I want to make my own cement blocks for a pool side patio...?

Question

I purchased a cement mixer...I want to make blocks about 18 inches square. I would like to have some unique designs...nature, sun, water ect....and I would like to use colors...anyone who has experiance, please give me some ideas and direction?

has anyone that has actually done this before please give me some advise please?

Answer 1

Great idea, but don't underestimate how difficult the project will be if you make every block yourself. Concrete is heavy, making your own blocks from it is dirty and dusty, and if you've not done it before you might get overwhelmed with the project before you're near completing it.

To learn how to make the blocks - and the molds that you use to get the shapes you want - visit http://www.quikrete.com. Quikrete is the manufacturer of most of the bagged concrete mixes you'll find in your local home stores, and their web site describes which type of concrete mix to use for different projects, and has downloadable instructions for lots of different projects - including making your own concrete stepping stones or pavers, and adding color to your concrete mix.

To help make the project more manageable, consider using some store-bought concrete paving stones (pavers) and combining them with the custom designed blocks that you make. You'll need to prepare the patio base - using a layer of crushed stone and a layer of bedding sand - the same way for both your store-bought and your custom blocks, so the store-bought pavers just allow you to make more progress in the time you have available.

Think of the store-bought pavers as the picture frame, and your custom blocks as the art to be enclosed. Together, you'll cover a lot more surface area in a shorter period of time. That will help you finish the project since you won't be as likely to get frustrated by the difficulty of the project and give up.

Good luck, and have fun.

Answer 2

Sounds like fun! You have the mixer for the cement, you can buy concrete stain if you want to add color. Look for kits that ave molds for making patio stepping stones for your design or you can draw them yourself before the stones completely dry. I have seen leaves used to make patterns on stones. Go to hgtv.com and you may find directions there. Search for home made stepping stones and they may have the show listed that did the leaves with the directions. Good luck!

Answer 3

I know how.Want me to come over and help?

Answer 4

i will b ya pool boy