DIY Paving Stone

Choose a design for paving stones that fits your landscape.

Designing a landscape feature using paving stone can add beauty to your outdoor living space. Creating your own paving stones from concrete will allow you to tailor the stones to your landscape, in addition to giving your landscape a unique look. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Concrete mix
• Wheelbarrow or large bucket
• Water
• Shovel
• Stone mold
• Mold lubricant
• Trowel
• Tarp or plastic wrap
• Sealant
• Optional: concrete dye

Instructions

Selecting the Stone

1. 

   Interlocking stone pavers can be used to create a patio or terrace.

   Determine the look you want your landscaping project to provide when it's complete. Intricate, interlocking patterns can be created from square or brick-like stones. There are many sizes and shapes of paving stone, and molds are available for many common styles. Purchase a mold that fits the style you desire from a local home improvement store or landscaping supply company. If you do not find a mold that suits your needs, build your own. Consider buying multiple molds if you need to complete the job quickly. If you have only one mold, each stone will need to cure before a new one can be created.

2. Measure the area you will cover with paving stone. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage needed. Measure the depth of your stone molds, and multiply your square feet by this depth. Divide that number by 27 to obtain the number of cubic yards of concrete you will need. Plan on buying slightly more than you need, in case of spills or mistakes. If you are unsure of your calculations, ask the clerk at the home improvement store or landscape supply to verify you are purchasing enough concrete to create the number of stones you will need.

3. 

   Concrete forms or molds allow you to create designs and patterns resembling stone or other materials.

   Lubricate the mold so the stones can be removed easily. Vegetable oil can be used for small jobs, or professional mold lubricants are available. Mix the concrete according to directions. If using concrete dye, add it to the mixture according to the directions. If you have a large number of molds to fill, use a wheelbarrow. A large bucket may be sufficient if you are using only one mold. Place the mold in a protected area where it will be able to cure. Fill it with the cement mixture. Level it off with the trowel, and tap it gently to remove air bubbles trapped below the surface. Repeat with any remaining molds. Cover the filled molds with plastic wrap or a plastic tarp to keep moisture in.

4. Allow the mold to cure fully for at least 24 hours before disturbing. Keep the concrete out of direct sunlight while it cures if possible and keep the plastic cover in place. The optimal temperature for curing is 73 degrees; a moist atmosphere is preferred. Remove each stone from its mold by turning it upside down and gently lifting the mold off the corners.

5. Stack the finished stones in a protected area, and cover with the plastic or tarp to maintain moisture for at least a week, or up to two weeks. This will help the stones cure further and gain strength. If you are making a large number of stones over an extended period of time for your project, mark off the dates you stacked them to keep track of curing times. When cured, seal the stones with a penetrating sealer. Allow to dry according to the sealant directions.

References

• Gator Paver: Stones and Stamps
• Paversearch: Paving Stone Shapes

Resources

• Read this Article in UK English