The Concrete Lawn Decor DIY That'll Help Delivery Drivers Find Your House

We know how exciting it is to receive a package you've been waiting for days, but when your email says, "Your package has been delivered," and you don't see it on your porch, the panic starts. Of course, your package always ends up finding its way to you, but those moments in between when you don't know where it was left can cause you to make a few phone calls to try to track it down. Sometimes, the carrier can have trouble finding the house when our house number isn't on a clear display. Some neighborhoods have the house numbers printed on the sidewalk where they get blocked by cars instead of displaying them by the front door — an excellent way to ensure your packages get delivered to your house every time is by DIYing concrete numbers that you can place on the lawn.

Concrete numbers won't only make it easier for carriers to find your house, but if you have friends or family members visiting for the first time and you don't want them to get lost, they'll be able to arrive effortlessly. Plus, they add a little pizazz to your front lawn. DIYing concrete house numbers is simple and only takes a day to complete. You'll need cardboard, packing tape, wooden dowels, WD-40, scissors, a small container of quick-setting concrete, which costs $9.94 at The Home Depot, a putty knife, and paper.

Before getting started, print out your house numbers in a large, readable font you like and want displayed. Cut out your numbers and trace them on a piece of cardboard with a black marker. Cut around the outline and cut some strips of cardboard 2 ½ inches wide. The strips will act as walls around the base — tape them around, sealing every and any small opening to prevent the concrete from leaking. Repeat the taping process on all your numbers. Next, make a small hole at the bottom of each number and insert a dowel halfway so it looks like a popsicle.

Next, set the numbers aside and mix your concrete. Coat the cardboard interior with WD-40 and fill it with the concrete mix. Remove any air bubbles and level out the mixture by tapping the sides as you pour it in, then smooth out the top. Repeat the steps for each of the numbers, then allow the concrete to dry for 24 hours. Once the numbers are set, remove the cardboard and sand down the surface and sides for a clean, smooth finish. Finally, choose the best spot to set up your house numbers on your front lawn — you'll never have another misplaced delivery.

If you find working with cardboard challenging, swap the cardboard for foam number puzzle pieces. You can find them in Walmart's children's toy section for $5.99. Remove the numbers from the puzzle pieces, place a flat sheet underneath so they don't stick to the table, and add oil or silicone lubricant before filling them with the concrete mixture. Use a 6-inch putty knife to level and smooth out the surface as much as possible. Be aware, however, that using the foam puzzle pieces will make the numbers thinner than the cardboard method.

While the look of raw concrete is a great way to liven up your yard, if you enjoy something more flashy, you can always paint your concrete numbers with a color or a shade that complements your home's exterior. Alternatively, paint a fun design on the front, like flowers, vines, cars, etc., or give your numbers a theme to make them stand out. You can take it further by adding glitter or crushed glass for a bedazzled look. Many carriers work well into the night, so lighting up your concrete house numbers will ensure they get your package to the right house after dark.