Stepping Stones
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: September 15, 2010
Instructions for making tile stepping stones:
Tools needed:
- Hammer
- Mortar trowel
- Notched trowel
- Level
- Gloves and Protective eyewear.
Materials needed:
- Variety of colored floor tiles
- Old towel or large piece of cloth
- Thin-set mortar mix
- Grout mix
- Sponge
- Pre-formed concrete stepping stones
Steps for making stepping stones
1. Pre-soak the stones. Soak the concrete stones for several hours prior to beginning the project.
2. Choose your tiles. When choosing your floor tile, be sure they are all the same thickness. Different thickness will result in an uneven surface.
3. Break the Tiles. Cover the tiles with an old towel or large piece of cloth. Using a regular hammer, break the tiles. Be sure to wear gloves an protective eyewear when handling and breaking the tiles.
4. Create your pattern. Using the pieces of broken tile, plan out your design, either on one of the stones or a piece of paper cut to the size of the stone’s surface.
5. Mix the mortar and apply it to your stone. Be sure the thin-set mortar is mixed until it is smooth and to the proper consistency. Using your trowel, apply it to stone. Use your notched trowel to spread it evenly.
6. Transfer your tiles to the stone. Once you have placed all the tiles in the pattern, use your level to push the tiles into the mortar mix. Be sure the surface is smooth and level.
7. Let the stone dry overnight.
8. Grout the stone. Using your trowel, push the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Cover the entire surface of the stone with grout. After about an hour, take a moist sponge and polish the tiles. Let the grout dry thoroughly before placing the stone in the landscape.
