How to Make Stepping Stones

Stepping stones are a nice addition to any garden and very easy to make. They are also rather inexpensive. Homemade stepping stones will only cost you a few dollars and can be made in less than an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Molds
• Quick-setting concrete
• Water
• Hardware cloth or old screen
• A measuring cup
• An old serving or wooden spoon
• Plastic tub
• Protective clothing
• Plastic gloves
• WD-40
• Old towels
• Concrete dyes (optional)
• Flourishes (mosaic tiles, objects to make impressions, paints, etc)

Instructions

1. Determine how many stepping stones you will need and about how large you want them.

2. Purchase and gather your supplies. You will need about 10 pounds of concrete per stepping stone.

3. Get your concrete molds. These can be purchased at your local craft store or made using old pizza boxes or even old plastic buckets. You might also check your local thrift shop for serving and baking tins. You can make a concrete mold using 2 x 4s. Just set the mold onto an old cookie sheet.

4. Protect your work area by covering it with newspaper.

5. Measure the concrete and place it in a mixing tub. Typically, you will need about 10 pounds of concrete for one stepping stone.

6. Add the water according to the manufacturer's directions. Your concrete should be the consistency of cake batter. If you want to add concrete dye, you should do it now.

7. Spray the bottom of your mold with WD-40. If you are using a paper box, line it with plastic.

8. Cut a piece of hardware cloth or screen slightly smaller than the mold and set aside.

9. Fill the mold halfway with concrete. Shake the mold around to dislodge any bubbles in the concrete.

10. Take the piece of hardware cloth or screen and place it in the mold. Add more concrete until the mold is full. Remove any additional air bubbles by gently tapping on the side of the mold.

11. If you plan to decorate your stones, allow the concrete to set for five minutes before embellishing the stone with pebbles, old marbles, mosaic tiles and stained glass. If you want to write words on the stepping stone, wait at least 20 minutes. If you notice that the letters are filling with water, wait a few more minutes and try again. If you want to add impressions, footprints or handprints, wait at least 30 minutes. Use leaves or flowers to create impressions.

12. Allow the stone to dry for at least 48 hours. Sprinkle a bit of water occasionally on to the stone to prevent the concrete from cracking.

13. When the stone is dry, turn the mold over on an old towel. Gently tap the mold until it releases the stepping stone.

14. If you want to paint the stone, you can do so at this point. Patio paints are a good choice and are capable of enduring the elements.

15. Seal the stone with an acrylic sealer. Let it dry thoroughly before using.

Tips & Warnings

• If you get concrete on your skin, make sure you wash the area immediately with warm soapy water.

• If you add too much water to your concrete it will fail to cure.