Any furniture you decide to use outdoors should either be really resistant and able to withstand harsh weather conditions or should be kept indoors during late autumn and winter. A great resource which lets you use the first option is hypertufa.

First, let’s explain what hypertufa is. Basically it’s a mix made of cement, peat moss and perlite and is similar to concrete. It’s strong and durable and it weighs a lot less that cement which makes it more practical. In addition, it doesn’t require sealing. It’s textured appearance gives it an organic look.

It’s important to know that hypertufa requires a few weeks to cure so if you decide to, let’s say, build a table, you’ll have a wait a while before you can actually use it. But enough with the theoretical description. Let’s see how you can build a hypertufa table.

The materials you’ll need for the project include support blocks, legs, foam frames, rigid-foam insulation, wire mesh and stretchers. Once you have everything, use a saw to cut the pieces of wood for the form, mold. Screw them together and then cut the foam to size so it fits inside.

Then make a platform for the recess, also using foam. Secure the foam pieces with screws. Next, cut some wire mesh for the inside of the frame. Cut out a rectangle for the platform. Then combine cement, peat moss and perlite. Add water to the mix until you get the consistency of peanut butter.

Fill the form with the mix halfway but first coat the interior with cooking spray. Level the mix and tap to get rid of the bubbles. Place the wire mesh on top and add more hypertufa mix. Lay the wire mesh cutout on top and add more mix. At the end, cover the form with plastic and let it cure for a few weeks.

After this, you have plenty of time to cut the blocks for the legs and support frame in order to build the frame for the table. Assemble the whole thing and, when it’s time, remove the form to reveal the tabletop. Sand the edges and the surface and place it on top of the newly built frame. You can find more detailed instructions related to the project on thisoldhouse.