Don't be intimidated by the idea of making your own stepping stones.
The process is very simple and straightforward - compare it to mixing a cake batter.
A variety of materials are readily available to the homeowner: pre-mix cement, mortar and stucco mixes. You can even create your own custom mix by using Portland cement, sand and an aggregate.
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Time: approximately 1/2 hour per stone
Cost: from $1.00 to $5.00 per stone, depending upon materials
Materials List:
1. Wheelbarrow or all-purpose plastic utility tub (found in any hardware or home improvement center)
2. 60# bag of pre-mix cement, mortar or stucco mix. One 60# bag should yield approximately 3 stepping stones.
3. Shovel
4. Gloves- rubber or work gloves
5. Towels and plastic sheeting
6. Mold release. This includes silicone spray, vegetable cooking spray, vegetable, mineral or motor oil. Apply oil with an inexpensive paint brush, removing excess oil with a paper towel or dry paint brush.
7. Optional: cement pigments. Cement pigments can be purchased at home improvement centers, building materials suppliers and mason's supply stores. For Internet suppliers, see our Resource Guide.
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QUICK - STEPPING STONE DIRECTIONS:
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Step 1: Measure wet and dry ingredients, add any colored pigment if needed.
Step 2: Fill mold 1/3 full, then lightly tap or shake to remove air bubbles.
Step 3: Fill mold to top, shake gently to level concrete. Place mold on flat surface, cover with damp towel and plastic film, allow to cure 2 days.
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COMPLETE - STEPPING STONE DIRECTIONS:
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1. Thoroughly coat inner mold surface with mold release.
2. In a wheelbarrow or utility tub, blend concrete, mortar or stucco mix with water according to directions on bag. You may need to add a little extra water; the goal is to create a mix resembling thick pancake batter. If using pigments, they can be added to either the water (before it's mixed with concrete) or to the wet concrete "batter." Be sure to take notes on how much pigment was added to your first stepping stone, providing you want to duplicate this color in future pourings. Note: if using a mechanical mixer, add liquids to the mixer first, then the dry ingredients.
3. Fill mold approximately 1/3 full, then gently shake or tap on the ground to remove air bubbles; this also allows the mix to better settle into the detailed surfaces of the mold. Now fill mold to the top, gently shaking to level cement.
Note: To extend mold life, try to avoid lifting filled molds by the mold rim. Either fill them in the location they'll be curing, or slip a piece of plywood under the filled mold and use the plywood to carry the mold.
4. Cover with damp towels and plastic sheeting and allow to harden for 2 days. Unmold and allow to cure for another week before adding any surface finishes such as stains and paints. Then allow painted stones a couple more weeks of drying before sealing. See more about stains, dyes and sealants in our Finishes section.
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FOAM CORE FILLER ALTERNATIVE:
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If the weight of the finished stone is a consideration, the addition of perlite, pumice and peatmoss into a concrete mix reduces weight. You can also add a styrofoam core without compromising the strength and durability of the stone. The procedure is simple.
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QUICK - FOAM CORE FILLER DIRECTIONS:
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Step 1: Wrap nylon sheeting around styrofoam.
Step 2: Pour about 1" of concrete into mold; shake to remove air bubbles.
Step 3: Place styrofoam in mold.
Step 4: Cover styrofoam with concrete, fill mold. To prevent foam from floating to surface, first cover mold with damp towel and plastic sheeting, then place brick or rock over center of the styrofoam. |
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COMPLETE - FOAM CORE FILLER DIRECTIONS:
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1. Size a 1/2" sheet of styrofoam to fit inside mold, leaving a minimum 1" between inner wall of mold and circumference of styrofoam.
2. Wrap styrofoam with a sheet of nylon fiber. This will help strengthen the finished stone.
3. Pour mold 1/4-1/3 full of concrete, tap lightly to remove air bubbles. Place styrofoam on top of concrete, then pour additional concrete to cover styrofoam. Fill to top, shake lightly to level concrete.
4. To prevent styrofoam from floating to the surface, cover concrete with a damp towel and plastic, then place a brick or stone in the middle of the mold. This will hold the foam in place.
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 Want more information on concrete, including recipes? [Read More...]
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