How to Mix Cement for Stepping Stones

Installing homemade stepping stones to a yard or garden area is a creative way to add personality. Diversified colors, shapes and designs give each project individual flair. Mixing and pouring the stones yourself saves a lot of money and is an improvement project that will interest the whole family. The creation of stepping stones offers something for everyone. Children can carve their names, or family members can add anniversary dates and birthdays. A few hours of drying time is all you need to get this project going.

Portland cement

Sand

Sifter

Water

Wheelbarrow

Trowel or small shovel

Colorant

Stepping stone molds

Rag

Small chisel

Mix one part Portland cement with three parts sand in a wheelbarrow. Sift all ingredients to ensure smooth stones as a result.

Add a colorant to the mix if you are wanting the stones to be a particular shade. Colorant is available at most home and garden centers.

Slowly add water and mix with a trowel or small garden shovel. Add water until the consistency is that of a thick pancake batter.

Pour into concrete molds of your choice. Allow them six to eight hours to dry and then remove them from the molds.

Wipe excess cement from the surface with a damp rag. Install them in your choice of locations.

Use white Portland cement if you will be dyeing the cement. The resulting color will be better.

The stones can be carved using this recipe. Add names and important dates using a small chisel.

Find out how to decorate your garden on a budget at the-landscape-design-site.com. (See the Resource section.)

Use safety glasses and gloves when working with cement. It is an irritant and can chemically burn skin.