How to Mix Concrete for Decorative Projects

If you want to make something beautiful and long lasting for your garden, using concrete is the way to make it permanent. From unique bricks to decorative stepping stones, you can mix concrete to create a pathway in your garden that is truly one of a kind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Non-aggregate mortar mix
• Hose
• Wheelbarrow or container
• Shovel or paint stick
• Apron or smock
• Disposable gloves
• Ladle

1. Choose the concrete for your project. Ask a sales associate for non-aggregate mortar mix to use for decorative projects. Non-aggregate mortar mix will give you concrete without all the stones contained in construction concrete.
2. Find a spot outdoors near a hose to mix your concrete and bring out your wheelbarrow. If you don't have a wheelbarrow, you can mix the concrete in a large, rectangular container.
3. Empty the concrete mixture into the wheelbarrow. An entire bag of concrete will make about 10 medium sized stepping stones. If you just want to make one or two stepping stones, you can pour three inches of concrete into a five gallon bucket.
4. Add water to the wheelbarrow from a trickling hose while mixing with a long handled digging shovel.
5. Check the concrete's consistency. Concrete will be ready for use when it reaches the consistency of a brownie mixture with no chunks. It should be quite thick, just barely able to be poured from a ladle. Test the consistency by sticking your finger one inch down into the concrete. If the hole fills up with water, the concrete is too wet and you will have to add some more concrete powder. If you stick your finger one inch down and see cracks around the hole, then the concrete is too dry. Add a little bit more water.
6. Use a large ladle or shovel to pour concrete into your molds. Concrete will set within 30 minutes. You can press things into the concrete before it dries, like broken tiles, glass pebbles, sea pebbles or sea shells, to make beautiful and unique pieces of art.

Tips & Warnings

• Non-aggregate concrete is only good for small, decorative projects. It does not have the strength of regular concrete and will crack under the pressure of heavily trafficked areas.
• Wear an apron or smock and disposable gloves to protect your clothes and skin from concrete.
• Rinse your wheelbarrow, shovel and bucket on the grass before concrete dries. Throw away any larger portions of hardened concrete.
• Never wash concrete buckets or utensils down drains. The concrete will harden and ruin the pipes.

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