Use Old Plant Saucers To Create Budget-Friendly Pavers With This Clever DIY

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It's not only about blossoming flowers or a dreamy green lawn. A beautiful and functional outdoor requires a balanced blend of both living elements and great hardscaping in your yard. A winding paved walkway, concrete patio, or wooden deck help provide the structure for a stylish home. The only catch is, a hardscaping facelift is often a big budget undertaking. One way to slash those costs is by making your own budget-friendly pavers for your yard. And instead of heading to the store to buy pricey paver molds, just upcycle old plant saucers you may have lying around. The plastic ones work best and all you need to do is prepare a simple concrete mix, pour it into the saucer, wait for it to set and you have your round paver stepping stones ready.

When selecting plant saucers for this DIY, opt for the large size ones (the standard size for stepping stones is 12 to 18 inches in diameter). Besides the saucer, you'll also need some cooking oil to make the mold non-stick, a mixing tub, trowel, water, and protective gear. Finally, get a bag of concrete mix like Quikrete to make your work easier. Alternatively you can blend your own concrete mix using a 1-2-3 formula of one part cement, two-part sand and lastly three parts gravel.

TikToker @gardenwiththando posted a video showing just how to do it all. First you start by oiling the inner surfaces of the plant saucers. Next, you should put on your protective gear, including gloves and a dust mask then prepare the concrete mix by combining it with water according to the instructions given on the packaging. Aim for an oatmeal-like texture without any dry mix pockets. Then, using your trowel, pour the mixture into your saucer molds. Once done, tap the sides of the saucer, while gently jiggling the mold to release any left-over air bubbles for a solid smooth finish. Then leave the concrete mix to firm up and set for about 24 to 48 hours before popping them out of the plant saucers. You should then leave them for another three to seven days to completely cure in a well ventilated and shaded spot.

You can also add a fun personal touch to your yard with unique DIY stepping stone ideas. For example, before the concrete mix dries, wedge in pieces of colorful broken glass to create a beautiful mosaic pattern. Or you can add pebbles for a rustic look or shells for a beach vibe. And if you wait until the concrete is firm but pressable, just grab a stick and draw different shapes on it or make hand and footprints for DIY sentimental stepping stones. Alternatively, simply painting the pavers once they're dry is an easy and straightforward way to make them stand out. Once you're done curing and customizing your pavers, you can now install your DIY paver stepping stones and upgrade your yard.