DIY Landscape Boulders | How to make fake rocks

[@Gunter8571]

This can be done a lot faster and cheaper Just use chicken wire to form the bolder and than take am old bedsheet and soke it with quickcrete and drape it over the chicken wire and let dry, paint it and your done

[@JoeLinux2000]

WIth your idea you might not need the wood at all. Just form a wire armature and then use the concrete soaked cloth for the first layer. After that it should be strong enough to build up additional layers. You can put a contractors plastic trash bag on your driveway to get a smooth bottom. The concrete won't stick to the plastic trash bag.

[@Adixonnz]

I’ve done this for theater props and my own landscaping.....works great! Using some of the new stone effect paints can add interest and dimension as well.

[@darcyk5548]

How does this hold up to the elements? I want something that will last a few years at least and this sounds like a great idea if it can do that.

[@berealrelentless6237]

@@darcyk5548 concrete can be left to the elements. Got a few, that have had for years. Biggest thing, is it going to be strictly decor. Cause this method will not hold a body, unless you add to the thickness. All that being said, I have changed my process to use Styrofoam from construction sites, I REALLY hate when I have to buy some, but it's a personal thing, as if I'm gonna save the earth by my recycling, haha. If any questions let me know. Actually making instructions videos, if any interest, let me know. Stay smilin'

[@pscfoss6711]

@@berealrelentless6237 would love to see your inst. video with styrofoam. can you send it to me

[@davidburne9477]

Alternatively, use the expanding foam they use for building the sandwich-construction cool rooms. The foam expands rapidly and tends to have a dirty brown colour which is just perfect for large rocks. My brother and I used this approach 40 years ago and the rocks are still there. It’s on a main road, and it was hysterical to watch people driving by with their eyes just about popping out of their heads as we staggered around the front yard holding these (apparently) impossibly heavy boulders.....

[@bridesnyc]

LOL That sounds like tons of fun seeing them driving and looking .lol . Can you send me a link of that product you used ? Feel free to private message the link or here if you can..thanks

[@GunnerAl9]

Can you explain the product a little more as I'm not familiar with the expanding foam? What are the product details and where's the best place to purchase it.

[@eyeonart6865]

You did not say how! Expanding foam

[@737smartin]

Product?

[@2Phast4Rocket]

@@GunnerAl9 The similar product that is sold as window insulation expanding foam. It is sprayed as liquid but quickly expands into many times larger and is dried as hard foam, much like sheet rock. The trick is to find a supplier that will sell you this stuff in smaller quantity. The HomeDepot window insulation bottle is small and it is costly to make something as large as a rock. Alternatively, you can use styrofoam an underlayment, carve into shape , cover with chicken wire mesh, and lay up the concrete on top.

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

"I like that boulder, that's a nice boulder" - Donkey from Shrek

[@kansascowboy5721]

That’s funny because that was my first thought 😂👍🏻

[@wardrobelion]

🤣

[@nobelsteed6440]

That's a nice boulder.

[@IMNENIGMA1]

And in the morning, I'm making waffles!

[@dolly8274]

Paint patches on your rock with natural yoghurt,it will grow a mossy fungus giving your'rock' a weathered,more natural look.😊

[@Diddy_Doodat]

It looks more like a river rock because it's so round and smooth. For that landscape, I think making a boulder with more angles to it might be a better fit. It still looks nice though.

[@trxtech3010]

I know right. I was like looking at it he was like "It blends right in" I'm like " Looks totally obvious and wierd" it's like a old trashed mobile home being in a Housing devolpment next to new houses and being like " Can't even tell!"

[@bmarie8965]

River rocks are Not that big lol

[@jewdd1989]

Finally someone goes over faux landscape boulders. I’ve wanted to build my dogs a playground and wanted to use natural elements... boulders are rare in my area and are expensive so I’d love to see a large scale project like the climbing wall you mentioned

[@confusedwhale]

Be careful. When dog house builders make one, they don't use exactly the same material as a normal house, because they can cause harm. Asphalt shingles can cause over heating that leads to heat stroke. A metal roof, if rained on, can cause distress due to the amplified sound... think thunder levels from just rain. I'm not sure what would happen if concrete were used. So, you should ask someone that uses that material for a dog house or make mockups to test for safety.

[@brentdobson5264]

Am always much taken by the Japanese style boulders occasionally used as steps into elevated houses . One supposes greater solidity might be required .

[@marigeobrien]

@@confusedwhale -- ?? Where does he mention a dog house? He's talking about a playground. There's no reason to assume he wants to include a dog house.

[@Bleepbleepblorbus]

​@@marigeobrienI'm not sure but he probably got it from the word "dogs" That's just my guess

[@tng4550]

there are plenty of other demonstrations on youtube that can accomplish the task easier, faster and better.

[@paulgrenga125]

Thank you for the great idea. I used foam board rather than plywood. Workout well and the “boulder” was even lighter.

[@Ysalomet]

Hey... How did you attach the wire fabric to the foam board without it pulling out and damaging the frame before the quikrete can set?

[@simonr6793]

This idea 💡 turned out great 👍 just one suggestion and that is be really careful whenever you need to check your utilities underneath the rock as you never know what you will encounter, could very easily be a bloody poisonous snake 🐍!!!

[@rickbond79]

Use more mesh to cover the base?

[@NoSuffix]

That's the 1st thing I thought of whiling watching the video too.

[@breakrite9785]

Wow. Neat idea. Not only hides the meter but gave the local snakes a place to party!

[@jeremykendall-thomas7300]

Jaw drop! Chef's kiss! I've built my share of this and that, but compared to the ease, minimal amount of materials+time+cost, and overall result... DAAAAAMMN! You've made me look a fool. Super duper impressed!

[@datalaforge]

Everything feels so impossible right now, it's great to see someone tackle a solvable problem!

[@a.c9952]

A natural looking climb wall sounds fantastic

[@jamesnichols7583]

I would like to see that climbing wall you’re thinking about that would be an awesome project

[@SynergyAVE]

Quikwall is not designed to be used in this manner, so I would be careful building anything that someone would be walking, climbing, or hanging on. Its compressive strength is MUCH lower than typical concrete, although the flexural strength is higher (due to the fibers). You have to love all the comments from people who said you should have done this or that. It is SOOOOO much easier to critique someone else's work than take the time to build it yourself :)

[@ColdWarVet607]

To make the surface look realistic, use the existing pieces of rock rubble to make an imprint/texture onto the semi dry cement surface.

[@joehureau6251]

Crafty and well done, no wasted talky talk all right to the point. Thanks

[@rowgler1]

Have you ever used Spider Lath in your projects? I use it with the surface bonding cement and a hand help mortar sprayer to do ferrocement (with no iron) projects. Stone veneer mortar also works well. Spider Lath is fiberglass so it will never rust, also lighter and less expensive. I always save the little scraps for details. Small zip ties work well to hold it together.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

I would love to see your climbing wall design come to fruition.

[@SylviaDallas]

Making concrete orchid pots is my Covid therapy. It's one thing to work fro. Home voluntarily, but quite another matter when you have no choice. When I have a knotty work problem or just tired of being cooped up in the house, I just go and make some concrete pots. You just gave me a great idea for a doghouse. I just need to find the equivalent product here in Jamaica

[@Rhinav]

The easy way i did it was with a plastic bag layed over other rocks or filled with trash then covered with concrete. Then use other rocks, spoon, fingers, anything to stamp in a texture. Finaly leave in water or covered with plastic 4 days to cure.

[@nriqueog]

There is a video on Concrete Bags that make the mixing process easier. You simply empty the 50 lb. bag into it and then add water. It's a like the old "Shake N Bake" bags except with concrete mix. When it's fully mix then just empty into the plastic box.

[@crossbowmd61]

When's that last time you "Shake-N-Baked", a 50 pound bag of anything?

[@nriqueog]

@@crossbowmd61 haha...putting in ALL 50 lbs would defeat the purpose. You do a little at a time. ;)

[@workshop_edits]

I love that you just made making custom rocks for literally anything so accessible. The huge range of applications this has - my head is already spinning for my yard right now - it's so one of those things that is so simple and effective because it's so smart. I watch all your stuff - but for some reason this might take the cake for all time usefulness for my own DIY applications.

[@jimmacaulay844]

I want a *LARGE* landscape boulder in my yard, been thinking about it for years. Real ones cost a fortune to ship, and fiberglass fakes aren't big enough. You just solved my problem!!! Thank you!

[@annapoliti7049]

get a real one if you're going big. it will pay off over time :)

[@annapoliti7049]

sprayed concrete probably best :) As big as you like and last a long time.

[@njmcliffe]

Tatooine-style dome roofed hot tub building.

[@davidreynolds6535]

Nice boulder and a great snake den too.

[@TheSupershaibani]

I would suggest you dip a cloth in concrete and place it on a rock and t will dry and take the shape. Much simpler

[@troyperry1231]

The climbing wall idea sounds great.

[@fishheadlemonsnack824]

Interesting. In home construction we place the blocks end to end so their expansion doesn't create destructive movement. I like this.

[@tammiecarbohn6796]

I really need to build one of these to cover my septic clean out.

[@bmarie8965]

Just make it darker so it blends in more . Looks pretty real..I heard Yu can chicken wire around tires and do this as well

[@chu4041]

Would love to see a natural stone patio furniture set!

[@peachyduck]

That's what I was thinking also

[@ppacal1098]

Awesome job, for those of us creative heads lots of potential here.

[@mannyramirez8249]

This is how they build stucco houses in Florida.

[@encara1]

This is great for off grid, hiding extra Supplies or gear for later use !! 👍👍🎉🎉🍺🍻🍺🍻

[@mariamercy7317]

Wow nice! I see this video a year later, just when I need it.... The comments and ideas here are great 👍

[@Huldster]

Love how you went from a diy joint roller to diy big ass boulder

[@DaveHendersonFakeRockVideos]

Very interesting. You can also make a pile of dirt/packable sand and then proceed with the mesh over that and cement coats. Nice color too! :) - Dave Henderson, Faux Rock Contractor

[@Crime-Politics]

Thanks, Dave. Brilliant video, my thoughts: 'and now the version without the expensive tools..?'

[@joshthewolf11]

Could you attach one of those mesh sheets to an interior wall and do the same process for a faux concrete accent wall?

[@confusedwhale]

That's what they do for stucco walls. You can watch videos on how to do it exactly, but you can leave it smooth instead of adding texture. You can also look into using colored plaster instead to minimize the added weight and cost of concrete... which happens to be less environment friendly compared to plaster.

[@BlossomPainting]

Yes

[@tyleryamnik1400]

Sure, and try using rocks stamps, skins, or rollers to add realistic rock texture.

[@grat2010]

I just back from buying groceries, which is probably why i thought you were holding up a giant potato in the thumbnail.

[@aprilannanikacanlastvchann4596]

Yes I thought it was a 🥔 giant potato harvested ..

[@Darkice77]

I'm working on a new rock using Portland cement mixed with clay from my yard. 20% cement and 80% clay. I am adding some coloring to make the rock look like it has natural layers. So far it looks really good.

[@PlayNowWorkLater]

I’m convinced. Going to make one. What a fun project

[@2209beata]

Perfect hiding place for snakes and other critters too 😁

[@Habibigrajeda]

Love your idea I think will work 👌 for my next car show and use it to display my Jeep thank you !

[@MoPoppins]

That climbing wall would be inviting to even MORE of your friends to make an excuse to visit! Depending on how grand it ends up being, you could even end up having events there, that also revolve around other activities.

[@majorleaguinfidel]

Was I the only one who thought...."Way to go, you just built a future rattlesnake den" or nah?

[@MyFoot]

Nah, I thought that too. Second thought was about meter accessibility codes.

[@rickbond79]

​@@MyFoot Use more mesh to cover the base?

[@frontiervirtcharter]

Put together a few rows of pigeon spikes on a frame so it won't be so comfortable for the critters.. Like a giant version of the spines that tarantulas grow to keep smaller bugs off their backs

[@ruthdoyle9085]

Consider soaking a sheet or canvas in sloppy cement or mortar water mix and draping over a similar shape until it hardens. Then continue to add layers of cement “paint” to strengthen it...

[@stevegunderson2392]

I would use roofing asphalt sheet, tar paper (much cheaper) instead of mesh that way I could use the plywood form for another boulder.

[@Darkice77]

You don't need the plywood at all. Just use the wire mesh to shape what you need. I did something like this for a giant 5 foot high boulder in my yard with 2 boulders on the front corners and on the middle pocket area is giant elephant ears. All of my neighbors asked where i got the giant bounders lol. I wanted mine to be a little heavy so i added more layers on the outside and inside. I used 3 different colors to add some contrast. It almost looks like a line of quarts going through it.

[@rudydawgs]

That's what I'm hoping to do for my garden - make a huge boulder. Did you use concrete or hypertufa?

[@Darkice77]

@@rudydawgs Concrete from Lowes. They even have different color dyes. If you want super white use Titanium dioxide powder.

[@Darkice77]

@@rudydawgs You can also use Styrofoam sheets of insulation for support and shape. Its lighter than plywood.

[@garagemonkeysan]

I'm feeling the next trend. Flintstone furniture. Great video. Mahalo for sharing! 🐵🐿️🐿️🐿️

[@crossbowmd61]

Just saw the video, and your comment. A 'Yabba Dabba Doozy' of an idea!

[@shirley9066]

My house was robbed of everything, I thought instead of buying new furniture cement furniture like the flintstones wd/ be a good idea.😁👍

[@A2ZHandyman]

Nice video. I'm about to modify an existing faux rock structure. Using haudralic cement is a long term solution. You can also use quickcrete colorant and add it to the cement. Might save you a step as you won't need to add dirt. Hydraulic cement has a 5 minutes work time and molds like clay. No ribs needed. Just use wire mesh to create the rough shape and apply the cement. Good video, thanks.

[@LuisLopez-zg4ln]

Fierce bud.quick and to the point

[@flaxenware]

I just pulled a big concrete mass from a broken fence post hole. I didn't know what to do with the big concrete monstrosity! I can't put it in my garbage bin. I thought of burying it somewhere but I don't really have a spot in my yard for that. But now I think I'll turn it into a decorative boulder. Totally going to try it!

[@luchied.3865]

I don't need a boulder but watched this great video anyways. Looks real. 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@romusb5422]

This is so cool! and! This is one technique how 3d modelers model boulders inside the 3d program like Maya or 3d Max using Splines, lofting and extruding.

[@JohnMadeit]

Looks good. A bit too good. Hope you dont have problems finding the utility equipment 😂

[@FisherCatProductions]

I just started making stepping stones from hypertufa. I think it would also create a very organic look if used for boulders. Immana try it!

[@momagerforjnone6506]

WOW, VERY CREATIVE! We’re going to attempt to make two of these to boarder either side of our main entrance gate . Thanks for sharing!

[@thewoodsystyle]

How'd it turn out?

[@Kricnit]

You could have done the same thing with cardboard boxes and plastic grid mesh. Wood and stainless is way overkill. 😂

[@REdgar66]

Thanks for posting this. You just helped me save a lot of money and back ache .

[@PrimevilKneivel]

I used to build climbing walls. You could definitely use this technique, but in reality a wall made from flat panels is more versatile.

[@flubalubaful]

When the cement is wet ...2nd coat ,take some smaller rocks with irregular surface and push into the cement to give it some texture.

[@magnuswootton6181]

composited that one in beautiful i wasnt expecting it to work either!!!

[@DanteVelasquez]

Pretty good?! That is indistinguishable from the natural landscape. Very clever :-)

[@anikac8380]

It would be cool to make a boulder which was a doghouse. It would involve mindful finishing on the interior to avoid injury by the metal mesh, but that’s still doable. I think a lot of people could use a package drop, a place that’s locked into which delivery drivers could deposit your packages. The ones I’ve seen look like teensy dog Houses by the door. I’m also thinking of Halloween displays and stage sets. And. . . I am not the first person to think this would be an awesome clubhouse for a kid, am I? When I was small, I was into secret hideouts. How cool to have a secret hideout that’s was not going to put your life at risk and which could be within side of the house? Yes, I like the idea of a secret cave.

[@CZsWorld]

You rock

[@ameliaflowers9836]

Genius!! Thank You for Posting this !!!

[@David-dd7qe]

Not sure if this channel is still active but how much did you have in making that, dollar amount? It looked great!

[@christielbates]

Wondering the same

[@latriciacagle4873]

Did you ever make a taller boulder to hide the pipes nearby? I didn’t see a video on your channel for it.

[@DarrrenMovie]

Bro this is such a quality tutorial. Nicely done :)

[@IzzyEatz]

Great lid hider for your bunker

[@bikinggal1]

I was thinking this would make a great boulder in a front yard to put your house number! Thanks for the vid! Looks great

[@brucereeves244]

Great information. I am researching much larger boulders that measure roughly 18 w× 30 meters in overall length. The problem is get the rough sections that are completely random in shape. Some are 12 to 14 Meyers high. I could build one big enough to actually use as a habitat with room and amenities excellently very roomy. I could actually install plumbing and toilet. It's about 5 feet to the bedrock so I could make large and still blend with the terrain. Just need to perfectly match to the surround rock and terrain. I really felt lucky to make a find like this. The ones in the past still exist but also don't blend perfectly.

[@bmarie8965]

My neighbors would think I had super powers picking it up 😆

[@MyFoot]

Just be wary of picking it up later to have a look at the meter. I bet that critters would love to have that as a nice shady spot to hide/sleep/whatever. Also, how are local codes about meter accessibility?

[@DiffEQ]

Those aren't pan head screws. They're pointed lathe screws.

[@jerrybrown4595]

Play this for Quikrete, maybe they will sponsor you. Clever idea

[@JT-xt8bh]

Brilliant Ideas 👌👌Thanks for posting

[@LucidDreamer54321]

The most seems good. Bit the smoothness of the contour makes it looks suspicious. The boulder needs random flat areas and sharp angles that look like cracks. Look at the rocks surrounding the boulder at 4:25. The boulder doesn’t seem to belong with that setting.

[@julianfrazier1449]

Looks great! I'd just keep in mind using caution as it may become a home to something wild

[@danthemakerman]

Looks good man totally blends in not like those hide a key rocks.

[@Zoo_pickles]

"Salt bae"🤣.... Awesome video thx for sharing. Just what I need for these unsightly pipes in my front yard

[@deyjavu7473]

great idea to cover those meters

[@Rayztubes]

It looks like a pillow someone left in the desert.

[@porkchop8542]

That’s where pillows are “harvested”

[@thingstosell]

Nice! I want to build a small one with a landscaping light in it. The ones commercially sold are not the size I need.

[@anton1949]

I remember an episode of Wagon Train with a gunfight in the desert among huge boulders. A guy with a rifle ran up to a rock the size of a Volkswagen and leaned on to shoot, it moved about 6 inches.

[@CrudeButEfficient]

Nice organic shape!

[@sliceofbread2611]

best shapes are are local organic homegrown!

[@paulodeoliveira3368]

I noticed the natural landscape rocks were geometric and angular (not rounded).. If you could do it again would you try make a plywood box out of non square/rounded rocks that you can apply your final finish to?

[@warpspeed9877]

Excellent snake hide!

[@aldoaranda4222]

looks like a T-rex egg......:) Nice job!

[@TammieBuckeye]

I would like to use them in making a waterfall. Not the main rock part but ones laying near by.

[@12vLife]

Awesome! Wondering if possible to do this with Portland Cement and white sand earth on my property? Also if possible with just crunched up mesh around crossed 2x4s instead of the fancy framing.

[@serpzero]

Love the climbing wall idea

[@elidabyard6100]

Could you use stones like these for a pond and waterfall?

[@PacoOtis]

Dude! Very well done! I hope you are a teacher of some sort as you make such an excellent presentation. Best of luck!

[@eddielee5238]

You did a great job! Many thanks for sharing !!

[@DianaLuckysova]

That's a cool idea!

[@sorinankitt]

Good idea. In wet zones use treated ground contact wood.

[@Ysalomet]

...Does Plywood comes in a ground contact version?

[@frontiervirtcharter]

@@Ysalomet Yes.. Price is through the roof these days like every other building material , about 60 bucks for a full sheet of 3/4

[@Ysalomet]

@@frontiervirtcharter Yikes! Thanks for the heads up

[@mawi1172]

Great idea. What have you done lately? 🤩🤩

[@MuskratOutdoors]

This would be a great thing to hide a trail camera, or security camera inside of.

[@malcolmcurtis9786]

That’s an expensive way to make a rock ,but made a good job well done 👍👍👍👍🇬🇧