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When planning to make stepping-stones you need to decide two factors: are they just for looks or will people actually be walking on them? Once you have determined what your stepping stones will be used for, we can begin the process of creating them.
If your stepping stones are just going to be used for looks or accent pieces in your garden, along a patio or outdoor grill area, there are several different designs that we can create.
Most of the “molds” that you can use can be found around your home or even yard or garage sales. The type of “mold” that you choose should be one that suits or blends end with your surroundings and they should compliment each other. For this type of stepping stone, you can use animal, shell, or other raised designs.
For stepping stones that are going to be used as footpaths and walked upon, I suggest using flat stones that can be made using cake pans, flat plastic trays or bread pans.
Whichever stone you choose is sure to add flare and creativity to your home and yard.
Materials needed:
Concrete
Cake Pans
Bread Pans
Molds
Plastic trays
Non-Stick Cooking spray
Concrete dye
Wheel Barrow
Shovel
Directions:
Before starting this project, please check the weather forecast. If it is misting or shows signs of rain, either do in a covered area such as a garage or wait until a sunny day.
Mix concrete according to plans. The amount of concrete that you will need to use will vary depending on the number of stones you are creating and the size of them.
If wanting to add color to your stones, you may add concrete dye to cement while mixing. When adding dye, remember that color will fade when the stones set, so make the mixture about two shades darker than what you want the results to be.
Fill your molds to at least 2" thickness (or stones might break), and allow the concrete to set for three days before removing from molds.
After drying for three days, allow stones to “cure” for one week.
While stones are drying and curing take your shovel and begin digging the foundation for which to place your stones in.
If designing a footpath, you will need to measure the length and width of each stone. Next, you will need to determine the space between each stone. I recommend using about 6 inches.
Once you have your measurements, you will need to dig a hole in the foundation about 1-½ inches deep for placing your stepping stones. Stones should fit snugly in foundation, without any shifting. If stones do shift, pack edges tightly with excess dirt. If still too loose, you may add more cement along the edges to seal stone in tightly. (If you do add more cement to stones, please refrain from walking on for at least one week).
Stones should not be raised above ground more than ½” for risk of people tripping and falling.
If stones are not going to be used as a footpath and placed randomly around yard, just place wherever you need an accent piece. Make sure they are visible to everyone to prevent accidents.
Enjoy.
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