Stepping Stone Molds: Your Complete Buying Guide

Thinking about making your own stepping stones? You're probably wondering: Is this hard? What do I actually need? How much does it cost to make stepping stones? Will my stones look homemade or professional? How to make stepping stones? How to color my stepping stones?

Have even more questions like these.“How to make stepping stones at home”, “best concrete mix for stepping stone molds”, “how to color and seal garden stepping stones, “starting a small business with concrete molds.” No problem, we have the answers to these and more.

We've been making stepping stone molds since 1986, and we get these questions every day. Here's what you need to know:

Can I Really Make Professional-Looking Stepping Stones?

Yes, even if you've never worked with concrete before.

Here's what it actually takes:

• Time: 30 minutes to pour, 24-48 hours to cure

• Cost: $2-5 in materials per stone

• Skill level: If you can mix pancake batter, you can do this

• Equipment: Mixing bucket, trowel, mold release spray (under $30 total)

The biggest difference between homemade-looking and professional results? The mold quality. Cheap thin plastic molds warp, stick, and break after a few uses. Some are not even strong enough to hold the concrete. Our 3/16" thick ABS stepping stone molds with original designs deliver crisp details for 200+ stones.

What Makes a Good Concrete Stepping Stone Mold?

Not all stepping stone molds are created equal. Here's what actually matters:

Material Thickness = Number of Uses

• Thin plastic: 10-20 stones before they are unusable; most sellers don’t even say how thick their molds are. Most are copies, so detail is also lacking.

• Our ABS plastic (3/16"): 200+ stones easily

Why this matters: That $25 cheap mold that breaks after 20 uses costs you $1.25 per stone. Our $50 professional mold, used 200 times, costs $0.25 per stone.One-time-use molds seem cheaper but cost more long-term. Our stepping stone molds are designed for hundreds of pours, making them cost-effective for both single projects and businesses.

What Do You Actually Get?

• Heavy-duty stepping stone mold made from 3/16" ABS plastic construction

• Complete instructions (online access)

• Personal phone support at 423-332-2013

• Shipping within 5-10 business days from Tennessee

What you'll need to buy separately:

• Concrete mix (any hardware store, $7-10 per bag)

• Mold release spray ($8-15), cooking oil, or a commercial mold release. Never Diesel or motor oil. Ask me why?

• Finishing supplies if you want color (optional)

Create enchanting garden paths that celebrate the natural world. Make someone feel good and bring a smile to their face.

Rabbit Stepping Stone Mold (12" Round). Perfect for cottage gardens and nature-themed landscapes. This charming design adds whimsical character to any pathway and looks stunning with acid staining or hand-painted details.

Butterfly Stepping Stone Mold (12" Welcome Design). Our best-selling stepping stone mold for garden enthusiasts. The welcoming butterfly design creates an inviting entrance to gardens, patios, and outdoor spaces.

Sunflower Stepping Stone Molds Capture summer's joy with our cheerful sunflower designs:

• Standard Sunflower Mold (12")

• Large Sunflower Mold (15”)

Both work beautifully with bright yellow paints or natural concrete finishes.

Why buyers love these: Nature-themed stepping stone molds are versatile, appeal to all ages, and create instant curb appeal. They're also top sellers at craft fairs and garden centers.

Business opportunity: Regional stepping stone molds sell exceptionally well in local markets. Contractors report strong demand from both residential and commercial clients.

Custom Memorial Stepping Stone Molds:

Have a specific design in mind? We create custom stepping stone molds for special projects. Pricing starts at $450.00. Contact us at 423-332-2013 to discuss your vision.

Fun & Unique Stepping Stone Molds

Add personality and conversation-starting elements to your landscape.:

Large Feet Stepping Stone Molds (Set of Left & Right) Size: 15" x 9" x 2"

Create "Bigfoot" tracks through your garden! This playful set includes left and right foot molds for realistic stepping patterns.

Perfect for:

• Family gardens with children

• Whimsical landscape designs

• Unique gift giving

• Craft fair bestsellers

Pro tip: These stepping stone molds produce stones that naturally encourage proper spacing for walking paths.

Basic Shapes & Plain Stepping Stone Molds

Clean, versatile designs that work with any landscape style.

Plain Square Paver Mold (15" x 15" x 2") Our most versatile stepping stone mold. Perfect for:

• Modern, minimalist landscapes

• Custom painting projects

• Clean pathway designs

• High-volume production

Also available:

• Round stepping stone molds in multiple sizes

• Sun and Moon Eclipse

• Traditional paver shapes

Why choose basic stepping stone molds? They're faster to produce, easier to finish, and provide a blank canvas for your creativity. Ideal for contractors focused on volume or DIYers who want complete artistic control.

Finishing Techniques for Beautiful Stepping Stones

Transform plain gray concrete into garden art with professional finishing techniques.

Acid Staining: Most Popular Professional Finish

Why acid staining works perfectly with stepping stone molds:

• Creates rich, multi-tonal colors that look natural

• Ages beautifully over time

• Weather-resistant and UV-stable

• Adds value to every stepping stone, easy to do.

• Memorial stones – Subtle tones add dignity and depth

• Plain pavers – Staining adds visual interest to simple shapes

Learn our complete acid staining process with product recommendations and step-by-step instructions.

Painting: Unlimited Creative Possibilities

When to paint stepping stones:

• You want vibrant, true-to-life colors

• The design benefits from detailed artwork

• You're creating themed gardens

• Customers request specific color schemes

Master concrete painting techniques with our guide covering surface prep, paint selection, and professional sealing.

Important: Even natural concrete stepping stones need sealing for weather protection and longevity. We recommend resealing every 2-3 years.

Mold for Stepping Stone Sizes: Planning Your Project

Understanding dimensions helps you choose the right stepping stone molds and calculate materials accurately.

Small Format Cement Stepping Stone Molds (12" and Under)

Typical Size: 12" diameter or square
Concrete Required: 8-14 lbs per stone
Spacing: 4-6" apart for walking paths

Popular Small Stepping Stone Molds:

• Rabbit (12" round)

• Butterfly (12" round)

• Sunflower (12" round)

• Memorial stones (12" x 2")

Lower material costs, faster production, easier handling, and versatile placement options.

Medium Format Stepping Stone Molds (13"-16")

Typical Size: 15" square or 16" diameter
Concrete Required: 30-34 lbs per stone
Spacing: 2-4" apart for comfortable walking

Popular Medium Stepping Stone Molds:

• Plain Square Paver (15" x 15")

• Large Aztec (16" round)

• Texas Star with Bluebonnet (16" x 16")

Perfect balance of impact and practicality. Most commonly requested size for professional installations.

Large Format Stepping Stone Molds (17"+)

Typical Size: 17" and larger
Concrete Required: 34+ lbs per stone
Spacing: 1-3" apart or touching

Popular Large Stepping Stone Molds:

• Texas Shape (17" state outline or other states)

• Large Sunflower (decorative)

• Custom large round molds

Pro tip: Always use fibermesh reinforcement with large stepping stone molds to prevent cracking.

Custom Shape Stepping Stone Molds

Large Feet Molds: 15" x 9" x 2"

Planning tip: For natural-looking Bigfoot tracks, space 24-30" apart, alternating left and right.

Standard Specifications

Thickness: 2" (standard depth)
Material: Heavy-duty 3/16" ABS plastic
Expected Lifespan: 200+ perfect castings
Storage: Lay flat, stack with protection between molds

Need help calculating quantities? Call 423-332-2013 for project planning assistance.

Starting a Stepping Stone Business with Our Molds

Low Startup Investment

Initial Costs:

• Stepping stone molds: $30-$100 per mold

• Basic concrete supplies: $50-$100

• Finishing materials: $100-$200

• Total startup: Under $500

Start with 3-5 popular molds (butterfly, sunflower, plain pavers) and grow from there.

Strong Market Demand

Who Buys Stepping Stones:

• Homeowners with gardens

• Landscaping contractors (wholesale opportunities)

• Gift buyers (weddings, memorials, housewarmings)

• Garden centers and nurseries (retail partnerships)

Year-Round Sales Potential:

• Spring/Summer: Peak garden season

• Fall: Landscaping projects before winter

• Winter: Memorial stones and indoor craft projects

• Holidays: Gifts and sentiment stones

Excellent Profit Margins

Cost Breakdown Per Stone:

• Concrete Mix: $2-3.50

• Finishing materials: $1-2

• Sealer: $0.50-1

• Total Material Cost: $3.50-$6.00

Pricing Structure:

• Basic finished stepping stones: $15-25

• Detailed designs (painted/stained): $25-40

• Large format stepping stones: $35-50+

• Custom personalized stones: $50-75+

Profit per stone: $9-$69 depending on size, finish, and customization

With reusable molds producing 200+ stones each, your mold investment pays for itself within the first 10-20 sales.

Getting Your Stepping Stone Business Started

Phase 1: Test the Market (Month 1-2)

Choose Your First Molds:

1. Maybe a nature design (Butterfly or Rabbit) – appeals to gardeners

2. Then some plain pavers (15" square) – versatile, fast production

Perfect Your Techniques:

• Master concrete mixing and pouring

• Practice at least two finishing methods (plain + acid stain + painting). Acid stain and dye is good, if you have not mastered hand painting.

• Create 20-30 sample stones and photograph for catalog/website

Test Marketing:

• Local craft fairs ($50-$100 booth fee)

• Farmers markets (weekly presence)

• Facebook Marketplace and local groups

• Word-of-mouth to neighbors and friends

• Business cards on peg boards in hardware stores, nurseries, Walmart

Track everything: Which designs sell fastest? What price points work? What finishing techniques do customers prefer? You cannot improve what you cannot measure.

Phase 2: Scale Up (Month 3-6)

Expand Your Collection:

• Add 3-5 more popular designs based on sales data

• Include one premium/large format option (Large Sunflower)

• Add memorial stepping stone molds for the sentiment market

Develop Business Partnerships:

• Landscaping contractors: Offer wholesale pricing

• Garden centers: Consignment or wholesale arrangements

• Realtors: Housewarming and closing gifts

• Funeral homes: Memorial garden products

Increase Production:

• Create a dedicated workspace

• Invest in bulk concrete supplies

• Streamline your finishing process

• Consider hiring part-time help

Phase 3: Build a Real Business (Month 6+)

Diversify Your Product Line:

• Add garden bench molds ($150-$300 retail per bench)

• Include yard ornament molds for complete garden packages

• Offer custom designs using personalized stepping stone molds

Expand Your Services:

• Installation services

• Design consultations

• Teaching workshops: $50-$75 per person

• Corporate events: Team-building parties

• Offer delivery

Online Presence:

• Professional website with photo gallery

• Social media showcasing before/after projects

• Online ordering with local pickup or delivery

• Email marketing to past customers

Wholesale Opportunities: Contact us at 423-332-2013 to discuss pricing and business development strategies.

Real Business Success Tips

Develop Your Signature Style:

• Master acid staining for high-end, natural looks

• Perfect custom painting for family-oriented stones

• Create unique color combinations not available elsewhere

Seasonal Strategies:

• Spring: Market heavily to gardeners starting new projects

• Summer: Focus on memorial stones and outdoor living spaces

• Fall: Target landscapers finishing projects before winter

• Winter: Promote gift stones and offer indoor craft workshops

Price Confidently: Quality stepping stones made with professional molds and expert finishing deserve premium pricing. Hard work is still required.