DIY Large Concrete Stepping stones for Pathways, Firepits & Seating Areas

[@OneBeeAtWork]

I am just in awe at your work! This is the best tutorial I have seen thus far! THANK YOU 🙏🏾

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you! So glad it’s helpful

[@avillalpa51]

Nice 👍🏼

[@CVenza]

So glad I found you! You are so positive and the young man that helps you is a sweetheart and very talented. I am binge watching your videos now as my time allows. 🙏

[@peggybrown4783]

This was the best and most helpful video I’ve watched. I love that you talked about things you wished you did differently. Really appreciate it!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

That’s wonderful to hear Peggy. I’m so glad!

[@christinepalomovideos]

I am excited to use this stone method for the 7 steps to my Mama Mary Grotto! Thank you!!!

[@suecapra5005]

I have added just latex paint to the mix, this adds color and disposes of excess paint that needs to be gotten rid of.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

interesting. i'd like to know how that holds up over time. Thanks for sharing!

[@lis819]

Thanks for this...I like the idea of just marking the ground and putting the concrete down... instead of the trouble of doing formwork...also starting from the back is a first rate idea!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Wonderful. I'm glad it was helpful and would love to hear back if you do complete your project. Have a wonderful day!

[@m.r.3925]

Thank you for this! I've been wanting to do this, and not have to worry about putting any gravel or anything underneath. Shows me it can be done!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

So glad to hear it was helpful!

[@maryhernandez1978]

This came out beautifully! Awesome job!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you! I guess I’m into pathways. Lol 🤣

[@debbiejohnson4034]

Very helpful thanks, getting ready to make stepping stones for my garden.

[@terricafree2776]

HOW MANY STONES DO THE 80LB BAG MAKE?

[@Mike-ye8qv]

2 square feet if there 4 inch deep

[@hissonshinegirl]

3 units. Each $6.58 Florida HD will cover 1.80 cu. ft. $19.74 Est. Total 3x2x3” deep Include an extra 10% to cover

[@terricafree2776]

@hissonshinegirl THANK YOU

[@sandiferfamily6321]

Oh my gosh this is exactly what i needed!!!! I’ve got a skinny driveway, and my husband’s grandmother has a hard time walking on the grass to the porch. So I’m SO excited to give her and others a more solid but visually appealing surface to walk on!!!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Great! You can also make them smoother. Our last ones look nicer bc we started smoothing them out a little more. Glad to hear it was helpful info!

[@betha8761]

This has been extremely helpful, Thank You! I was thinking of doing the exact same thing in different areas on my property. Helpful to find out the hole should be at least 2” deep. Great to see that it’s so easy and not have to bother to go find external molds. No need for a mold and cheaper when the ground is the mold! Great job, Thank you so much for sharing!!🕊🌸🕊

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

So glad to hear it was helpful 🙂

[@joycemcinnis5457]

Love it. I watched 3 other videos in which they used food trays & tops or made a mold out of wood. I like this one better, pouring directly on the ground. Thanks

[@weekendhomeprojects]

Your pine straw looks so good!!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

😁 well thank you!

[@nicolelast2651]

They look really fantastic. Super impactful. LOVE.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you so much!

[@scottburns9135]

Good information

[@7pinkelephants783]

Thank you so much for this idea! I hate all the molds and they're so expensive and I just wanted to plop my concrete down and be done and have nice stepping stones so this idea is gold!!! Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

So happy to hear that! Enjoy your project.

[@amberjay5361]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for the helpful video. I’ve watched SEVERAL about these type of stepping stones and this is by far the best video. Yay! I’m excited to try it now!

[@joprent6727]

Thanks for this. No fuss. 👍😊

[@saranewcom7482]

This is great!! Thank you for the tutorial. How many 80 lb bags did it take to make all of yours?

[@52daa]

Just found this video, very well made I like the stones, maybe I could make a standing spot in front of my garden tool shed, it’s a Rubbermaid small shed😊

[@michelewehinger5460]

Excellent video. Thank you . What about winter? I live in NJ. They might crack with the cold temperatures.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

You know, I thought mine was going to die when we had freezing temperatures but they come back. The leaves browned and looked unkempt though. I’m in a subtropical climate. They are hardy down to 55F but we’ve had freezing temperatures over several days. If I was in a climate that froze over more regularly, I would either put it in a pot and bring it into a patio for protection over winter or cut it down at the beginning of winter and mulch well. You might take a chance on it dying but you might be surprised that it makes it. Another thing is you could take a small rooting and save it in a pot over winter and replant in the spring. They are so hardy that you’ll get so much new growth from a baby plant every single year. Good luck!

[@amusementparkcarnivalvarie9268]

I think this reply must be for another video. I would like to know too how to deal with the stones over winter. I live in freezing and thaw extremes. It sounds like you're answering a question about a plant? lol @@homeandlifewithcynthia

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

@@amusementparkcarnivalvarie9268 hi! These stepping stones where made a while back and have been in freezing temperatures for two seasons, buuuutttt I live in Savannah, GA so I have mild winters. Do you typically have problems with commercial type stepping stones or concrete? I know when I go visit family in Indiana their roads are so bad. I assume it’s inevitable but I’m not sure.

[@robertpapps3618]

Great idea for a simple patio or walkway.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Glad you like it!

[@kadiva3429]

Absolutely love your presentation 💜 great video

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you so much!

[@vfetters1]

I love this, pouring directly onto the gourd rather than using the plastic paver molds.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Glad to hear! ☺️ thank you!

[@patriciagarrett1054]

Awesome video. Making a path to my side gate from driveway.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Exciting!! Hope it turns out awesome!

[@lesboucher542]

If you, or someone viewing, wants a bit of colour (Aussie spelling LOL) you might add some concrete powder AFTER you have made the stones but while the concrete is still wet. I use 3 or 4 colours. One as a base colour, usually orange or yellow to blend in where I live, then brown, red and black powders for highlights. It gives a sort of sandstone look.... I hope this helps someone

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Awesome info. Thx!

[@fembot521]

Canadians use colour also!

[@cesargamboa1325]

Thanks, im working on my garden, ill try this..

[@TheCreativeVictor]

I love this idea! Don't have to create a mold!

[@cd8949]

Great video, thank you! Quick question, how many 80 lb bags did you use for the 85 stones? Do you recall? Thanks again for a really good tutorial

[@jayfridayaq]

Yes, I have the same question.

[@debbiemaness9800]

Me too. How many bags for the 85 stones

[@thegamingmom56]

Liked the video I'm going to make some blocks soon but I am getting materials right now almost done and ready just waiting for the next warm day

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Did you end up getting the stuff? I'd love to hear how it went. I also have made stones with a mold and let them dry, then added it as small stepping stones around my concrete patio. Hope your project turns out awesome!

[@sylmen1111]

Thank you I like the simple methods and you make it seem easy, and they look beautiful, love your backyard.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you! So glad it was helpful

[@adrianadebeer4958]

Thank you very much for this information very helpful

[@sammysworld5485]

I so want to create this as my garden walk way! Seemed easy enough. Looks amazing TY!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Get a helper and it will be fun and easy! It just takes a little patience ☺️

[@marymoyer1773]

I just watched your wonderful and helpful video.. I appreciate your sharing the technique and your tips of doing some of the things you found along the way to do a little differently. I am going to give this a try.. take care

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

That makes me happy. Thanks so much! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@melenelewis2955]

Love your stepping stones! I have made bird baths by making a hollow in the ground with a mound in the middle then pouring concrete over all and leveling it....leave for about 3 days to dry ..take it up and allow to dry completely. I use ochre powder in various colours adding into the concrete mix ....available at hardware stores ....works very well.

[@heidismith6148]

Awesome, you did a beautiful job

[@thefrenchgardener1865]

Nice job . . . that is a huge walkway!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thx and yes, yes it is. I had to stop at one point. Lol

[@shaunaburton7136]

This is great!!!!!!!!!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you! 😬❣️

[@cjrdeveaux]

@Bliss Home Garden, will this method work on a slope? What if the cement is mixed a little thicker maybe??

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

I would say yes, so long as it can stay still until it dries. And yes maybe a little thicker mix would help.

[@urbanistic5]

Love it , you are inspiration ! Thank you

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

You are welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Have a wonderful day!

[@roal1us]

This looks great. How many stones can you get out of one bag of quickcrete? Just trying to caculate my cost.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

I would say two big ones and one small one or 4 small/medium. Totally depends on the size you want to make. I said I made 75 in the video. I believe I purchased about 30 bags or so. Hope that helps and have an amazing project!

[@roal1us]

@@homeandlifewithcynthia Thank you so much! This was really helpful.

[@davecornish9315]

Thanks for the idea!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

You’re welcome. I’d love to hear if you ever get to doing your own. Have a great week!

[@BestyetJourney]

Yes this has been helpful

[@bebuchimummy]

The concrete path looks beautiful! I would love to see how you your wiring etc for the lights and hid the cords. Thanks.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Good idea!

[@robertthompson6002]

Hello, great video. How have the stones held up? I am thinking of doing this around our bird feeder.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

They’ve been holding out great. I also did this around my mothers fire pit and they are solid. You just gotta make sure they aren’t too thin and they set before you step on them. Good luck!

[@evilchaperone]

You could give those stones a light dusting of darker color spray paint to soften them up.

[@allies.9115]

I love those earrings!

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Hehehe i can’t believe I missed this comment. That’s so sweet. I got them for Christmas from the in-laws. I’ll have to let them know you said that ☺️

[@karenmueller6636]

Thank You sooo much for the video...I am making a list of materials now.....where can I purchase your soil knife?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Hi Karen, How exciting! Can't wait to hear how your project went. I got my knife from a friend as a Christmas gift, but you can also buy it at amazon. It's called a Hori Hori knife. My brother saw other brands that were less expensive, but I like mine bc it is so sturdy and so useful. The handle feels good on my hand, and it is well made. You'll see me using it all the time in my gardening videos. Here's a link for you if you'd like. amzn.to/3x5mHru

[@Donna-vh5ym]

Oh this was great. I just found you and I'm binge watching your videos. Please point me to how you did the lights. I actually found you when you showed us your interior paint color. I'm a fan.!!!!!!...❤❤❤❤

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3uvf36Dd5Z_lbc. I’ve improved the wiring and protected it better since the making of the video but I hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@Blessd-savingrace]

How many bags did it take 2 make the 75 stones?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Hi there! I used 30 bags to make those. One bag will make 3 big stones and 1 small stone or 4 small/medium stones. Of course, it depends on how big you make them and how deep, but I stuck to at least 2” deep for all of them. Hope that helps.

[@adrianadebeer4958]

I put my cement colour power on when concrete is stil wet.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Yes, definitely, that's how I should have originally done it. I didn't even think about color until after the fact. I hope yours turned out awesome! Thanks for sharing Adriana :)

[@MerkabaKid]

Brilliant.. Thank you! 🥰💜

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you for watching! Have a lovely week!

[@a.d.8792]

How have the steps held up over time?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Fantastic - no cracks or any kind, I’ve even moved some around when I removed that picket fence!

[@beabigirl2012]

Thank you

[@CB-sr8ee]

Nice! Have you tried a concrete stain meant for Re-coloring driveways, steps etc?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Not yet, do you have experience with any of that? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[@CB-sr8ee]

@@homeandlifewithcynthia I haven’t used the stain, but I’ve seen someone stain their patio in my neighborhood and it looked pretty nice!! I’ve only used concrete paint (not stain) indoors in my basement and it turned out well. Might be worth doing a small test to see what you think!

[@vickieayres3879]

Love it. Try concrete stain for color.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you!! I'll see how brave I can get and try some stains

[@brucepal3907]

How many bags of concrete did you use to make 1 stone?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

I made 2, 2 1/2 or 3 stones with one bag, depending on size

[@mariag.flores5642]

What about drainage if I was going to use this method closer to the house?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Hi Maria! You do need to think about drainage. If you have an area that seems low and you think water will collect, you might want to plan on making sure it’s higher and/or level. For the most part though I don’t have issues with that. Maybe watch your rain and see where water collects first? Then plan accordingly

[@capricornsun8251]

How many stones would 1 bag do?

[@mariag.flores5642]

Nice, can I add another kind of paint like regular paint to concrete?

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

I’ve been told by other viewers that there are several choices to paint concrete. They do have concrete paint at the big box stores. If you do it, please let me know. I’ve been considering doing some to test. If so, I’ll make a video and let you know. 😉

[@Skullfireranch]

You can concrete stain them for color

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Yeah I think there are a lot of Products out there. Thanks!

[@zerospawn7791]

Great video, fyi acid concrete stains can give this finished project a more natural rock look and not hard to do at all. 🤘

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Thank you!

[@hissonshinegirl]

I use large elephant ear leaves to cut the outline then pour wet cement then put the leaf back on top of the cement to make elephant ear walking stones

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Oh that's cool i like that. There's another KZbinr that uses elephant ears to make cool fountains with homemade Portland cement. I've been considering trying that.

[@hissonshinegirl]

@@homeandlifewithcynthia yes water flowing over Portland cement leaves cascading into a pond. Quite lovely. I use coat hanger wire as the stems for smaller leaves and fix them inside faux rocks before drying. With or with covering the steam in cement.

[@kim99may]

My mom did these and added embellishments to them. They moved them when they moved houses.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

Wow. That’s so cool!!

[@OohzyJohnDow]

LOL.. the consistency you need is like a pancake batter, but a thicker one LOL.. followed by a video of a guy scooping freaking thick oatmeal consistency :-D ..god bless you lady :-D

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

You are so right. When I made the video I was trying to figure out how to explain the consistency - in hindsight thick oatmeal would have been better. Thank goodness for visuals. Why didn't I think of that? 😂

[@OohzyJohnDow]

@@homeandlifewithcynthia It was cute and brought a wide cheeky smile on my face. Thank you for that.

[@johnl.6354]

Look like dinosaur pooh LOL the cover.

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

LOL that's funny. My first reaction was when did he see dinosaur pooh but now when I go out once in a while I think "let's go over by the dinosaur pooh" hahaha. Have a wonderful day!

[@Rubigirl4eva]

Reminds me lump potatoes

[@homeandlifewithcynthia]

🤣🤣🤣 welp, there you go! Have an awesome weekend! 😊

[@przypadkowyObywatel]

a few close to home it's ok, but pouring cement is a very bad idea we pour asphalt, concrete on every piece of nature, we put paving slabs, paving stones, nature has no place for itself on this planet wherever humans go, nature is destroyed because of the strange fashion of pouring concrete, laying garden foil and sucking stones around each plant. where do droughts come from, why are the forests on fire? there is no water in the ground . entire cities are concrete deserts do not pour concrete paths in the forest . it is our pride, a false sense of aesthetics. See how many people gave "I like". Tomorrow 1,000 people will do the same on their plot of land, and so exponentially more thousands will pour out concrete in the midst of nature. This is a harmful idea.

[@DebMetcalf]

Houses are built on concrete foundations. What is your solution?