How to Pour Cement Stepping-Stones

Build a square frame with the 2-by-4 lumber. Use the handsaw to cut 12-inch to 18-inch sections of lumber. Nail them together to form the frame and place it on the plywood. This is the form of your stepping-stone. If you want to make more than one stone a day, build a number of forms.

Coat the form with vegetable oil, covering the edges and the corners. Cover the plywood surface that lies inside the form with oil.

Combine the concrete mix and water following the manufacturer's instructions. If you make a few stones a bucket will work fine, but if you are doing a large number of stones use a wheelbarrow.

Fill the form with the mixture without leaving any gaps or bubbles. Remove any excess of concrete with a 1-by-4. Let the concrete dry overnight. If you feel creative or want to leave your signature on the stepping-stones, add some ornaments like twigs or river stones. Do this before leaving the stones to dry overnight and while the surface is still damp. Place your chosen ornaments onto the surface of the stones. Apply enough pressure so they set in the surface. Leave the concrete to dry overnight.

Remove the stones from the forms. Carefully turn the forms over and slightly tap them until they are free. If you used any ornaments you can leave them on or you can take them off. In general, river stones work well when left on the stepping stones, while twigs may decay in time.