How to Make Pavers and Paint Them Colors for Faux Cobblestone

You can simulate a cobblestone look using concrete.

Cobblestones add a romantic element to any yard or garden, whether it be in the form of a path, driveway or patio. But the price of real cobblestones can be prohibitive. You can make your own concrete pavers and color them to look like cobblestones at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

Things You'll Need

• Cobblestone paver mold (available at building supply stores)
• Bags of pre-mixed concrete (number will depend on area to be paved)
• Wheelbarrow or large pail
• Water
• Liquid concrete color in base color (gray or tan work well), one bottle for every two bags of concrete
• Powdered concrete color in darker and lighter complementary colors
• Wooden trowel
• Small scrub brush

Instructions

1. Clear and level area to be paved.

2. Mix concrete mix and water in wheelbarrow or large pail according to directions. Add one-half bottle of liquid color per bag of concrete mix. Mix well.

3. Position paver mold on paving area. Fill mold with concrete. Smooth with wooden trowel, being careful to remove air pockets. Remove excess concrete. Remove mold. Smooth edges of stones using trowel or brush for a more realistic look.

4. Brush some stones lightly with dark-colored powder and others with light-colored powder to simulate real cobblestones. Leave some stones the original color.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until entire area is paved. Allow stones to cure for at least a week before walking on them.

Tips & Warnings

• It can take cement up to 30 days to fully cure, so be gentle on your stones for the first month.

References

• The Mold Store: Make Stone
• Tip Junkie: Faux Cobblestone Path