How to Make Your Own Pond Boulders & Rocks
It is difficult to construct an ornamental pond without using boulders or rocks. Boulders and rocks help to anchor a flexible liner or disguise the lip of a pre-formed PVC liner. Large boulders can also be placed in a waterfall to create interesting effects as the water runs down them. Boulders and rocks can also protect and hide essential hardware. You can spend quite a bit of money purchasing rocks and boulders from a landscaping company. or you can create your own using cement. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sand
- Garden hose
- Dry-cleaning bag
- Mixing bucket
- Concrete
- Wire-bristled brush
- Vinegar
Instructions
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1
Dampen cement with water from a garden hose so that it sticks well. Pile the sand into a large loaf-shaped pile. The pile should be three times larger than your finished rock.
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2
Hollow out a space at the center of the sand pile to serve as the mold for the rock. The rock will be the same size and shape as your hole in the sand. Cover the sand with a dry-cleaning bag to keep the sand from sticking to the cement. Press the plastic into the hole.
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3
Mix concrete with water in a mixing bucket until the entire mixture is the consistency of cake batter.
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4
Pour the concrete into the mold. Wrap the concrete with the edges of the dry-cleaning bag. Allow it to dry for between 72 hours and 1 week.
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5
Pull the rock out of the mold. Brush the rough edges with a wire-bristled brush to soften them.
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6
Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 gallon of water in the mixing bucket. Submerge the rock and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to neutralize the rock before using it in your pond.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear protective clothing, including eye protection, a breathing mask and gloves when you mix concrete. Concrete is caustic and can burn you.
References
Resources
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