Concrete pavers can add a lot of style and function to your yard, patio or garden. They're easy to make, if you're willing to do a little bit of work, and pouring your own allows you to have a little more flexibility in the end result. It's also quite a bit cheaper to make your own concrete pavers than it is to buy commercially produced stones.
Instructions
Make My Own Concrete Pavers
1. Before you begin, you'll need to figure out the design or pattern in which you're going to lay your pavers. Make sure the ground is level, and that you've adequately prepped the area for drainage. That way, once you've made your concrete pavers, all you have to do is set them in place.
2. For starters, you'll need to either buy or make a mold. Commercially available molds can be found at any home improvement store, and they're inexpensive and durable. Ideally, you should have more than one mold. That way, you can pour several more pavers while the first few are curing. If you decide to make your own molds, you can keep it simple by using plastic trays or polyurethane sheeting to form the shape.
3. Whether you've purchased your molds or made your own, they'll need to be sitting on a flat, level surface when you pour your concrete. Lightly coat the inside of the mold with a mold release agent. Again, this is something you can buy commercially. Don't use too much, because if it puddles at the bottom, it will make pits in your concrete paver. Some people choose to use motor oil as a release, but the runoff is really harmful to the environment.
4. Next, mix your concrete. Many do-it-yourselfers like to use what's called a 1-2-3 mix. This is 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts ½" aggregate. Add enough water to make the concrete pourable, but not so much that it's liquidy. Thicker is better. You can also used pre-mixed concrete, but if you're doing a big project, that can get expensive.
5. Use a scoop to pour the concrete into the mold, and make sure it spreads into all the corners and creases. Smooth it out on the top so that the surface is flat. Bounce the mold up and down gently to push all the air bubbles out. Allow your concrete pavers to cure for at least 48 hours in a dry place. Once they're done, you should be able to pop them right out of the mold and place them in your yard. Do several at a time, and within a short period you'll have enough pavers for any size project!
