Making your stepping stones

At one time considered simply to serve an utilitarian purpose, stepping stones were used to facilitate crossing in difficult places. They were stones with a more or less plain surface placed in muddy areas. Even though rocks that are naturally positioned in running water were used as crossing stones, these type of stones were added to offer assistance in crossing.

With time they also became fixtures for home gardens and yards. Stepping stones can now be found placed in locations that increase the appeal of a garden. Now, besides the aesthetic side to stepping stones, they can also be used to clearly mark a path in order to avoid stepping on flowers or plants.

Different materials can be used to make stepping stones, however the most popular material is concrete. Concrete stepping stones can be found at any home improvement or gardening supply store. These stones can be painted or stained, the designer version or even made at home by you.

Concrete stones can be used in most designs for home improvement, being a good blend with both modern style houses and traditional ones. You can find stepping stones in different designs and styles that could suit the style of your home. The precast type of stone is very resilient and highly waterproof and it can have the look of a naturally cut stone. For a more personalized touch, you can choose to create the stepping stones yourself, which would also help you save some funds.

Here are a few suggestions for making your stepping stones:
First, you will need the main ingredients: a mold, a concrete mix and dye, a spade and trowel and so forth. For a mold, you can either choose a standard stepping stone mold or simple house hold items such as pizza boxes. You can buy any type of concrete mix from the quick drying type to the special stepping stone mix used only for this purpose.
After purchasing all the ingredients you will need to mix the concrete until it has the consistency of cake batter and it is recommended that you use special clothing to protect you from concrete burns. This is also the part of the process where you can add a dye or decorative beads or pebbles.

Once mixed, the concrete is placed in a mold that can come in different shapes and sizes. For the round type of mold you will need to place a greased cookie sheet underneath and then fill it up with concrete mix. If you use a pan or other kitchen utensils as a mold for the stepping stones, you will need to grease them on the inside before filling them up. With certain types of molds the greasing process may not be necessary. One useful tip is to shake the mold before it is half full to release air bubbles that might be trapped in the mix. Afterwards, you can fill the mold and even personalize them by making an impression of your hand or by writing on them.

After a few days you can remove the stepping stones from the molds, as it can take awhile for the concrete to set. They can be removed by keeping the mold at an angle and tapping it slightly.

This process can result in some unique stepping stone models if you really use your imagination, or you can choose to simply purchase ready made stones.

a concrete mix and dye, a mold, a spade and trowel, aesthetic side, avoid stepping, concrete stepping stones, crossing stones, designer version, main ingredients, making your stepping stones, naturally cut stone, personalized touch, precast type, stepping stone mold, stepping stones, unique stepping stone models