How to Make Fake Rock Steps

Rock steps in front of a house or in a garden add personality to any yard. They can be expensive, though, as the flat surfaces have often been custom-made to create a comfortable step. Making a fake rock step at home is possible, although it requires muscle and physical labor. It may be a good idea to have more than one person working on this project.

Contractor's foam sealant
Mix-at-home cement
One rock for duplication purposes
Texture materials such as sand and food coloring, if desired
Spray paint, if desired
Petroleum jelly
Cardboard or newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  Place the rock that needs to be duplicated on a flat surface. Clean the rock of dirt and debris. Use soap and water if necessary.
- 2
  Place the rock on the cardboard or newspaper. Cover the rock on the top and sides with a thick layer of petroleum jelly, ensuring that each crease and bend is covered. Cover the petroleum jelly with contractor’s foam sealant.
- 3
  Let the foam sealant dry. Overnight is ideal for a larger rock.
- 4
  Remove the foam sealant. This is the rock mold. Apply another thick layer of petroleum jelly inside the mold to protect it from the cement.
- 5
  Mix the cement per the manufacturer's instructions. While mixing, add sand and food coloring to the mix to give the rock some texture. Carefully add pieces of glass for shine.
- 6
  Pour the cement into the mold and place it in a hot, dry hot location to dry. Depending on the manufacturer, the cement will take from a few hours to a day to dry.
- 7
  Remove the mold from the rock once it has set. Place the rock in the sun for an additional 24-48 hours to ensure that it has set and dried properly. Repeat this step for each of the fake rock steps.
- 8
  Paint each rock with your color of choice, if desired. When the rocks have dried, they are ready for installation and use.

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