Use This Amazon Find To DIY Elegant Looking Pavers On A Budget

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For many homeowners, the biggest challenge of adding pavers to their home is the price. After all, pavers and professional installation can be expensive. However, it doesn't mean you have to settle for a paver-less yard. If you enjoy DIY projects, reusable concrete molds offer a more affordable alternative. Take, for instance, the BETONEX Pathmaker Plastic Molds on Amazon, which allow homeowners to cast their own elegant pavers with a lily-inspired design. This makes it possible to build custom pavers at a budget without hiring an expensive contractor.

The pavers come in two sizes: The larger mold size measures 10.6 inches by 8.7 inches, while the smaller mold size measures 8.7 inches by 8.7 inches. Both molds are constructed from ABS plastic, and they are about 1.77 inches deep. You can use either concrete or plaster in these molds. Plus, according to the manufacturer, each mold set can be used to produce more than 500 tiles over its lifetime. This makes these molds a very cost-effective way to tackle a large garden paver project.

Buyers seem to like the molds, too. The reviews consistently mention that the finished pavers look impressive and hold up well once installed. There are a few concerns though. For instance, some customers note that the pavers can break during demolding, and a few others mention that the molds themselves crack only after a couple of uses. That said, the BETONEX Pathmaker Plastic Molds are still a good choice if you are planning to take on some DIY paver projects to elevate the look of your home.

One of the trickiest parts of using BETONEX Pathmaker Plastic Molds is removing the pavers, according to several customers. However, it is easy with a bit of preparation. All you need to do is make sure that you coat the base or inside of the molds with a generous amount of mold release formula, like Akona Concrete Form Release Agent. If you don't have a dedicated release product, you can also use cooking oil spray. However, no matter what you use, make sure to use plenty of it and cover every inch, using a fresh layer of oil or mold release agent before every pour. 

Once the concrete is poured, let it cure for about 24 hours. The concrete will shrink during this time, which naturally loosens its grip on the mold walls. Trying to remove the mold earlier will cause you to pull against a bond that has not yet released on its own, almost always resulting in a cracked or shattered paver. When pulling the paver out, try to resist the urge to reach for a hammer or a prying tool.

Furthermore, don't just settle for plain pavers. Instead, customize them by adding small decorative elements like river pebbles and glass beads. You can even DIY custom painted pavers to uplift and customize the look of your home. Lastly, if you ever find that the BETONEX Pathmaker Plastic Molds are out of stock, don't worry. You can also use old baking molds to create budget-friendly pavers.