For making my reusable concrete mold, I used vinyl chair strapping. Both of those have larger sized aggregate, which at greater thicknesses will provide better strength. Someone didnt have their thinking cap on when they made that path. With my vinyl straps, I was limited to making only three molds at a time. Then you cannot use that mix for this project, since the walls on this project needed to be 2 . For projects under 1, you really cant go wrong. I verified this with Quikretes customer service department before starting the project. Now you will use the plastic bag to achieve two things, one is to blend the colors more and the other is to create the stone-like texture. Some mixes are so dense that they feel sticky and need more water to be fluid enough to get inside of a narrow cavity. The reason for my timing on this is because the concrete will have started setting and will be moldable enough. The ground was not in the least bit level, but I didnt worry about leveling because I knew the concrete would self-level to some extent. Size is important because it is a direct factor in weight. Lets take a hypothetical example of a 2 foot wide x 2 foot high concrete planter box. The set time should be about 15-25 minutes. Apply this in a brushing motion to the stone where you want to add color. I love the outdoors and interacting with nature. Besides, youll see in the tutorial steps that you should actually be able to remove the straps after about 10-20 minutes and move on to making the next stepping stone. Watch the video tutorial to learn how to pour a patio, sidewalk, or other outdoor flooring with Quikrete. This is because (at least in my area), Sakretes mixes are only sold at Lowes, but Quikrete and RapidSet are at Home Depot, and thats what I have closest to me. And weight will go hand in hand with durability. If you are looking to make pavers and are going closer to 1 or even 1 thick, then another surprisingly good option is Cement All. In addition, there was another factor that made low moisture content and good fluidity important. We are looking for a mix that can be used in vertical applications such as pillar and structural support, as well as used at 8 thick. You can get away with a mix that does contain aggregate, but just not too large. So lets start with the most basic and important point about concrete mixes. And as concrete planter sizes go down, the narrower you can go with your wall and bottom thicknesses. If you use Portland cement and mix it at ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part cement, like I did with this large concrete bowl, that will also work. Then come back to the previous mold and remove the strap. Items you can embed would be: Also, here are 15 other ideas on different types of garden paths and walkways you can make. Concrete is essentially a blend of aggregates (sand and gravel or crushed stone) and paste (water and Portland cement). Mixes with large aggregate are going to be more difficult to work with, and in narrower molds they will require more water than they are specified for. A mold like this will require a dense, strong mix that can also be fluid without requiring adding too much water. Mix the concrete and adjust by adding more water or concrete. You may want to do a Google image search on fieldstones or flagstones to see which ones float your boat. Hold off on applying the brush on color for now. And finally, there are aesthetic considerations. It does not need chicken wire, wire mesh, nor rebar. It is the amount of compressive strength which youll find listed on every cement mix label. The Mold Store: How to Make Custom Stone, Tile, Pavers, and Bricks With Concrete and Molds, DIY Network: How to Pour a Concrete Walkway, Family Handyman: Tips to Build a Concrete Walkway, Beautiful houseplants that also repel mosquitoes, cockroaches and other pests, How to Calculate How Much Quikrete to Use, How to Use River Rock in Landscaping Ideas. The wall thickness was overkill since the planter was only 88. Quikretes Sand Topping Mix doesnt need to be reinforced as long as you dont go over the 2 thickness. It will probably be easiest if you mix what you think youll need for the whole stone, but separate a section that will be the top . This was the shade of grey I had intended on. And be sure you do a test patch first to make sure it doesnt change the color or darken the concrete stones in any undesired way. You dont need to use your vinyl straps, just plop your wet mixture onto the ground where your stones will go and make them into any shape. Please click the button to subscribe to my YouTube channel and benotified when I have a new video tutorial! I didnt seal these -in part because I didnt want to add an extra expense for a home I dont own. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Then, install edge restraints. Typically, large pavers are built up to 60 inches in size with the same handcrafted elegance found in smaller pavers. Use a flat board to smooth and level the paver sand to a consistent depth, equal to the width of the paver. Who am I? There may be a reason you need to make them thicker, but for any general application I can think of, 2 is sufficient. Now continue these steps with the rest of the stones. 21 Unique Rock Landscaping Ideas For Your Yard, 10 Best Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders: For 2022, Make DIY Concrete Pumpkins (With a Fancy Twist), DIY Wine Bottle Lights with Pretty Cement Bases, Wheelbarrow if you have one (for carrying the concrete to the stone location). However, since the concrete sets in an hour, it would have been physically difficult to work on more than three at a time, so the three molds sufficed. It has a high sand to cement ratio but doesnt contain any large aggregate. Its also nice because it has a quick set time and cures in an hour, with a nice smooth finish. If the specifications on the bag say for use of up to a thickness of 2. I also had it on hand and needed to use it before the bag expired. If you are going to make the mix on your own, then first estimate the volume of mix that you require. If you are uncomfortable using the mix alone, you can add glass fibers for reinforcement or wire mesh, but neither manufacturer believes it necessary and in my experience, it wasnt needed. Note: The mixes mentioned in this post are common concrete mixes found in the US. The small bucket of water will be for cleaning up the brush and your hands. For a 6 x 6 piece, half a tablespoon (if using the liquid colorant) should be your starting point. But a word to the wise:Its critical to use a concrete mixthat can withstand the rigors of lawn mowers and other heavy equipment that can potentially damage a lawn border. An outdoor paradise is even more inviting when you can deck it out with outdoor kitchens, fire pits, benches, hot tubs, and other elementsthough the extra weight of these sorts of furnishings could benefit from a concrete patio will add up. These straps are replacement straps that are used to repair vinyl strap outdoor chairs. They are commonly used in outdoor spaces that require a solid surface. I had my concrete covered because it was the height of pollen season and I didnt want the yellow pollen staining the stones. It gets mixed in with your water, before adding the water to the mix. What consistency does it need to be to fit the mold? Edges should be set to allow for proper drainage and should slope evenly away from structures. But for some reason, when I made these concrete stepping stones, I didnt think the color of the pavers would turn out light like the bowl in my tests did. The good news is that there are usually several good options for mixes, regardless of the project. This is why I recommend it for most of my tutorials. This is because I was able to push some extra pebbles up against the sides. Place them around the outside of your mold wherever you feel it needs support. They will be a little easier to make, but not a great solution for uneven ground. Use the trowel again to get it level and smooth. The number one rule of thumb when choosing a mix is you must know the minimum-maximum thickness the mix has been specified for. Oh, there always seems to be so much disagreement on what concrete mix you should and shouldnt use for these. Thickness of the walls and bottom adds weight to your cement project, and so more weight requires thicker concrete. The techniques are actually quite easy, but since the concrete is heavy to deal with, and this project will require a lot of crouching and squatting on the ground. I can say this has been my favorite DIY to date because of how amazingly practical the stepping stones turned out to be for us. If your pigment is a powder, then mix some water in with it. Thats a good indication its going to be a finer mix. Its safe to calculate 1 bag per large 3 x 2 diy concrete stepping stone. Round them a little, and push them inward to create more of a curve if you want. It can go up to 2 without a problem, it just depends on what youre looking for. I tested five different ratios and each had different results. If you are pouring on-site, youll have to move fast since it is rapid setting and curing. Purchasing large concrete pavers is a popular option because creating them with standard DIY techniques takes time and experience to avoid cracks and unevenness. I made these stepping stones 2 thick and so I went with Quikretes Sand Topping Mix. Now with a planter that is still quite sizable, but the walls are 1 thick. If you make a concrete stepping stone mold and then install them separately, youll have to level the ground first. Its formulated with synthetic fibers that make is averse to cracking and spalling, so you can enjoy a beautiful and rugged lawn borderthat isresilient to accidental run-ins with lawn-care equipment. Making my own concrete stepping stones and choosing a pour-in-place method required less prep work with the ground because the concrete is self-leveling. When it comes to color, its important to know that this Sand Topping Mix cures to a frosted pale grey almost a frosted white. It has a handy chart for choosing the right mix for your project. If I have multiple mixes on hand, then sometimes I just use the one that will expire soonest, if I know it will work. I would have made the walls at just under if I were making the mold from scratch. Your next best bet is Portland cement and sand at a 3:1 ratio of cement to sand. The special blend of cement, sand, and gravel can be poured directly into a postholeand then topped with waterno mixing required. Really, the tall support isnt that important as its bearing no weight. And each time I warm up my fingers and get ready to type the same question Can you tell me more about your project, for example; size, thickness, type of mold you are using?. I must have thought that maybe because the stones were so large, they would naturally turn out a more medium grey. the difference is between cement and concrete, I talk about that here, I tested the differences between six different concrete mixes, ratio of cement to sand in portland cement, DIY Natural Looking Concrete Stepping Stones, Best Concrete Crafts Projects for Beginners, DIY Large Concrete Silicone Mold For A Planter. The sealer will help prevent some of it and also make it easier to remove. The best concrete mix to use for path stones will be based on the thickness and size. The fast-setting formula saves time and spares your arms the fatigue of standing around holding a post while waiting for the concrete to cure. Then, excavate to a depth of 4 to 7 inches with a shovel. Dean Patterson is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast. But most importantly, Im a self-declared concrete junkie who helps makers like you make artsy, pretty, things! Just look under the general instructions or the Data Sheet. For this type of mold and thickness, the high ratio of sand to cement of the Sand Topping Mix is exactly what was needed. Thats because making this planter doesnt require casting concrete into a narrow cavity. I have experienced cracking by trying to get mixes like sand topping mix and vinyl patcher into narrow molds. You see, these are the factors youll need to know to determine which concrete mix you should use. The best type of concrete mix to use for stepping stones is going to depend on the thickness you are making them. Basically, the ground was the bottom of my mold, I simply used vinyl strapping as the sides of the mold. You can follow much of this tutorial and make regular round stones, using the same stepping stone mold I used for these. Begin by marking the outside dimensions of the project area. Please refer to the FULL materials list above the tutorial steps. Concrete pavers can be produced by pouring a mixture of concrete and some type of coloring agent into a mold and allowing it to set. And last but not least, concrete stepping stones. Check out my concrete eBook, everything you need to know about making concrete crafts all in one spot! I definitely recommend sealing a stepping stone. Follow this video tutorial on building a concrete lawn border toadd character and definition to your yardtoday. These mixes are usually called cement, mortar, patching compound. RapidSet Mortar Mix is one of the best concrete mixes for a medium planter box. Ill also go through some non-planter projects and explain the deciding factors for mixes for those as well. By Manasa Reddigari | Updated Sep 16, 2020 7:18 PM. Concrete mixes are made with different compounds/minerals and are part of what makes a mix denser or less dense and both serve a different purpose. Youll still have to level the top of them, but it may not be necessary for you to do anything to level the ground beforehand. Both of those manufacturers recommend this mix for making stepping stones up to 2 thick. I only recommend products Ive used and loved, unless otherwise stated. Edge restraints are required to stabilize the pavers and prevent settling and shifting over the top. For durability, concrete stepping stones should be 1 to 2 thick.However, you will need to make sure the mix you use can cast to a thickness between those two numbers. It will be easier and less dusty if you first add some water to your mixing bin or wheelbarrow. *Reminder In addition to reading the tutorial, I highly recommend watching my diy concrete stepping stones video before you make these. Large-scale pavers can be big, bold and beautiful. The distance from the outer mold and inner mold insert will be a void. These are what you will manipulate to get the general stone shape. This additive will give you an extended working time with the product before it starts setting but still allows for a fast cure. Stepping stones are sometimes referred to as garden stones, paving stones, or pathway stones. I wanted a white base to start with and since the goal of the project was to dye it with a fabric dye so I went with Glass Block Mortar Mix. For detailed information on how to color/pigment concrete crafts, you may want to check out my Concrete Crafts Pigment Tests article. Becauseposts can be unwieldy to handle,its best to select a concrete product thatsets quickly. If you prefer to create your own concrete pavers using Quikrete products, simply follow the instructions on the packet. They were dry enough that I wasnt worried about color permeating them. How Soon After Pouring Concrete Sidewalks Should They Be Sealed? The right consistency to aim for is a peanut butter-like consistency. Your workability time (the time before it becomes too difficult to mold or add colorant) for these stepping stones should be about an hour, depending on climate conditions. The reason is that the mold held its shape without the tape. And this is where the workability/fluidity comes into play. The reason for this was that the existing path from the driveway to the door was 6 deep with pebbles. Quikretes Fast Set Concrete Mix and RapidSets Concrete Mix, both with larger gravel- are great products for this. Create The Stepping Stone Mold With The Straps, Fine Tune The Shape By Molding It With Your Hands And Prepare For Accent Coloring For The Concrete Stepping Stones, Now Color The Conrete's Top Layer For The Artistic/Accent Coloring, Add A Stone Texture To The Concrete With The Plastic Bag. What kind of concrete do you use to make stepping stones? Fieldstones come in many sizes, shapes and colors, so what is natural looking to me, may not be natural looking to you. UPDATE 1 years later : The concrete stepping stones have held up and look as good as when I first made them, except for a slight lightening and staining from leaf debris. In that article, I tested the differences between six different concrete mixes. The correct terms would be "concrete paver" and "concrete mixer.". The most important thing is just to make sure you have the proper concrete mix.You need a mix that allows for the largest size stone you plan to make and can meet the thickness you need.For these natural looking stones, I went as large as 3 x 2 and a max of 2 thick.The Sand Topping Mix I used was specified for these sizes and thicknesses. So its possible I needed slightly less concrete mix than you may need at the same size. Even though the words "cement" and "concrete" are often used interchangeably, cement is only an ingredient in concrete mix. Just be aware that when the cement is wet, it looks quite dark, but will cure to quite a light shade of grey that almost looks white. However, its safer to add reinforcement to this. Really the issue is just having an understanding of how much lighter they will look when fully cured. Hi there, Im Ellen! So, which bag ofQuikrete should you bring home? Either way, if you need to add more water to get them to work with your mold, then youre asking for trouble and increasing the likelihood of cracking. Then I was able to get a pretty good idea by using ropes as temporary molds. You can always do the leveling at the top of the concrete stones. If you are using red, then go lightly with it because it tends to be highly pigmented and you only need a little to get the color to come through. Once the coloring looks even, pour it on top of the base layer. If you do end up with leaf stains, a pressure washer and some OxiClean, or perhaps tsp will help remove them. I love the outdoors and interacting with nature. Some of the links on this page have been provided as a convenience for finding materials. Your mixture should be made of one part of cement, two parts of sand and three parts of gravel. The decorative stones are usually made by adding mosaic glass, tiles or other embeddable materials into the concrete. All I did was insert the inner mold into the wet cement mix in the outer mold. Oddly enough, the Mortar Mix is a little easier to work with, somehow more moldable. These links may also be affiliate links. The issue is that they require more water to get them fluid enough to fit inside of narrow voids. Setting the posts for these common outdoor structures in concrete makes for sturdier, safer, and more stable structures in the long run. Now you have a DIY paver mold that is ready to be filled with mix. ;0) We truly needed functional stepping stones. Theres not really anything extra to do to make large stepping stones. How to Decide on Brick Pavers for a Patio Area. Next, use the trowel to level the concrete. This content is paid advertising created in partnership with Quikrete. The cement itself is strong enough to hold up, even under freezing conditions. This is why you have extra cups of water. Its quite forgiving and has an incredibly high psi of 9000 when fully cured. And if aesthetics are really important, then you may want to use the Quikrete 5000 instead of the Fast Set for this project. If you have any experience with home improvement, you need no convincing about the strengths of concrete as a building material. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Hi there, Im Ellen! Before starting the tutorial, it may be helpful to read my article comparing the different concrete mixes and sealersCement & Concrete Crafts Tests! Differences in concrete mix formulas make certain varieties better suited forcertain projects. But dont I need reinforcement for concrete stepping stones?