How To Make Cheap Pavers

Garden pavers have many uses in landscaping, from stepping stones and patios to retaining walls and raised beds. Even a simple project, however, can become expensive when you need large quantities of pavers. You can make cheap pavers on your own by using concrete mix and a mold, so long as you have a cool -- about 60 degrees F. -- and dry place for the concrete to set and at least a week of time before you need the pavers.

Things You'll Need

• Mold, pre-made, or kitchen pan
• Mold release agent
• Paintbrush
• 5-gallon bucket
• Concrete mix
• Water
• Stir stick

Instructions

1. Set out any of the molds you’ll be using on a flat surface, whether they be pre-made molds, disposable pie tins or old metal cooking pans. Coat the inside of each mold with a release agent so the entire surface is covered without excess pooling at the bottom.

2. Pour half a bag of concrete mix powder into your bucket. Add water slowly and stir the mixture well until it has a paste-like, batter consistency. If the mixture is soupy, add more powder. If the mixture is thick and chunky, add more water.

3. Pour the mixed concrete into the molds to fill them at least a half-inch thick. Tap the mold to release air bubbles. Fill the remainder of the mold to 2 inches thick. Make sure to get concrete into the corners of the molds. Tap the sides of each mold to release bubbles and level the concrete.

4. Leave the filled molds to rest for one for two days so the concrete can solidify. Flip the molds upside down slowly. Set the concrete against the ground and allow the concrete to release from the mold. Release all of the pavers from the molds.

5. Allow the pavers to rest undisturbed for one week so the previously covered surfaces can cure. Set the pavers wherever you need them after they are cured. Repeat the process of making pavers until you have as many pavers as you need for your project.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your own paver mold by determining the size of the pavers you want. Cut two 2-by-2-inch boards to the length and two boards to the width, plus 3 inches each way. Arrange the boards into a square or rectangular shape and screw the mold together at the corners. Cut a piece of plywood to the size of the pavers plus 4 inches in both length and width, and attach this piece to the bottom of the frame.

References

• Concrete Crafts: Making Modern Accessories for the Home and Garden; Alan Wycheck
• Garden Molds: Step-by-Step Instructions