looking for way to inlay small stones or pea gravel into new cement walk way?

Answer 1

Its all in the timing. You lay the sidewalk with a normal concrete mix, then wait until the surface water just disappears. Carefully spread the pea gravel over the surface and tamp it level with the edge of a 2x4 which is long enough to fit across the sidewalk (onto the form boards). Best if you get down on your hands and knees to do this. A while later, you need to clean the cement off the surface of the pea gravel before it completely hardens - probably with a not-too-hard garden hose spray. Remember to keep the surface of your sidewalk damp - spray it gently with water regularly, especially if it's sitting in the hot sun. Do this for two days or more. It helps the concrete to cure properly. You might want to double-check my suggestions with the experts at your building supply store.

Answer 2

It's all about when you set the stones, and all about when you wash them.

Make some forms first... about 18 inches square. Use it as a test. Do one at a time and see your results.

This "experiment" can be used as stepping stones somewhere else. I think you should do at least 3 of these, one at a time and let each one cure before going to the next.

Why? Because "doing it right" takes some experience... not a lot but a little. And if you screw up, it's a major problem. So screw up on some simple stepping stones.

Answer 3

In Greece they make mosaics from black and white stone. The stones are round, river washed, not sharp edges. The back ground is white with the design in black. The designs are not too complicated. some blocks, some simple geometrics around the edges, etc. The process is call Krokalia. (maybe some pictures on the web??) The stones are hand set in the wet mortar.

Answer 4

in case you have no longer poured it yet that's probable the least perplexing thank you to end concrete a techniques a diy. Order a pea gravel blend from the waiting blend plant Pour it in the known way.factor it crease it trowel it.Then get a sprayer and placed some a million/2 bag of sugar in it fill it the the remainder of ways with water.Spray the total section heavily.Waituntil youy can stroll on it with out making a foot printand hose it off.additionally they sell retarder in case you dont believe the sugar water element i take advantage of sugar water by fact its greater much less high priced.Wait a pair days and seal it with pebblesheen.it is going to look spectacular once you seal it solid luck.