How to Make Concrete Tombstones

Use stamps on the tombstone to add embellishments before the concrete hardens.

Concrete tombstones are perfect for Halloween decorations or for memorializing a pet that has passed away. Making them is easy and economical.

If you plan to use them as Halloween decorations, create a few each year or start early in the season so you have enough to to produce a dramatic effect.

Things You'll Need

• One sheet of 1/4-inch thick plywood (4 foot by 8 foot) Tape measure Circular saw Seven 2 X 4s (8 feet long) Vegetable oil Stakes Quick setting concreteConcrete stamps Stencils Flat trowel Pencil A large bucket Rubber gloves Spray paint Embellishments

Instructions

1. Gather materials to build the frame. You need a sheet of plywood, for the base, and seven 2 x 4s for the sides, You will need quick setting concrete, a large bucket, and a trowel.

2. 

   Measure and mark the plywood as indicated in the drawing. Cut out the sections, using a circular saw. Remember: the sections don't need to be perfect.

3. Cut four of the 2 x 4s into two-foot lengths. (This will make 16 lengths.) Cut ten 20-inch pieces from the three remaining 2 x 4s. Cut the scraps into wedges to use as stakes. You will need at least two stakes for the side of each form.

4. Place one of the plywood sections on flat ground. Set two of the two-foot boards and two of the 20-inch boards in place to form sides. Drive two stakes into the ground on each side to secure the side boards.

5. Put on the rubber gloves and coat the form with vegetable oil. The oil will prevent the concrete from sticking to the form.

6. Mix the quick-setting concrete according to the instructions on the package. Fill the tombstone frame and use a flat mason's trowel to level and smooth the concrete.

7. Embellish the tombstone. Use stamps or a stylus to "write" in the tombstone face before it dries or plan to use stencils and paint after it dries. Add crosses, stars, or seasonal symbols for Halloween decorations. If memorializing a pet, add birth and death dates.

Tips & Warnings

• For added stability, pour the form half full, place a layer of wire mesh in the center, then finish filling the form.