How to Make Pavers

Last Updated: August 23, 2019

Learn how pavers are made. Making your own pavers can be fun and rewarding. While professional pavers manufacturers make new and unique designs, they don't give you the option customizing pavers by adding, for example, your favorite symbol or sea glass. With these easy steps you can make customized pavers for your garden. Place them in your flower bed, by the front door, or alongside your patio pavers for a customized look.

Steps

1
Find a mold. Your paver can be made in any shape or size. You can either create a mold yourself or use something from around the house like a tin pan or deep baking tray. Make sure the mold is at least 2" thick.^{[1]
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2
Make your concrete mix by combining a ready-made mix, such as mortar or sand mix, and water. Stir in enough water to create a consistency that is similar to a mud pie.^{[2]
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3
Spray your mold with non-stick cooking spray.^{[3]
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4
Pour the concrete mixture into the mold. Start by pouring in the middle and move the mold around for even distribution. Make sure there are no bubbles.^{[4]
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5
Remove any access water with a paper towel or rag.
6
Place decorations on the top. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality so be as creative as you like. Some suggestions: sea glass, marbles, hand prints, initials.
7
Remove the paver from the mold after it has dried for 48 hours. You should be able to turn it over and tap it out.
8
Moisten and cover the paver. Allow it to set for an additional two weeks.
9
Place your paver in the ideal location and enjoy!^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

Where can I get a circlular frame?

Community Answer

You can use a string of the radius you need tied to a round dowel to mark out the area for your circle. Then put wooden stakes into the ground every few inches around the circumference and either use cardboard lined with a piece of painters' plastic to create your frame, or use flat rolls of aluminum gutter material or seamed painters' canvas drop cloths to make forms. Support your form with those wooden stakes. Save the canvas idea for after you know how it works. Cardboard and thin wood lined with plastic is easy to make into most any shape for forming concrete. Home improvement stores sell cardboard column-forming tubes if needed. Some people use PVC, poly, or rubber sheeting to make their forms.
Question

When I remove the forms from the concrete pavers, why do they crumble?

Community Answer

The cement powder and water mixture needs to be correct in order to have a paver come out of the form correctly. Research for your area of the country as to what combination of products work best because it will be impacted by types of materials and local environment conditions.
Question

What is the purpose of moistening and covering for two weeks?

Community Answer

If the concrete dries out, it will stop curing. The longer concrete cures, the stronger it will be. After two weeks, concrete has achieved about 90% of its strength. (Compressive strength.)