How to Make Landscaping Boulders

Landscaping boulders are rocks of various sizes and consistencies used as accents for landscaping projects. The weight and expense of natural boulders can be prohibitive for property owners who want to landscape on a budget. You can make landscaping boulders in your backyard that will look natural to your neighbors and friends.

Things You'll Need

• Molding forms
• Concrete mix
• Real boulders

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of space you need to fill with landscaping boulders before you begin pouring concrete. Your measurements will give you an idea of the size and number of boulders you will need to complete your project.

2. Generate boulder molds of various sizes and shapes to help you bring some diversity to your landscaping project. You can purchase molds intended for ceramics that can be modified for the creation of landscaping boulders.

3. Place an interior form into your mold to make landscaping boulders hollow. You can place a small circular form into the mold with a series of wires tightened to endure streams of water and concrete mix.

4. Mix concrete and water in a large bucket with a wooden shovel handle. You should avoid quick concrete mixes that dry out quickly if you intend to make multiple landscaping boulders.

5. Leave concrete in the landscaping molds overnight to make sure that the boulders are solid. Your boulders may become brittle and crack if you try to remove your creations from their molds too early.

6. Remove the boulders from your molds carefully to begin lining your garden with artificial rocks. Most molds have an apparatus that allows you to unscrew the exterior form for easy removal of boulders.

7. Buy a small number of real landscaping rocks to mix in with artificial landscaping boulders. You should purchase a large rock for every three to five boulders you make to give your garden a touch of natural design.

8. Cover foam and store-bought artificial boulders with a layer of concrete to ensure durability. You need to make sure that concrete is applied evenly around the artificial boulder to ensure a high-quality product.

9. Chisel real boulders in your landscaping project to meet the appearance of your artificial rocks. You should place a real rock side-by-side with a boulder you created to help guide you through the modification process.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule time with a local landscaping company to get a tutorial on how to use a landscaping mold. Molds provide the shape and consistency that you desire from landscaping boulders, but they can fail easily with user error. You may be able to borrow forms from landscaping companies for a small rental fee.