Homemade Landscape Blocks
Landscape blocks create a durable walkway or patio surface, and add contrast to the colors and textures in a yard. Homemade landscape blocks are not complicated to make and you'll only need basic materials and tools. Creating your own blocks enables you to customize the size, shape and depth of the landscape blocks so the resulting surface will turn out exactly as you intend it to. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Figure out the design of the surface you intend to build with the landscape blocks. Decide on the type of pattern you'll lay the blocks in to determine the shape of the molds.
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Buy molds for the landscape blocks. Home improvement stores carry a range of molds including standard rectangular molds of different sizes. It's advantageous to purchase multiple molds so you can pour several blocks at a time. As an alternative, you can re-purpose baking tins as molds or build your own from wood. Cut four wood pieces to form a 2-inch thick square or rectangular frame and screw the pieces together. Spray the wood with cooking spray before adding mold release agent.
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Find a flat surface to set your molds on. Check that it's level with a bubble level and adjust as necessary. If the poured blocks dry on an uneven surface they will come out lopsided.
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Cover the interior of each mold with petroleum jelly or another mold release agent using a sponge. Wipe off any excess with a dry cloth or the blocks may have pits once they dry.
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Stir concrete from a pre-made concrete mix with the suggested amount of water. Stir and add water until it is thick, but easy to pour.
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Scoop the mix into the block mold with a scooper. Fill it, and then hit the mold down against the surface to work out air pockets and shift the concrete into the corners. Press the end of the trowel over the surface to smooth it evenly. Wait two days for the blocks to dry.
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Turn the molds over in your hand so the blocks slide out.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
