How to Make Stepping Stones from Concrete [9 Simple Steps]

Do you want to learn how to make stepping stones from concrete? Want to make DIY stepping stones?

If so, this place is just perfect for you. In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step procedure to make stepping stones from concrete. Apart from this, you’ll also learn to use your creativity and create beautiful DIY stepping stones for your garden.

Stepping stones are the ones that define a path and create a focal point in your garden. Though, buying stepping stones won’t cost you much. But if you love DIY projects and want to reflect your style and taste in stepping stones, here’s a perfect chance for you. Follow the step-by-step procedure given below and create beautiful stepping stones from concrete.

But before diving into the complete process, let’s first look at the tools and materials that will be required during the process.

List of Tools and Materials

Before starting with the process of making stepping stones from concrete, it’s important to know what all tools and materials you will need. So, have a look at the list of all the required tools & materials:

Sand Topping Mix
Water
Trowel
Vinyl furniture strapping or vertical vinyl blind slats
Bucket
Plastic bags
Sponge
Wire Cutters
Black, red and blue colorant
Large mixing bin
Coarse paintbrush
Hoe
Yellow or blue tape
Wheelbarrow
Fabric pegs/stakes
Rubber Gloves
Dust Mask

How to Make Stepping Stones from Concrete?

Apart from aesthetically pleasing looks, there are many benefits of stepping stones for gardens that you should know before you start creating them.

However, DIY stepping stones can be easy if you follow these steps properly. Once you follow these steps properly, you will be able to learn how to make stepping stones from concrete and reflect your style & taste.

Step 1 – Calculate the Exact Number of Stones Required

The first and foremost step while learning how to make stepping stones from concrete is to determine the number of stepping stones you’ll require. For this, sketch out the pattern or design you want to create with stepping stones. By sketching, we mean to mark out the spots on the surface where you want to create your path. This will give you a rough idea of how the stepping stones will look, and you’ll be able to determine the exact number of stones. You can also incorporate different ideas for stepping stones to create beautiful garden pathways.

Step 2 – Testing is Important

The biggest issue with concrete is that it turns a bit light in color when they are completely dry. So, testing two pieces before you start your steppings stones project is recommended. Create a single test piece roughly 1’x1′ and 2″ deep. Brush the colorant on top of one side of the colorant to test the coloring, leaving the other side natural for comparison. You can drop your wet mixture where your stones will be placed and mold them into any form without using your vinyl straps.

The second test stone can be 6 x 6 and 2 inches deep, but instead of brushing on the colorant, add charcoal colorant to the mixture. This will help you understand how the procedures function and whether you need to change the colorant’s concentration. Half a tablespoon should be your starting point for a 6 × 6″ piece.

Once you are done with the mixture, let them cure and leave for around a week and see how they look. If you are satisfied with the color, follow the next steps. If you are not, you can still adjust the color. This is what you’ll be working with.

Step 3 – Prepare the Surface

Once you get the desired color for your stepping stones, it’s now time to prepare the surface. Remove all the dust, debris, and broken leaves. Level the surface so you can place your concrete stepping stones perfectly.

Step 4 – Place the Stepping Stone Mold

After you have prepared the surface, start placing the stepping stones mold. Place them on the surface according to the design you finalized earlier. Using vinyl straps gives an unusual look, so stepping stones may look natural.

Step 5 – Prepare a Mixture

The next step in learning how to make stepping stones from concrete is preparing the mixture. Mix the dry concrete with water. Make sure you get a thick mixture, just like peanut butter. Don’t forget to separate the top ½'” of the section.

Step 6 – Pour the Mixture into the Molds

Once you are ready with the mixture, start pouring it into the molds, and make sure to pour it only into the 1 ½” reserved base layer. Now level the concrete using a trowel.

Step 7 – The Best Part, Coloring

Add colorant to the mixture you separated and mix it well. Once satisfied with the color consistency, pour this mixture on top of the base layer. Level the surface again using a trowel. The desired result will be the one you finalized during the test.

Step 8 – Bring Your Creativity to Play

Now add some texture and coloring to the top layer to get the natural stone look for your concrete stepping stones. For natural texture, you can use a plastic bag and pat the surface of the stepping stones.

Step 9 – Wait for the Final Outcome

If you want, you can seal the concrete stepping stones to keep their beautiful and natural look for years. It takes 4-5 days before you allow everyone to walk on these stepping stones. So, once you’re done with everything, wait for at least four days to see the final outcome.

Conclusion

Hope now you have learned how to make stepping stones from concrete. Make sure to follow these steps properly; otherwise, you might ruin your garden’s look.