How to Make Concrete Paving Stones
Concrete paving stones are a beautiful and add visual texture and character to a grass or dirt path. Concrete paving stones can be either poured in place or cast on plywood and laid in place to fit unique curves and angles. This article will teach you how to make paving stones on plywood to later place on an existing path or walkway. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- Scrap lumber
- Wheelbarrow or large container
- Concrete
- Concrete color (optional)
- Concrete trowel
- Paving stone mold
- Sponge (optional)
- Glass beads, marbles, or broken pottery (optional)
- Concrete sealer
- Paint brush
Instructions
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1
Nail some scrap lumber together to match the outside dimensions of your paving stone mold. The top of the lumber should be at least as tall as the mold.
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2
Mix some fiber reinforced concrete as indicated on the bag. Use a wheelbarrow or other large container for mixing.
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3
Add concrete color if you would like colored paving stones. Concrete color is available in a wide range of colors to match the surroundings where you will install the paving stones.
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4
Place your square concrete form on a piece of plywood and make sure your mold slips inside easily.
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5
Shovel the concrete into the form to the approximate top level of the mold. Press down firmly on the concrete surface and smooth it with the trowel.
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6
Press the mold down into the concrete until it touches the plywood underneath the concrete.
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7
Wiggle the mold to make sure that the newly molded paving stones are separate.
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8
Remove any excess that has been forced up above the mold with a trowel. This will ensure that each paving stone is of consistent height.
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9
Add surface texture if desired using the trowel or a wet sponge.
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10
Tap the sides of the form to help separate it from the concrete. Lift off the form.
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Gently tap the mold to get it to release from the concrete and lift the mold off. You should have one or more paving stones, depending on how many the mold is designed to make.
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12
Press any additional desired materials like glass beads, broken pottery or other decorative items into the wet concrete.
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13
Apply concrete sealer with a brush when the concrete is hard, but still a little wet. The concrete seal will make the surface harder and tougher.
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14
Allow the sealed concrete to cure for a day or two before laying the paving stones.
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Tips & Warnings
Mix your concrete a little dry to make it easier to remove the mold.
Reserve a little concrete mix to help dry out the mixture if you find your mix is a little wet and sticking to the mold.
