For the best cement for making stepping stones, look for a high-strength and moisture resistant cement that’s specifically intended for outdoor use. A common brand of cement like Quikrete will work just fine in an outdoor environment, but it may take more than one application and you should set the stones after each application to ensure no water gets through the gaps between them over time.
Cement is a great material to use when making stepping stones. It isn’t as porous as sand, which makes it easier for the stone to be left outside in the elements. If you’re going to be doing your project in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, there are several benefits of using a more durable cement. Unlike sand and pebbles, cement won’t move around in the stones as they are walked on.
When choosing a cement for your stepping stones, it’s important to select a type that will harden properly. You can also choose from an array of colors and patterns so you can create a beautiful garden path or functional patio. We have some tips on how to make your path more durable and vandal-resistant with the right mixture of cement.
When it comes to stepping stones, you can never be too safe. You want your stones to stay put and stay strong, so it’s important to use the right type of cement when making them. There are many different brands available on the market today that can help make your stepstones last for years or even decades. Which one is best? That depends on what type of project you’re working on and how much time you have (or don’t have) to complete it.
Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement
Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement is a fast-drying cement that will set in 30 minutes or less. It’s ideal for making stepping stones, as well as other small concrete projects like garden planters and birdbaths. You can use it to fill a mold before adding your decorative elements, but you should be aware that the mixture will need to be poured very quickly if the mixture begins to thicken before you’re ready, add more water or mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are smooth again.
The pros of using Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement include its low cost and easy availability at home improvement stores (including [link]Amazon[/link]). The cons include its short shelf life after opening (three months) and limited strength; once dry, this product won’t stand up on its own unless supported by something underneath it such as another stone or piece of wood.
Sakrete 5000 Plus High Strength Concrete Mix
If you want to make a concrete stepping stone, Sakrete 5000 Plus High Strength Concrete Mix is the best choice. It comes in a 50 pound bag and has high strength, so it’s ideal for any project you want to use your concrete mix on. The product can be used to make a concrete patio, sidewalk, driveway or wall.
Quikrete Concrete Mix
- Use a 2:1 ratio of cement to water.
- Mix it with a hoe or shovel, but do not use your hands.
- Let the concrete set for 24 hours so it can cure before you use it.
- Break up any large chunks with a hammer and then smooth out the surface using a trowel.
DAP Concrete and Mortar Filler and Sealant
DAP Concrete and Mortar Filler and Sealant is a good choice for filling gaps in the stepping stone. It’s made to be used as a sealer, so it can also be applied to the top of your finished stones to protect them against water damage.
These products will allow you to make a rock hard stepping stone.
Before you can use concrete to make a stepping stone, the concrete must be mixed with water. Pour the bag of concrete into a wheelbarrow or tub and add just enough water to make it seem like mud (you don’t want it too watery). Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Pour your mixture into mold(s) for each stepping stone in order to create an imprint of your design. This can be done by hand or with a trowel, depending on how much you have poured at once and how large your molds are. Be sure to fill them all the way up so that there is no air trapped inside.
Let your stones cure for at least 2 days before removing them from their molds using an ice pick or similar tool (or simply break open if they get too hard). Then finish by painting them however you’d like.
Final words
Now that you know the best cement for making stepping stones, make sure you choose the right one. The last thing you want is to spend hours working on something only to have it fall apart.
