How to Install Mesh-Backed Round River Rock Stepping Stones

You can make decorative stepping stones by adding mesh-backed river rock tiles to basic, round cement stepping stones. Stepping stones are ideal for garden paths and walkways throughout your yard. Adding the mesh-backed river rock tiles to a basic cement stepping stone can add natural beauty to them. Although the river rock tiles come in squares, you can easily trim them to fit a round stepping stone. You can purchase cement stepping stones at a garden center or purchase the cement form and make your own.

Cement stepping stone form
Mixing trough
Cement mix
Water
Trowel
Mesh-backed river rock tiles
Utility knife
Tile grout
Grout float
Bristle brush
Sponge
Bucket of water
Penetrating stone sealant
Foam brush

Instructions

- 1
  Place the stepping stone form on a work surface. Place a mixing trough near the form. Pour cement mix into a mixing trough. Mix water into the cement mix using a trowel to create a batter-like consistency.
- 2
  Pour the mixed cement into the stepping stone form. Smooth the surface of the cement with a trowel. Lift the form up and tap it against the work surface to remove any air bubbles in the cement.
- 3
  Center the river rock tile over the cement inside the form. Trim the mesh backing with a utility knife to cut the tile to fit the cement. Allow the cement to dry inside the form for 72 hours.
- 4
  Remove the poured cement stepping stone from the form by placing it upside down and take the form off with your fingers.
- 5
  Place the stepping stone with the river rock side facing up. Apply grout to a grout float and drag the grout float across the surface of the river rock tile at a slight angle to grout the spaces between the individual rocks. Allow the grout to dry for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- 6
  Brush the surface of the stepping stone with a bristle brush to remove the grout from the surface of the river rock.
- 7
  Dampen a sponge and wash the surface of the stepping stone off. Continue washing the surface until the sponge wrings out clean.
- 8
  Seal the stepping stone surface with a stone penetrating sealant using a foam brush. Allow the stepping stone to dry for five to seven days before use.

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