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Want to add rocks to your landscaping, but don’t want to break the bank buying real rocks? Creating DIY fake boulders is the perfect way to add some pizzazz to your yard or garden without spending a ton of money. Plus, by making the rocks yourself, you can control the shape, look, and color of the stones (and they're much less heavy, too!). In this article, we’ll teach you how to make artificial rocks that blend in seamlessly with their surroundings.
Things You Should Know
- Create a base for the rock out of styrofoam, cardboard, or plywood. Cut the base down to the size and shape of your rock, then cover it in a mortar mix.
- Give your rock texture with a sponge or a trowel. Add gray or brown acrylic paint to make your rock look realistic.
- Use your fake rocks in your landscaping outside. Dig a small hole for the rocks to sit in to make them look more natural.
Steps
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Choose a material as a base for your rock's shape. You can use a variety of materials to create the shape of your rock. There are several common items you can choose from:- Styrofoam
- Cardboard
- Crumpled newspaper
- Plywood
- Expanding foam
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Cut the base into the rough shape of your rock. Use a handsaw or a jigsaw to cut your material into the rough shape of your rock. Remember, most rocks are not completely smooth, so give your shape textures and dimples as you cut. [1] X Research source- A hot wire foam cutter works well to shape styrofoam.
- If you’re using plywood or cardboard, cut small squares and then stack them on top of each other to create a rock shape. Then, use a saw to cut off the hard edges and smooth them out.
- To make a rock out of expanding foam, spray the foam into a circular pile, then wait for it to harden. Use a saw to shave down the sides and smooth the foam into a rock shape.
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Cover your rock shape in chicken wire or hardware cloth . Use a metal mesh to wrap the rock shape. The metal gives strength to your artificial rock and provides a structure for the cement mortar mix to adhere to. [2] X Research source- Use wire twist ties to secure the wire frame to your rock base.
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Refine the curves of your rock. To make the most natural looking rock, bend and shape the wire form around your rock shape. Natural rocks have dips and creases; simulate these shapes by pushing your wire form in various places to create uneven surfaces. [3] X Research source
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Combine dry ingredients for mortar mix. Mix 3 parts sand with 1 part portland cement. Add all the ingredients to a wheelbarrow or concrete mixer, depending on the size of rock you are creating and amount of mortar you are mixing. [4] X Research source- You can reduce the sand, and add 1 part peat moss to create a more porous artificial rock. [5] X Research source
- If you want to use the fake rocks in an area exposed to water, use a hydraulic cement mix instead.
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Mix the dry mortar and sand mixture into 1 part of cold water. The exact amount of water depends on humidity and temperature conditions, so you may need to adjust with more or less dry mixture. Slowly add the dry mixture to the water while mixing with a trowel until both form into a thick paste. [6] X Research source- Stir the mortar mix into the water as you add it.
- Watch closely as you add mortar so your mixture does not get too thick. Aim for a cookie dough-like consistency.
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Stir the mortar mix for several minutes. For small amounts, turn the mixture over in the wheelbarrow repeatedly, or stir with a paddle attached to an electric drill. For larger amounts, use a concrete mixer. Mix the mortar to the consistency of cookie dough. [7] X Research source- Ensure the mixture is fully mixed and uniformly wet.
- Add more water if necessary to get the consistency of a thick paste. You do not want the mixture to be runny.
- Unmixed blobs of sand will cause weak spots in the finished rock; be sure to mix everything completely.
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Apply the mortar mix to the wire form with a trowel . Use a flat pointed trowel to apply a 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) layer of mortar to the wire frame. Start from the top of the rock and slowly push the mortar mix down the sides. [8] X Research source- You can also use your hands to push and spread the mortar mix around. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
- You can cover the bottom of the rock with mortar mix, or you can leave it as-is. If your rock is going to be sitting on the ground, don’t worry about spreading the mixture to the very bottom.
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Add texture to the mortar with a sponge or brush . Create a realistic looking rock by adding contours and patterns to the surface of the mortar. Gently stipple a sponge or a paint brush into the mortar mix while it’s still wet to give it a more realistic look. [9] X Research source- Use your trowel to create dips and creases in the surface of the mortar.
- Press a real rock into the mortar to make imprints of the rock's texture.
- Press a sea sponge or scouring pad into the rock to create a pock marked look.
- Wrap a plastic bag around your hand and press it into the mortar to give a wrinkled look.
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Cure the rock for 3 to 5 days in a dry location. Keep your “rock” in a clean, dry spot out of direct sunlight, and leave it for a couple of days. The concrete will cure and harden until your rock looks dry. [10] X Research source- Although 75% of the curing is completed after 1 week, it may take up to a month for cement to cure completely. However, the outside of the rock will be dry after 3 to 5 days.
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Scrape the rock to smooth the edges. Once the rock has cured, you can add any finishing touches you’d like. Smooth out rough edges with a wire brush or a sanding sponge to make your rock look more realistic. [11] X Research source- Make sure the outside of the rock is fully dry before you try brushing it. Otherwise, it could crumble.
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Paint the rock shades of gray and brown. When you look at your rock, you might notice that it looks a little too gray to be believable. Use some gray acrylic paint and brown acrylic paint in the crevices of the rock if you’d like to. [12] X Research source- Painting is totally optional, but many people find that it makes large rocks look more realistic.
Access clear DIY instructions for free.
"I saw a neat show where they crafted these incredibly realistic fake boulders. I desperately wanted to try making my own, but getting my hands on the fancy instructional stuff was way out of my budget. Luckily, these free step-by-step directions with pictures walked me through the entire process, from choosing materials to mixing convincing textures. Now, this inspiring new hobby is accessible for my wallet!"
- Joerg F.
Gain knowledge to undertake an exciting new hobby.
"I was so impressed when I saw artificial rocks being made on TV. But as a total beginner, I had no clue how to pull something like that off myself. This guide explained things so clearly — how to shape foam bases, blend mortar mixes, and even paint for added realism. Now I feel completely prepped to try this creative skill that dazzled me onscreen!"
- Elaine R.
Expand expertise in a beloved craft.
"As a huge faux stone fan, I'm always trying to improve my boulder-crafting abilities. The finishing touches here, like color-matching landscapes, and contouring placement pits, really leveled up my skillset. I can't wait to apply those details to make my decorative rocks indistinguishable from the real deal!"
- Leslie G.
Save money fixing the previous owner's mistake.
"The former owner of our new place built this gorgeous faux brownstone wall that, unfortunately, let rainwash erosion happen. As much as we adored the craftsmanship, retaining wall rebuilds add up fast. But these budget tips let us seamlessly blend inexpensive matching rocks into the existing barrier. Our wallet and the hillside look beautiful now!"
- William W.
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Dig a small indention where the rock will be placed. Place the rock in place and trace the edge of the rock with a stick or shovel. Dig a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) pit in the shape of the rock. Placing the edges of the rock underground will provide a more natural look of a rock outcropping. [13] X Research source- Use small rocks to create a pathway or line a firepit. Use bigger rocks to cover up septic tank hatches or electrical boxes.
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Place the rock in the hole. Push dirt and other small rocks against the edge of the rock to integrate it with the landscape. Build multiple rocks to create elaborate rock landscapes. Have fun landscaping with your DIY rocks! [14] X Research source
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionI have a rock that juts out of my fireplace. How can I cut the rock to fit the mantel without removing the whole rock?Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.You could use a hand held grinder with a masonry blade and cut the rock or 'score' it and then use a heavy hammer and break it.
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QuestionWhat can I use as an alternative to mortar?Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas.Plaster may work well as an alternative to mortar. However, plaster should not get wet after drying.
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QuestionHow thick do I have to put the cement on the chicken wire to make it withstand walking over them, or my big dog not breaking them?Community AnswerThe strength of your imitation rock will depend more on the underlying structure, and the rigidity of the material that you use to make the shape/structure. Use heavier-gauge wire mesh or combine this with wire fence material, or go big and build a frame out of wire/metal rods with welded contact points. Trying to add thickness to the cement won't achieve the result that you want if you have a weak underlying structure.
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Warnings
- Do not attempt to use artificial landscaping rocks as weight bearing installations for swimming pools or hot tubs.Thanks
- Use caution when working with cement. Lime can cause chemical burns if it gets on your skin or in your lungs. Wear gloves and a mask when mixing cement, as well as proper protective clothing. [15] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You’ll Need
- Styrofoam , cardboard, crumpled newspaper, plywood , or expanding foam
- Handsaw or jigsaw
- Chicken wire or hardware cloth
- Wire twist ties
- Sand
- Portland cement
- Trowel
- Sponge or brush
- Wire brush or sanding sponge
- Gray paint and brown paint
References
- ↑ https://stonepostgardens.com/get-creative-diy-guide-on-how-to-make-fake-landscape-rocks-for-your-garden/
- ↑ https://stonepostgardens.com/get-creative-diy-guide-on-how-to-make-fake-landscape-rocks-for-your-garden/
- ↑ https://stonepostgardens.com/get-creative-diy-guide-on-how-to-make-fake-landscape-rocks-for-your-garden/
- ↑ https://stonepostgardens.com/get-creative-diy-guide-on-how-to-make-fake-landscape-rocks-for-your-garden/
- ↑ http://extension.oregonstate.edu/lincoln/sites/default/files/hypertufa_container.pdf
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEFL7kxXfM8&t=146s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr6xLJBf8HM&t=63s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr6xLJBf8HM&t=76s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr6xLJBf8HM&t=229s
- ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/use-hypertufa-make-containers-look-stone
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEFL7kxXfM8&t=566s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr6xLJBf8HM&t=384s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr6xLJBf8HM&t=499s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G4gH4ncFcU&t=526s
- ↑ https://elcosh.org/document/1563/d000513/cement-hazards-and-controls-health-risks-and-precautions-in-using-portland-cement.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make fake rocks with concrete, start by creating a wire form base with styrofoam or cardboard, then wrap the base in chicken wire. Next, use a flat pointed trowel to apply a layer of mortar to the wire frame, working from the bottom up. You can add realistic looking texture to the wet mortar using a trowel, sponge, or scouring pad, then let your rock cure for 30 days in a dry location! For more tips on sculpting your rocks, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I saw a neat show where they crafted these incredibly realistic fake boulders. I desperately wanted to try making my own, but getting my hands on the fancy instructional stuff was way out of my budget. Luckily, these free step-by-step directions with pictures walked me through the entire process, from choosing materials to mixing convincing textures. Now, this inspiring new hobby is accessible for my wallet!" ..." more
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"I saw a neat show where they crafted these incredibly realistic fake boulders. I desperately wanted to try making my own, but getting my hands on the fancy instructional stuff was way out of my budget. Luckily, these free step-by-step directions with pictures walked me through the entire process, from choosing materials to mixing convincing textures. Now, this inspiring new hobby is accessible for my wallet!"
..."
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"I was so impressed when I saw artificial rocks being made on TV. But as a total beginner, I had no clue how to pull something like that off myself. This guide explained things so clearly — how to shape foam bases, blend mortar mixes, and even paint for added realism. Now I feel completely prepped to try this creative skill that dazzled me onscreen!"
..."
more
"The former owner of our new place built this gorgeous faux brownstone wall that, unfortunately, let rainwash erosion happen. As much as we adored the craftsmanship, retaining wall rebuilds add up fast. But these budget tips let us seamlessly blend inexpensive matching rocks into the existing barrier. Our wallet and the hillside look beautiful now!"
..."
more
"As a huge faux stone fan, I'm always trying to improve my boulder-crafting abilities. The finishing touches here, like color-matching landscapes, and contouring placement pits, really leveled up my skillset. I can't wait to apply those details to make my decorative rocks indistinguishable from the real deal!"
..."
more
"Very helpful article. It cautions you of unforeseeable mishaps that might be present during your project time. Thank you for the warnings."
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