How to Cast Concrete Paving Steps

Locate a flat, even and stable surface to work on. Cut the plastic sheeting to a size that is roughly three to four times the size of the mold. Place some actual bricks or stones onto the plastic sheeting to facilitate the cutting process.

Using your mold as your guide, cut hardware cloth with the wire shears to a size that is about an inch smaller than the size of the mold all around the mold. Place the mold on top of the hardware cloth and then align the cloth and the mold on top of the plastic.

Mix the water and concrete according to instructions. The consistency should be that of dough ready to be baked into cookies. Add color in the form of powders or liquids if you desire to produce colored stones. Fill the mold with concrete that is between 1.5 and 2 inches deep or so that it comes to be even with each of the cells within the mold structure.

Tamp the surface of the concrete with the back of the trowel to remove air bubbles and settle the material. Customize your concrete stones by casting a stamp or making a decorative impression into the concrete.

Allow the concrete to harden and then gently remove the mold. Take this time when the concrete is in the curing process to clean off your tools and hands. Spray mist onto the surface of the concrete continually to keep it moist. Do this for a few hours and then allow the concrete to fully harden overnight. Apply a concrete stain to add color to hardened stones if so desired.

Remove the concrete stones from the plastic sheeting. Take the stones to their final destination on your walkway and position them in your walkway or patio.