Tufa is beautiful, but much more expensive than hypertufa, and heavier to move around.

Hypertufa is a strong material though not as durable asconcrete.

Hypertufa planters are easy and classic items to make with this messy but fun process.

Finished hypertufa trough holding plants in a gravel garden

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Yes, just use the same amount of quick-set concrete as Portland cement.

Hypertufa is very porous, which helps it resist cracking well in cold or freezing weather.

Materials needed to make a hypertufa trough

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Choosing hypertufa molds

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Making the hypertufa mixture

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Forming the hypertufa trough by placing another box over the cement mixture in the bottom box

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Carefully removing the hypertufa from the mold

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Placing the hypertufa back in a shady spot to continue the curing process

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Watering the trough so it fills with water and drains slowly

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic