How to Create Faux Stone

Plastic, fiberglass and cement mixes can be used to create faux (fake) stone including using . While faux stones made from cement are heavier, it often looks better. Artificial and imitation stone/rock can be made in any size and color. It can be used in covering unsightly areas of your yard, including gas meters and wells. Faux stone is also used as decoration around garden ponds and to help make waterfalls. Living rocks can also be created from faux stone; they have a pump inside the rock that pumps water to the rock's top.

Cardboard box
Chicken wire
Styrofoam
Portland cement
Water
Sand
Calcium chloride or concrete accelerator
Large spoon or mason trowel
Concrete mix
Concrete sealer
Paint brush or airless sprayer

Instructions

- 1
  
  Use chicken wire to cover the box.
  
  Wrap a cardboard box in chicken wire to create the basic look of the stone. Consider the size and shape and whether you want to add lights to the stone or a water pump.
- 2
  
  Add sand to the mixture last.
  
  Cover the chicken wire-wrapped cardboard in a mixture of Styrofoam, Portland cement, water and sand. Experiment with the mixture to figure out the exact ratio of ingredients. Begin with the Styrofoam, add the water and Portland cement and the sand. Mixture should have a consistency to allow molding and shaping it on the base.
- 3
  Add mixture all over the stone base; speed up drying process if desired by adding additives like calcium chloride and concrete accelerator. Use a small amount to start and add more if needed. As mixture begins to dry, mold and shape it as desired with carving tools such as large spoons or mason trowels.
- 4
  Spread a thin layer of concrete mix on the stone after you have finished shaping the mixture to color it. A concrete mixture can be purchased from your local garden supply store; look for a mix made from white Portland cement, water and white silica sand for best results.
- 5
  
  Apply sealer with a paint brush.
  
  Use concrete sealer to finish the stone and protect it from the elements and stains. Apply with a paint brush or spray sealer with an airless sprayer.

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