How to Stick a Pole to Hypertufa

A mixture of sand, peat, various volcanic aggregates and cement, hypertufa is an artificial stone used to make planters, paving stones, concrete seats, birdbaths, Japanese-style lanterns, wall plaques and other garden accessories. It is relatively simple to work with, but once the water mixes with the cement, you have a short window in which to work with the mixture and insert a pole for a post, lantern or birdbath. Still, if you made mud pies as a child, working with hypertufa will bring back memories – and it is equally fun to work with.

Eye goggles
Waterproof, latex gloves
Wheelbarrow (or large container)
Portland cement/sand mix
Peat moss
Perlite or vermiculite
Shovel or garden hand trowel
Vegetable oil, non-fat cooking spray or Vaseline
Mold
Pole

Instructions

- 1
  Put on eye goggles and waterproof gloves.
- 2
  Mix the bag of Portland cement by turning it over several times on the grass, first vertically, then horizontally. As the ingredients may have settled, it’s a good idea to redistribute them, albeit carefully so the bag doesn’t rip open.
- 3
  For an 8-by-12-by-12 mold, mix 30 pounds of Portland cement, 1 cubic foot of peat moss and 1.5 cubic feet of perlite in a wheelbarrow with a shovel or garden hand trowel.
- 4
  Add water to the wheelbarrow very slowly, then mix with your (gloved) hands. Add water and squeeze the mixture. As you hold it in your hands, only a few drops of water should escape. Strive to create a consistency resembling cottage cheese. If you add too much water – if the mixture becomes too thin or runny – add a little more peat.
- 5
  Let the mixture set for 10 minutes.
- 6
  Grease the mold lightly with vegetable oil, non-fat cooking spray or Vaseline. Pour the mixture into the mold.
- 7
  Let the mixture set for about 1 hour.
- 8
  Insert the pole into the the settling hypertufa. Depending on the size and thickness of the pole, the mixture should “grab” the pole. Prop up the pole, if necessary. If the mixture still seems too thin, let the mixture set for another hour before setting the pole in the mixture again.
- 9
  
  Compared to stone or concrete, hypertufa is relatively lightweight.
  
  Wait for the mold to thoroughly cure. This can take from two to four days, depending on the temperature and humidity. To test it, scratch at the hypertufa with your fingernail. If you cannot remove any dusty residue, the hypertufa is set. If you can, let the mold set for another 12 hours before testing it again.

How to Cast Faux Rocks for Landscaping

How to Build a PVC Pipe Outdoor Archway

Lawn Ornaments