battery operated string fairy lights for my office space to create a nice vibe when I’m working there.
• Task Lighting: For those intricate details, you’ll need adjustable desk lamps. They’re like a spotlight for your masterpieces, minus the stage fright. I have a series of desk lamps that I keep attached to my standing desks, that I can move about and increase/decrease brightness and that have really tall ‘moveable, extendable arms’ similar to these - so I can move them around to where I need it. I love that you can move/swivel the actual light bar as well as easily move it closer or further away by just pushing or pulling on the arm.
  

NOTE: I also utilise a number of device goose-neck clamps/phone & tablet holder stands around my studio workspaces – that I leave clamped in place. That way they are already in place if I decide to spontaneously film something that I am doing/making.

4. Breathe Easy: Ventilation and Air Quality

Concrete dust doesn’t just live on the floor—it floats around. That’s why proper ventilation is key. This has been my greatest challenge to manage - dealing with the concrete dust. I don't rely on just one thing, rather, I use a series of systems and strategies to keep my spaces free of concrete dust (and fragrance fumes when working with home fragrances).

• Ventilation System: Ensure your crafting studio has airflow to disperse dust and fumes. We love concrete, but we don’t love breathing in those concrete particles and 'dust'.
• Fans: Using overhead and pedestal fans where needed.
• Air Purifier: A HEPA filter will catch those pesky particles that escape your dust extractor. Clean air = happier, healthier crafter. 
  

5. Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Let’s face it: crafting concrete is a bit like playing in the sandbox, only with more serious tools and substances. Our advice is simple - gear up appropriately!

• Dust Mask or Respirator: Protect your lungs from dust and fumes. Concrete is a potentially dusty and harmful activity for your lungs if you inhale the concrete dust particles. Be sure to always mask up before you start. You’ll thank yourself when you can still breathe in 20 years. This is my mask of choice when working with concrete.
  
• Safety Goggles or Face Shield: Airborne concrete dust particles are a real thing – particularly in the initial stages of measuring out the dry concrete and then again during the mixing process. I’ve had issues with itchy and irritated eyes when I first started as I was using ‘open’ safety glasses and strangely enough the dust didn’t respect my good intentions and would float into my eyes from the open sides. Lesson Learnt I now use ‘closed’ goggles – think Doc Brown from Back to the Future!
• Work Gloves: Concrete can be rough on your hands, so a sturdy pair of gloves will do wonders. I use safety gloves similar to these.
  
• Smock or Apron: Keep your clothes splash- I use a black chemical safety apron that is only used when I’m working with concrete that I picked up at Bunnings.
  

6. Mix It Up: Mixing Equipment

Your concrete isn’t going to mix itself (unfortunately). If I am doing a large piece or batch I like to work outside for the mixing stage. If my neighbours ever caught sight of me 'all geared up, working away on my projects in the backyard like a mad scientist - I would have some explaining to do. When we first moved here, I was in the middle of a wax pour session and was geared up with goggles, gloves, respirator mask and apron - when one of my neighbours from down the street came a calling, knocking on my door - so out I went in full kit and wow the look on his face - lets just say 2 years on and he has never come a calling again! 

• Mixing Containers: Buckets, bowls, or any container that can withstand the weight of wet concrete. They’ll be your new best friends. I was given a heap of paper party cups that have been great. But I often re-use/recycle kitchen/food containers, jars etc (sterilizing before use, of course). I know lots of makers love silicone mixing containers but I find them really hard to keep clean and to pour without making a complete mess. I find reusable buckets, jugs, containers and reusable paper cups to be significantly easier to use – particularly if I can ‘pinch’ the rim of whatever container I am using when I pour it. If I am working on a large piece I use buckets like these.
  
• Stir Sticks and Mixing Paddles: Get the perfect consistency with the right mixing tools. Trust me, there’s a technique to it. Over stirring, under-stirring and trying to blend the powder, water, mica's and any other additives before it starts going hard is an art form.  I use everything from toothpicks, paddle pop sticks, tongue depressors (a favourite), spatulas, long-handled metal and silicone spoons and paddles, cut down pieces of thick dowel is my go to pick for bigger pours.
• Measuring Tools: Precision is key! A good set of measuring cups and/or accurate scales ensures that your concrete-to-water ratio is just right. I have a number of scales that I use – a smaller 'micro' scale that I initially brought when I wanted to measure out small amounts of fragrance oils – its super accurate no matter how small the weight, I use it for measuring out micas and additives. I also us everyday kitchen style scales which is great for smaller pours and batches and a larger commercial scale (like you see in a fruit shop) for larger projects.

7. Casting Materials: The Molds of Your Dreams

Your concrete mix is nothing without a mold to shape it. So, choose wisely!

• Concrete Mix: Go for quality here—there’s no substitute for the good stuff. Your moulds will thank you. I use Hydrostone that I order online from Barnes. I use different mixes for some of my larger projects that I get from Bunnings and similar.
  
• Moulds: Silicone rubber, latex, or other casting materials. Choose the one that best suits your crafting style and needs. Make sure it’s non-stick, or you’ll be prying concrete out of your moulds for hours. There are a lot of options for moulds online – and there is a huge difference in the quality of the moulds. Avoid thin ‘chocolate’ ‘sweets’ moulds as they are often to thin to hold the weight of your concrete and will change shape during the curing process. This is particularly important when looking at jar or container moulds that have a lid. Unfortunately I have brought a number of these because they looked so cute only to end up with mis-shaped unusable pieces. Better to buy 1 good quality mould and start there (or make your own) and add new ones after you have perfected the process for the first one.

8. Hand Tools: The Crafting Essentials

No studio is complete without the tools you need to finesse your concrete pieces.

• Trowels, Small Screeds, Putty Knives & (optional) pottery tool kit and a set of hand chisels : Great for shaping and finishing those rough edges. You’re basically an artist with these in hand.
• Brushes: Use them to apply release agents to molds or finish up your projects with a fine touch.
• Sandpaper and Abrasive Pads: Concrete isn’t always smooth—these tools will get your pieces polished and ready for display. I keep a supply of different 'grits' for different stages of the concrete making process.
  
• Cutting Tools: For precision work, these tools come in handy when you need exact cuts or want to tidy up edges - I use a pair of industrial scissors that I picked up at Bunnings.
• Sealants: I use a combination of products such as Castmonite, a water-based non toxic resin, I prefer gloss.   I always, always try to source my materials from Australia, but sometimes there is a product that I need that is simply not available in Australia. Which is the case for Nicole Boowan’s Food Grade, Odorless Natural Sealer Wax. Nicole comes for the UK and she is a professional mould designer and maker. As yet I have been unable to find an equivalent quality Australian made alternative so until then, we will continue to use this sealer.
  

NOTE: Nicole Bowan also supplies the best concrete hand sander that I have ever used click here to view.

9. Dust Control and Cleanup: Because Nobody Likes a Mess

You may love concrete, but your floors and surfaces don’t share the same enthusiasm.

• Dust Extraction System: Help keep your space dust-free by using a system that captures the airborne particles. Your lungs will thank you. Total Tools has a few options that are worth a look.
• Shop Vacuum and Broom: For those post-project cleanups, a vacuum is your best friend. And a broom is always good for those little bits that escape. I love my little hand held studio vacuum.

10. Safety Signage: Stay Safe, Stay Informed

Put up some signs up to remind yourself and everyone else of the do’s and don'ts when they are in your studio. You know, just in case someone forgets that the concrete mixer is not a snack machine. I have a simple studio door sign that lets my family know when I am in session – so they don’t just wander in 'unprotected' while I am mid-mix or pour. I make a lot of home fragrances, furniture butters etc so this is particularly important when I am working with strong smelling ingredients, concrete dust etc. Much of what I am making/creating is time and temperature critical and requires safety gear to be worn while in my studio during the 'making' stage. The door signage is just a really simple way to let everyone know not to wander in right at that moment.

11. First Aid Kit: Accidents Happen

Minor cuts and scrapes are part of the deal (particularly during the un-moulding and filing stages—just make sure your first aid kit is stocked and ready. I keep a couple of medium sized laundry sink bowls close at hand along with a couple litres of water just in case I need to quickly wash or rinse off while working. I am also lucky that studio is located right next door to a bathroom - so easy access if I have an accidental spill. Spend a little bit of time creating a first aid plan for yourself in advance - just in case.

12. Fire Safety: Safety Comes First

A fire extinguisher and smoke alarm are essential, especially if you’re working with flammable materials or in a residential space - melters, burners, heat guns, sanders, soldering guns etc. Better safe than sorry! I keep a fire blanket and extinguishes on hand in my studio at all times. There not expensive, can be easily brought from Bunnings or similar and they give me peace of mind.

13. Waste Disposal: Keep It Clean

Concrete crafting can leave a lot of waste in its wake, and that’s where proper waste disposal comes in.

• Proper Containers: You’ll need designated bins for both regular waste and any hazardous materials. Remember NEVER rinse, clean or pour your concrete down your sinks. 
  

14. Personal Workspace Accessories: Comfort Matters

Concrete crafting isn’t a quick hobby, so make sure your workspace is comfortable.

• Ergonomic Seating: Your back will thank you for investing in a good chair. I like to stand while I am working in my studio, so I save the ergonomic chair for my office and opt to use a small (wheeled) stool and a padded bar stool chair in my studio that I can use to take a quick break or rest while I'm working or waiting for something to melt, blend, set or cool down etc.
• Rubber Floor Mats: They provide cushioning for those long crafting sessions—and are quick and easy to clean-up after a session.

Final Thoughts Setting up a concrete crafting studio is about more than just getting the basics—it's about creating a space where your creativity can thrive. From the right work surfaces to ensuring your safety, every little detail counts. Most of these ideas work just as well for home fragrance or other crafting activities. I am very lucky to have a designated studio work space and a separate office space to work in. My studio is set up for the production of our No-Flame Home Fragrances, Concrete Craft & Jewellery Making. My office is set up to handle card making craft, packaging and labelling, jewellery making, and everything tech based. What I call my ‘soft crafting’ (weaving, sewing, knitting etc) I do around the house – as that’s mainly done in my free time during the winter months as I like to be close to the heater 😊 with my hot chocolate close at hand! So no matter what 'spaces' you have to work with, take the time to plan and design to safest creative space you can. 

This blog was a long one - so if you've reached this far, thank you for sticking with it and reading my blog to the end - I would love to hear from you about your crafting spaces and studios so why not drop me a line, happy crafting to you all.