How to Make a Fake Rock

Making fake rocks doesn't take much specialized skill, but it is a time-consuming process. Before you begin, make sure you set aside enough time to see the project through. Use chicken wire to create the form of your fake rock, then cover it with the proper materials.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard box
• Chicken wire
• Portland cement
• Sand
• Small Styrofoam balls
• Concrete
• Shaping tool
• Stain

Instructions

1. Select a cardboard box that's slightly smaller than the size rock you want to create. Cover it with chicken wire to create the basic shape.

2. Mix together Styrofoam balls, Portland cement and sand until the mix has roughly the consistency of peanut butter. There is no exact recipe, but make the mixture thick enough to stick to the chicken wire, cover it completely and provide you with a surface you can carve to mimic rock.

3. Plaster the chicken wire with your mixture from Step 2 and cover the base of your fake rock.

4. Allow the fake rock to dry for 16 to 20 hours.

5. Use a shaping tool to create the curves found in rocks. You can shave off excess surface area with a knife or trowel, and make indentations with the back of a spoon.

6. Let the fake rock to completely dry.

7. Coat the fake rock with a very thin coat of cement to achieve an authentic rock appearance. You can stain the concrete if you like, or rub stain into the concrete once it dries.