How to Make Artificial Rock Over Steel Rebar & Lathe

Build a lopsided square or rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches from the lathe. Cut two lengths of lathe 12 inches each, two measuring 9 inches, two measuring 10 inches, one 14 inches long and one 16 inches long. Hammer the pieces of lathe together to make a lop-sided cube. It does not matter in what order they are put together as long as a lop-sided cube shape is formed.

Cut a 14- by 18-inch piece of rebar mesh. Staple the edges of the rebar mesh to one side of the lathe shape. Pull and push the rebar mesh to make waves in the outer shape. Repeat the process with four other sides. Leave one side open and use it for the bottom of the rock.

Turn the rock so the bottom section is facing out or up. Stuff large crumpled pages of newspaper between the rebar mesh and the lathe. Optional: Tape the newspaper into place so it does not move.

Turn the rock so the bottom is on a flat surface.

Mix the concrete patch according to the directions on the box. Put on gloves. Add 2 or 3 large handfuls of chopped fiberglass strands into the concrete patch mixture. Stir the ingredients until well mixed.

Use your hands and place globs of the concrete patch and fiberglass mixture on the surface of the rebar mesh. Continue placing globs until the entire surface is covered. Roughly smooth the surface with your hands as you go to begin creating the shape of the artifical rock.

Trowel the concrete patch and fiberglass mixture over the surface of the artificial rock. Add more concrete patch and fiberglass mixture where needed and where desired to shape the artificial rock.

Use a hard bristled brush and dab the end of the bristles over the rock surface to add texture. Let the artificial rock dry for 24 hours before moving.