How to Create Custom Patio Blocks

Create the frame for your custom patio block mold with MDF panels. Measure out a square in the panel that’s the size of your desired block plus 1 inch to use as your mold base. Cut the square from the panel with a jigsaw.

Measure planks to use as the sides of your mold frame from the panel, using the height of the desired block plus 1/2 inch as the height of the frame side, and the length and width of the mold panel base as the length and width of the sides of the panel. Make the length pieces the same length as the mold base, but subtract double the width of the MDF panels from the length of the side panels running along the width edge of the mold.

Cut each side panel from the MDF with the jigsaw, and then assemble the pieces into an open faced box, using wood screws to join the pieces along the edges.

Line the inner edges of the mold box with a bead of silicone caulking, flattened out with a moist fingertip to seal the corners.

Create the paver body within the mold frame using clay. Shape the clay into a block within the frame, building it up to within 1/2 inch of the top of the mold frame, and leaving a space of 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the sides of the frame. Create the unique paver face by arranging objects in the clay face, pressing the objects down into the clay to hold them in place when creating the mold.

Spray the clay and the embedded objects with mold release spray, as well as the sides of the mold frame.

Mix the silicone rubber mold mix in a large cup, combining the two ingredients in the ratio suggested by the manufacturer.

Pour the rubber over the clay block, filling the mold frame to the top. Tap the frame edges to force any air bubbles towards the top and wait the manufacturer's suggested time for the rubber to set.

Overturn the frame and pull it away from the clay and rubber materials inside. Unscrew the side panels if necessary for removal. Pull the rubber from the clay, revealing a mold of the custom designed brick in the rubber surface.

Place the mold back into the frame for support. Mix a batch of concrete, adding pigment during the mixing process to add color to the material. Spray the interior of the rubber mold with mold release agent, and then fill the mold with the mixed concrete.

Allow the concrete to set to firmness for 24 hours, and then remove the patio block from the rubber mold. Set aside to finish curing fro about 10 days. The block will have the impression of all of the objects you added to the clay before creating the mold, appearing as an exact concrete replica of the custom designed clay block, ready for installation to your patio.