How to Make Aggregate Patio Stones

A true staple of a showroom garden or any truly well kept landscaping project if aggregate patio stones. Aggregate patio stones are tightly packed pea gravel stones with a shiny metallic matte to finish the stone.  Why pay a pretty penny for manufactured aggregate stones when in a few easy steps you can make your own? Learn how to save yourself money and aggravation if you cannot locate exactly what you want.

1. Purchase pea sized stones. At your local hardware or gardening center purchase a large bag of pea sized stones. 


2. Wash the stones. Place them in a wheelbarrow and rinse the stones thoroughly.  Drain the wheelbarrow and repeat this process until the water runs clear.


3. Purchase or gather gravel. If on a budget keep in mind, that gravel can be found in the bed of a stream or river.


4. Prepare the molding. There are a variety of molds on the market to choose from.  A simplified mold with be thin and clear. Make sure that the mold has walls at least 2 inches thick to insure a great finished product.  Place your molds on a flat dry surface in the sun.


5. Place a layer of the small pre-washed pebbles in the molding.  The layer of stones should not be very thick. Make sure that it is a layer not a bunch of pebbles. There should be no visible gaps in the pebble layer.


6. Mix up the concrete in a separate wheelbarrow adding water in small increments. Once finished the concrete should be the density of cookie dough batter, smooth not runny.


7. Pour the concrete mixture into the mold evenly which should already have a layer of small stones in it. Cover the mold and allow the concrete to set per manufacturer’s instructions.


8. Finnish the aggregate stones. To unmold your stones slowly turn over the molding once dried. After unmolded, keep them on a flat surface and allow drying for at least another 24 hours. Apply a clear coat finish with a paintbrush to seal the concrete and you are ready for your stones to be placed.