How to build DIY concrete pavers?

[Lynny28]

I have been looking at different moulds to make some concrete pavers for my back yard and was wondering if quick set concrete would be ok for this. Also want to have coloured pavers, is it best to use paint or add in colour. Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Lynny28 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about making your own pavers.

I propose using standard Bastion 20kg Premix Concrete as it gives you time to properly shake the mould and get rid of any trapped air pockets in the mix. It also allows you to mix a larger quantity and do several moulds, it does not rush you to finish the mould unlike a quick set mix where you have a fixed time to work with the cement. In regards to colour, I propose using Dulux Avista Oxide 1kg Sandstone Cement Colouring for permanent colouring. However, the option to paint the surface of the concrete paver is open to you, but it will not last as long as oxide colouring.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[MitchellMc]

I'd be keen to hear more about the style of paver you wish to create @Lynny28. Are you going for an organic shape or square-sided? It's worth keeping in mind that there are quite a few budget-friendly pavers on offer. I'm a great fan of the Tuscan Path 400-600mm Bluestone Stepping Stone, that have a beautiful natural finish. However, there are also coloured options available.

Mitchell

[Lynny28]

I’m actually looking at the different moulds I can buy to make the pavers. I’ve seen many different ones including sunflowers, turtles and square one with patterns. Haven’t quite decided yet which I’m going to go with.

[EricL]

Hello @Lynny28 

Thanks for sharing that information about the paving moulds you are looking at. Please make sure to post a photo update of your choice so that we can see which mould you've chosen.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Jason · Accepted solution]

Just thought I'd tag @Herrenovacation in this discussion as they shared their D.I.Y. stepping stones project with us that you might get inspiration from.

Jason

[Herrenovacation]

Thanks for tagging me @Jason 

@Lynny28 I couldn't find a mould I liked as I wanted a more natural looking stone, and I used lime wash to make mine white. I am on the lookout for other coloured pigments that are not necessarily paint for my next project so if you come across anything I'd love to hear about it. 

[Lynny28]

Hi. I’ve just made my first pavers. The first ones had a few dimples, but after reading up on google my second ones turned out much better. I used the dulux avista to colour the pavers but only used half the recommended amount as I didn’t want them too dark. I’m very happy with the colour and hopefully no dimples in the next ones.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Lynny28,

I love the pavers you've produced, and you can really see the improvement from the first batch to the second.

Did you end up vibrating them more the second time?

Getting the air bubbles out is crucial to getting a perfectly smooth finish.

Nice work, and thank you for sharing the results.

Jacob

[Lynny28]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for liking my pavers. 
I was more careful with the second batch, putting in a small amount of concrete at a time and spreading it out rather than dividing the mix between the 3 molds and then spreading it out. Once the concrete was in there I lifted the mold a couple of times and dropped it to try to get rid of the air bubbles. I kept going back every 15 mins or so for the 1st hour and lifting and dropping. Seems to have done the trick.