Anybody has experience with making their own patio stones using a mold and concrete. Do they last?

Question

I'm planning on creating my own stepping stones to put on the sides of my house. I will purchase a mold and everything necessary (per a book that I purchased from Home Depot) including concrete stain to add a natural stone color to the cement. However, I'm not sure if this is a good way to go. I want the stones to last.

Will this be cost effective? Will it last? How long will it take to dry since I will only have one mold but will have to use it about 20-25 times or more.

I'm thinking of doing the sides of my house first. Then, I will expand this idea to the patio area.

Any thoughts??

Answer 1

Yes they last quite well.  I have made lots of them.  There is a much easier way to do it than what you are thinking of.

I purchased a half dozen of those round, clear plastic liners you use under the bottom of clay pots to catch the drainage.  They cost about 29 cents apiece and are about 18" across.  They have several sizes available, and you can use them over and over again.

They take about 24 hours to set up.  So it would take forever if you only had one mold.  Also, you will have a color variation in each stone if you can only make one at a time.

The guy who says you can't do it is wrong.  I've been doing it for 15 years.  The stones will be here long after I am gone.

We have given them as gifts, inscribing family names in them.  My wife has decorated them with cookie cutters and beads, marbles or whatever else she has in her craft bin.

A small bag (25 pounds I think) is enough to make about 6 stepping stones of the type I described.  Get the one that already has the sand in it.

Answer 2

My brother and his wife made a side walk using a mold and concrete mix.  They look like medium sized stones in a cluster.  That was over ten years ago and it still looks great and is walked on everyday.  It was not expensive, at that time anyway, and it didn't take very long for everything to set up.  Good Luck!!

Answer 3

I have made lots of these also and they hold up just fine.  They are really pretty cheap to make.  A large bag of portland cement is pretty cheap - just heavy.  Then you will need sand.  I have some I have decorated with glass and tile, etc and those I bring into the garage in the winter.   The other poster had a great idea about buying lots of cheap molds.   And wear rubber gloves or you will ruin your manicure.

Answer 4

well made patio stones are made from 1st grade concrete and vey little water. They are also put in an autoclave and ''steamed'' to harden and strenghten them further,,,for lastability.

You can not acheive this by hand. Also be careful where you buy stones,,,,as not all manufacturers follow the above proceedures.