How to Cast Faux Rocks for Landscaping

Casting faux rock is a fast and inexpensive way to create entirely personalized landscaping for your home. Real rocks are heavy and irregular in shape, size and color. Some of the uses for faux rocks include lining a flower bed, defining a walkway path or lining a pond. Styrofoam makes a light and natural form for casting faux rocks, and the finished product is strong enough to walk over. Purchase a large chunk of Styrofoam to make several smaller rocks.

Styrofoam
Utility knife
Bucket
Portland cement
Builder’s sand
Peat moss
Acrylic fortifier
Water
Shovel
Latex gloves
Natural sponge
Spray sealant with a matte finish

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a piece of Styrofoam from the block and use a utility knife to construct the piece into the shape of rock you want to create. Make the mold smaller than the desired finished product because there will be 3 inches of rock mixture covering the Styrofoam.
- 2
  Mix one part Portland cement to one part builder’s sand in a bucket. Add two parts peat moss and acrylic fortifier according to the package directions. Add one part water and mix with a shovel.
- 3
  Apply the mixture to the Styrofoam mold and smooth over all surfaces. Allow it to set for about 45 minutes.
- 4
  Apply a second layer of the mixture if you wish to make the rock larger. Allow the mixture to dry and add layers according to your preferences. The more layers added, the larger and heavier the rock will be.
- 5
  Press the sponge onto the rock one hour after the last layer has been added so as to add a texture to the surface of the rock.
- 6
  Set the rock aside to dry for at least 24 hours.
- 7
  Spray the surface of the rock with a spray sealant to protect it from the environmental elements.

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