Making Faux Rock Garden Stepping Stones
Isn't All That Hard

The great thing about this garden stepping stones project is that it's easier than some other DIY projects because you don't need to make a form. You merely dig and shape a depression into the ground (hopefully you have a spot or corner somewhere in your yard where you can do this). Then you "squish" or pour the wet recipe ingredients into the depression. How easy is that?

These artificial "flagstone" garden stepping stones, when made in this manner, can be very believable if you take the time to simulate what Mother Nature can do, namely coloration and texture.

Keep in mind to make your stepping stones at least 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick (or thicker if desired) so they won't crack when you step on them. You can make them as large as you wish. Make the edges of your depression irregular, just like a real flagtone would be.

This recipe does allow you to do further shaping to the dried stepping stones if you desire more texture, a crevice here or there, etc. (I suggest having at least one real flagstone or other flat stone to refer to while you're finishing and adding texture to them.)

Use tools such as a rasp, a power sander, etc. Many crafters use real rocks that are large enough to be held in their hand to do their scraping with. Whatever works to get the job done is fine.

1 part Portland cement
2 parts dry, clean garden-type dirt
Concrete dye, if desired (see information below)
Enough water to make a mud-pie consistency

Now, to form each garden stepping stone: Dig a depression (or depressions if you have the room to make more stones) in the shape you desire; line the depression with plastic that is pliable enough to closely conform to the depression; pour or trowel the hypertufa mixture into your "form".

Note: as you'll notice, after you've lined your depression, the plastic's wrinkles are what will help make your faux rock look like flagstone. The bottom side of each stepping stone is actually the "top side" when it's dried.

Cover your project with plastic, secure with bricks or other heavy objects so the wind won't blow it off, and cure for at least one week. **Refer to this page for more curing information: Concrete & Hypertufa Curing Tips

For garden stepping stones that have extra durability, but less chance of further shaping after they're dried, refer to this recipe: Hypertufa Faux Rock Recipe

If you'd like a really smooth stepping stone that you can also carve a design into, or maybe carve a saying into ... well here's an easy concrete and sand recipe you should try:
Concrete Stepping Stones

For the most thorough information pertaining to
usage and application techniques for liquid and dry colorants available on the internet please visit:
Liquid & Powdered Colorant Guides — Hypertufa & Concrete

To easily view ALL the hypertufa and concrete projects I've got to share with you, please go to my Site Map and take a look. You might just find a few things that catch your eye. Your garden will thank you! Site Map

Please keep coming back — I'm adding more projects
all the time :-)