Use Old Stones To Create Budget-Friendly Pavers With A Unique DIY

Cultivating a stunning backyard oasis isn't just about big picture features like landscaping and patio furniture. It also requires carefully selected embellishments that tie the entire environment together. Sometimes adding even the smallest of details can lead to a more full-bodied, compelling backyard design.

If you're on a budget or you're just feeling crafty, you can easily DIY stunning backyard features. One great, beginner-friendly project to try is crafting unique pavers using old stones and just a couple of other basic materials. You can craft a simple mosaic design with even the simplest spare rocks and gravel. As an added bonus, this project requires strictly sustainable materials to make your paver.

This project doesn't require a ton of elaborate materials. First things first, you'll need a wood frame to shape your paver. It can be any shape you fancy. Squares are always a safe, easy-to-construct bet, but you can also opt for a rectangle or even a hexagon shape. Regardless, the frame should have a depth of at least 5 inches to allow for enough room to work. You'll also need small stones. Whether you have leftover rocks from a yard border or other DIY project, this is the perfect opportunity to use them up. The stones should vary in size and color, and provide enough materials to create a mosaic design. We suggest using at least two different colors, but you can go beyond that for an even more varied design. Once you have your frame and stones, find plastic sheeting and gather cement, steel mesh, and a finishing trowel.

Start by filling your frame with a layer of sand. Trace the general shape you're going to create in the sand. You can be as simple or intricate as you would like. Organize your stones by size and color to make it easier to fill in your design. Take your time building your pattern and arranging your stones to create a cohesive mosaic.

Once your pattern is finalized, pour a layer of concrete into your frame, completely covering your stones. Cut a layer of steel mesh to fit the frame. Place it on top of the wet cement to reinforce the paver. Add another light layer of cement and smooth it down with a finishing trowel. Allow your creation to dry completely. Once the cement has set, carefully remove the paver from the frame.

You can stop here and place your decorative paver in your garden or a bare spot in your yard. If you're feeling ambitious, you can create enough pavers to make a walkway or even a gorgeous outdoor patio. Repeat the steps above until you have enough pavers. To install your path or patio, dig about 8 inches of soil from the area. Put down 3 inches of gravel and compact it with a tamper. Now place your pavers. Whether you're creating a patio or a path, fill the space between the pavers with sand or gravel. Tamp it down to be even with your pavers. And there you have it! Whether you use this diy to create a subtle piece of yard decor or you make more to pull off a stunning backyard transformation, this is such a fun way to add personality to your outdoor area.