DIY garden path tiles: photo instructions

Recommendation points

• Stage 1: Create a tile shape and stencil
• Stage 2: Mixing the concrete
• Stage 3: Fill in the form
• Stage 4: Selecting the drawing on the tile
• Stage 5: Final

A unique garden path can add personality to your garden. To make it, you do not need to use special tools and skills. And the materials from which you can make it are inexpensive and affordable. Let’s look at the photo instructions for making it together..

We offer you a simple technology for making concrete tiles with your own hands. The structure of the finished tile allows water to seep through it, which prevents puddles on the surface and possible slipping. The tile is decorated with a pattern created using two fillers of different sizes or colors.

For work we need materials:

1. Cement (grade 400, 500).
2. Filler (in this case, fine gravel and coarser limestone were used).
3. Water.
4. Beam – 40×80 mm – about 2 m.
5. A piece of plywood or OSB board – 50×50 cm or more.
6. Plastic film – 60×60 cm.
7. Small nails – 10-12 pcs.
8. Styrofoam ceiling plinth – 2 m.
9. Self-tapping screws – 8 pcs.

Tools and fixtures:

1. 2 large buckets, 10-12 L each.
2. 2 small containers, 3–4 l each.
3. Drill with wire brush.
4. Screwdriver or screwdriver.
5. A hammer.
6. Measuring capacity.
7. Hand or circular saw.

Stage 1: Create a tile shape and stencil

Let’s start by applying the contour of the desired pattern to the plywood, after which we will fix the sides of the wooden form. In our example, the letter “T” is applied.

We screw the sides of the form to the plywood base with self-tapping screws. In our case, the inner size of the mold was 40×40 cm. We attach the mold with self-tapping screws to the bottom so that it can be disassembled for easy extraction of the finished tile..

Along the inner edge of the form, we fix the ceiling corner with nails. We create a frame from it, which will round the corners of the finished product..

We make a separate form of cardboard for the stencil and fix it on the plywood. To do this, we use scotch tape and materials at hand to give the necessary bends..

Stage 2: Mixing the concrete

For permeable concrete we will use cement, filler, some sand and water.

We start by making a mixture for the drawing. Mix cement, sand and gravel in a bucket in a ratio of 1: 3: 5 by weight. Add water in a ratio of 1: 0.5 to cement and stir the mixture until the solution evenly envelops the entire filler. If necessary, add cement or water in small portions, constantly stirring the mixture.

In the same way, in another bucket, prepare a mixture with a second filler..

Stage 3: Fill in the form

First, we spread the mixture in layers of 2-3 cm in a stencil and tamp it with a wooden block.

Then we remove the stencil and begin to fill with the second solution all the remaining voids in the form.

After filling and tamping the entire form, cover it with polyethylene and leave to dry for a day.

Stage 4: Selecting the drawing on the tile

After the concrete has dried, remove the polyethylene and disassemble the mold.

Turning the tile over to the front form.

Using a drill attachment or an ordinary cord brush, remove a layer of cement from the rubble to highlight the pattern. When working, moisten the surface so that cement dust is less scattered.

Stage 5: Final

If you have reached this stage, then your tile is already ready! Now you can check how well water seeps through the tiles..

And now you can make the required number of tiles in the same way. As a stencil, you can use not only letters, but also the outlines of animals and birds.

You can also use other colors of gravel as a filler and make colorful, attractive garden path tiles..