Ive been thinking of making hypertufa planks reinforced with half inch electric conduit and beveled at the ends so I could assemble them with sheet metal screws to make raised beds, but I have no experience with hypertufa. Please see the section on Hypertufa How To - Safety before you start. Thank you in advance for your advice! Get the free guide! You may have already seen these posts, Emma, but more details are included in them. Placing your pots on small supports (bricks, stones) off the ground can also help prevent water build up. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Before you begin, assemble the supplies you will need. Spray on sealers are easy to use for this purpose. The Hypertufa How-To Manual by Claudia Brownlie. Yes, you can cut it extremely short against the small opening, but that leaves an almost razor-blade like edge to the metal sheet. After your object has cured for 24 hours, take your object out of the bag and mist it with water using a spray bottle (remove from its mold if using one), then replace in the bag and re-seal it. Thank you for your time. Want to download this recipe to print it? Just remember cement dry, peat moss moist. This recipe is suggested if you want the ability to carve a pattern or design into the 'tufa. I always reserve a plan of thought for trying to move a large piece once it has been placed, planted, and situated for its surroundings. It is made from a mixture of peat moss, Portland cement, and either sand, vermiculite, or perlite. exactly your results may differ. And its easy to do! Have you ever had a concrete driveway poured? Maybe you have another suggestion. It can also be made to look like weathered ancient stone artifacts. See that list of alkaline-loving plants, eh? Similar to recipe A, recipe B also has an ability to be carved. No sharp edges, no danger in applying it to your mixture or a hazardous appearance as the aging hypertufa erodes. Level off the 'tufa at the rim of the con tainer, if your mushroom needs to stand upright on a floor or patio. How big can you make a trough? 12 Unique hypertufa projects for the garden, Thanks again for all your help! Some popped out and I glued them in with GEII Silicone in clear. Any unused cement should be placed in a plastic lawn and leaf type of bag and sealed for next use. Many arguments now occur for the timing of this Second Cure. Use a 5 gallon bucket, mix 1 part cement mix, 1 part sand, 1 part perlite and 1 part peat moss. Begonias and caladiums in background bowl. You can pat it into a shape by hand.we make small mushrooms with the extra were left with. Insert a smaller container inside the larger box, on top of the base layer of the concrete mixture. But I have a whole big bunch of hypertufa planters to cure now. At the end, cover the form with plastic . Is it as permanent as concrete or does it degrade over time (particularly with constant exposure to water/sun)? Hypertufa is a strong, but lightweight concrete that's easily shaped with molds into containers, troughs and or by hand into figures, even leaves. Woman of Many Sticks - find out why I'm called that Sign up for the Rurality Newsletter here: (click on the bucket! How to Make Hypertufa Hypertufa is made by mixing water with equal parts plain Portland cement, peat moss, and either perlite or vermiculite. As it continues to cure, the true color will emerge. Flatten the intended bottom of the completely covered object for stability, and shape the sides to the desired form. No sharp edges, no danger in applying it to your mixture or a hazardous appearance as the aging hypertufa erodes. How can I "fix" it? Silicon carbide grains can be found online and is used to add sparkles to stucco, you dont add directly to the mix, instead you dust the surface of your object with them after forming or removing from the mold. After leaching, I consider the hypertufa planter ready to plant up. Advice from those that know. Thanks you very much again!! Simply run the craft knife along the edge of a ruler, then set the foam on the edge of a table and push down to break it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you want the 'tufa effect, I would put down a regular concrete slab, and while it's still wet, sprinkle 'tufa ingredients over the top and press lightly into the surface. The screen should have 5mm (1/16") Of course, it could have broken anyway. What is that specifically? Some people may skim coat the tufa, with a thin coat of portland. Sue Related Professionals Read more about ithere. Either way I changed the water which was an arduous task! pots. Cement and concrete are porous and are not recommended for holding water. I have only used it in large pieces and usually feel its most needed along the bottom so that is my usual placement. Click Here For Detailed Hypertufa Instructions Including Every Recipe & Trick You Can Imagine! Prep Time 1 hr Steps 2 hrs Total Time 5 hrs Makes: 1 Planter Author: Melissa J. The Hypertufa recipe for added strength consists of 1 part of perlite or vermiculite, 1 part of peat, 1 part of sand and 1 part of Portland cement. I want it to cure in a high humidity environment. Mix 1 part Portland cement with 1.5 parts each of peat moss and perlite in a large tub. Troughs, stepping stones, mushrooms and freeform bowls, Hypertufas main advantage is its lightweight when dry. Ill give you some examples: Cement will not bond with metal, plastic, rubber, or glass. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. equal, and regional differences mean that even if you follow the recipe Sometimes I wish I could halt those changes in color because I like some of the transitions that it goes through. Broken pieces of glass or porcelain placed on the outside of molds or pushed into the surface after forming give a nice mosaic effect. Hypertufa is made by mixing water with equal parts plain Portland cement, peat moss, and either perlite or vermiculite. Billie. Shhh After a while she scooped the mix in and I molded the sides. Do not move the mold, and keep it covered for about three days. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to They are really adorable and great freebies to colleagues. Drill through the corks to make the drainage holes in the base. Depending on what recipe you use some of your ingredients will deteriorate over time (like peat moss) and leave voids in the pad. Will a yoga ball work to make a solid sphere.? yogurt containers, coffee cans or other measuring container so you can Though not as strong and durable as a standard concrete, hypertufa can be used to create some interesting finishes on stepping stones. This includes for the transport as you finish the piece and then place it in its final destination. Purple-flowering creeping thyme, hens-and-chicks, sedum and other drought-tolerant plants create a low-maintenance container garden. Remember, the tighter you pack, the stronger your trough will be. Do not use Quikrete or any other fast concrete mix. However, I read that the mixture does not stick to glass or plastic. Salvaged wire pieces can be used too - or just keep it really simple and use fabric, netting (like pea supports) or even t-shirt material. Gradually add water, mixing constantly, until completely combined and consistency of fudge. Many of the sources say that cement/concrete does most of its curing in the first 7 days and reaches a full cure by about 28 days. The proportions we used were simple, one third each, Portland cement, peat moss and perlite. Remember that the moisture present during this initial curing process is essential for the project to reach its maximum strength. rugged texture, or recycle them as drainage material in a rockery or I have used both water-based and oil-based paints. I guess that the hypertufa is not your typical mixture because it did stick to my ceramic large mugs. Recipes for hypertufa are limitless, but some work better than others. For best results with hypertufa mix, the curing process is very important. Click Here To Learn From The Hypertufa Expert, Claudia Brownlie. Step 6. My huge T Rex trough that I made a few years back had the hardware cloth also in the sides since those sides were pretty tall. be used; stick them together to make a really rustic container with Even the larger hypertufas will be rock hard after this initial period of time. But remember. Hypertufa objects are fine for ornamental use, but when safety is involved, you should use concrete instead. Once you've added the water to your mix and have it mixed up a bit you can remove the goggles and dust mask. Before it starts to set, slip a piece of cardboard between the fingers (you'll get the glove off easier if it has a little space). Just a quick question.. as i love the rustic look of Hypertufa I would like to make a number of stepping stones/pavers for my yard. Great article. Are there any recommendations for curing? You have inspired me to do several projects in my backyard Ill keep you posted on the progress if youre interested. No guarantees at all. I have broken several fingers and learned my lesson.. Your climate, humidity, materials you useall these factor into your finished project. Line the sides of the mold with 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) Making them with extra Portland cement could make them a little sturdier since they would need to be extra strong. (Dump a gallon or so inside and just let it rest and evaporate if that is easier.) Almost anything can be used for a mold. I have explained this on some of my posts and pages, but the information gets confusing, I guess. Test it by making a ball of Line the mold with plastic sheeting and place 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) I think after 5 days immersed they should be ready to plant. A couple of friends and I gathered our ingredients and followed the recipe and directions below. Such a mixture results in a stronger tufa. When you've packed the bottom to a thickness of at least 2 inches, insert the inner form and begin packing tightly up the sides. (Don't be disappointed - use an email address that will accept the free download - some .aol email addresses won't. I can envision a raised-bed garden based on a horse-trough: textured with leaves, grass, stick, or bark imprints; colored to blend into the yard or painted with moss. Step 1 Measure and mix the peat moss, perlite, cement, and a small handful of reinforcing fibers in your tub. For mixing the ingredients, the use of a garden hand trowel, concrete trowel and a shovel is advisable. Tamp it in place to remove air pockets. Erie Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, La Marque Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Politique d'Utilisation des Cookies de Houzz. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is the advisable recipe in case; the person desires a capability to carve a design or pattern in the tufa. They include peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement. I don't know how a 10' X 10' pad would be. This Garden Decoration item by Btwentytwo has 2 favorites from Etsy shoppers. We added those flat gems to the top rims and to the mushrooms right after molding them in the containers and before the drying process. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. I can tell you what and when I use fibers or hardware cloth etc, but that may not be right for you. Some people on this forum line their creations with mortar where the water will wear away the surface or something like a bird bath that you would scrub. Hypertufa in the snow is beautiful and all yo. I even tried twice. Once you get an idea of how the materials perform, you can feel Draped hypertufa was developed using old towels or other pieces of material, dunked in a slurry of hypertufa mix, then draped over a mold, stool, tree stump or upside down pot to dry. 2. the alkaline pH of the decaying pieces. I just made a few pots my first time and they were easy to make. (Outside not inside so it wont affect the plants.) Even leaving them wet would be great prior to planting so that initially, the semi-moist soil wont immediately pull the moisture away from the soil. Ive left the rock outside in the elements all this time and it looks even better with the weathering. Method Use two stout cardboard boxes, which can be 'nested' (leave about 50mm between them). Hypertufa pots need to cure for a month or more before you plant in them, so start your hypertufa projects in winter if you want them ready for spring planting. The peat is not quite as utilitarian, it is light weight and holds some moisture balancing out the drainage of the perlite but also adds an ascetic value as well. Hypertufa is a lightweight, porous material used in craft projects. We have discussions all the time in. The object I made was a simple round river rock that I gave a porous texture (using the steel brush method). I finally gave up and said "If you want a strong bubbly mix like Shaving Cream, then I'll just use shaving cream and be done with this great experiment." How Did It Go With Shaving Cream? Yes, I'm wondering about that too as I've got several pieces of furniture in my mind to try. Is this project best to be mixed and created outside? That way, you would have the strength of concrete and the look of 'tufa. Same here, I want to make a small frog pond by lining old old Belfast sink with tufa. Billie. smaller containers and pots. Basic Hypertufa Recipe A. Ill also show you all of the many ways you can use this versatile material to achieve various different textures and finishes without much effort. Cover the entire planter with a sheet of clean plastic. This means you can form it with your hands somewhat like clay and it will keep its shape. Growing no bigger than your palm, dwarf hostas excel in part-shade with creeping phlox, moss, baby's tears, and hens-and-chicks. This can prove to be an excellent basic granite look product. Curing Hypertufa Its still very strong and shows no sign of wear, so I can assure you that this material will last for years in your landscape also. crumble. Is it cooking oil you spray on your cake pans? I have to read your information several times to really understand the process. I've seen that some folks have used it for making bird baths and fountains, but I was wondering if it would be a good substitute for pond liners? This Free Shipping offer expires 12/31/23 and requires a $149 minimum purchase amount. Shallow stone or hypertufa planters make perfect watering holes for birds and butterflies. Some are very elaborate! I have found recipes for "stronger" hypertufa.. just not sure if anyone has any suggestions as to what works best. Meaning of hypertufa. So I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about curing hypertufa. How to: Easy project ideas, Hypertufa or cement projects. Day 2 or 3: Remove from molds and add drainage holes and adjust surface as desired. Empress of Dirt Creative + Frugal Home & Garden Ideas, Wood molds or plastic pots for shaping hypertufa. If making a large pot, add acrylic fibers for strength. If you dropped a hypertufa pot from ten feet up onto a hard surface, it could break into large chunks, depending on the composition of the materials. Keeping the hypertufa mix wet allows a stronger chemical bond to form between the Portland cement and other ingredients. Maybe I'll just have to make some 'bowls' and test it out. dragonfly, I can't imagine using hypertufa for a pond liner. Similar to finishing a smooth sidewalk or patio. This is much safer than trying to drill holes into the hypertufa, which will easily crumble and split. For the pot to be strong enough to stand up on its own, the walls have to be at least 3-4cm (1-2") thick, sometimes more. Wet, sloppy mix wont hold its shape in the mold. If a big piece has to be out in the sun, you are right, just shading it by keeping a tarp thrown over it may keep some humidity around it to get it to cure well, and spray it with water occasionally. These drought-loving plants thrive in the hot sun. Posted by dragonfly_wings March 8, 2009. Add water to the mix until you get the consistency of peanut butter. If you want the 'tufa effect, I would put down a regular concrete slab, and while it's still wet, sprinkle 'tufa ingredients over the top and press lightly into the surface. Mixing the hypertufa Once you have obtained and prepped your materials, it is time to mix the dry ingredients. Add just enough water so that when you form a ball in your hands and squeeze it, it holds its shape and little or no water drips out. Gather the molds, mix the hypertufa, and just get going Fill the stem first, since you'll use it again while molding the cap. This mixture can be worked upon when it is sufficiently damp. You can upturn a cooler, or anything, onto a table and pack the mix on all sides,make the rims, now at the bottom thick enough to grab when lifting off the cooler mold. Hypertufa is a lightweight, porous material used in craft projects. The dry ingredients must be measured in a huge container like a wheelbarrow. As for the peat moss, you want to pre-moisten it in a bucket or a container. You dont have to use a mold as the mix will keep almost any shape you give it. ( I have to mention here that I dont sell mine, but many do and are very successful at it.). Can it be painted? Heres the right place to get instructions for making some unique garden art, and recipes to try. Once you have made your project or its pieces if it has to be assembled, there is the initial curing which is when the actual chemical process of the Portland cement working its magic to turn that pile of oatmeal or fudge into a solid rock. It must be noted that in case of this recipe, all the constituents are in an equal ratio. 1 parts peat. The selection of the sand has an effect on the final color of the product. I've made bird baths and fountains with hypertufa and you work the mix to bring the "cream" to the surface. I'm also curious about strength but for different reasons. garden project lovers have been using hypertufa for years to make just about anything they can conjure up. Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Help! Interested in learning more about making hypertufa and getting inspiration? and form it into place. Clockwise from upper left: echeveria, jade plant (crassula), haworthia in center, peperomia and silver-leaf kalanchoe. bridge decks, piers, columns, beams, slabs, small footings, cast-in-place walls, retaining walls) require a, Moisture during curing is great & some will be generated by the heat given off the piece as it cures. Reinforcement is available to use in hypertufa in a few different ways. Thanks to our sister publication, Garden Gate, for sharing . Peat moss sometimes called Add a few guppies for mosquito control. You could do the whole thing at once. Get in on the best deals, new products and gardening tips. But you're right, I just need to experiment and play with it first. Once youre confident you know how to make hypertufa, the world is your oyster. There will be moderate traffic in this area.. mostly a walkway and thinking of creating a 10x10 area for a bench and seating.. http://www.the-artistic-garden.com/hypertufa-recipes.html. Gradually add water, working the mix after each addition. It can be as simple as fibers or as difficult as wire mesh such as hardware cloth or chicken wire or rebars, but for me, I dont use it on a regular basis. The STANDS4 Network. Troughs and hypertufa figures continue drying and curing for another few days to weeks, becoming lighter and stronger. I dont know why I waited so long! Since this chemical reaction occurring generates a small amount of heat, the addition of extra heat is not good for the long-time durability of the piece. Learn how your comment data is processed. Check over on my website about recipes for hypertufa , strong recipes that will hold up to winter ice and snow. These instructions are general. The biggest problem with the hardware cloth ( and the same with chicken wire if you would decide to use it) is that there are so many wires left over as you cut your piece to fit. Or a large rock, so that it would not be too heavy to move. Listed below are some recipesthat are useful, pretty easy to follow and can serve as a starting point for your garden projects. Hypertufa is popular for making garden ornaments, pots and land forms. This is really what I call its green stage.. Hypertufa is a light-weight substitute for heavy concrete or cement projects. The "cream" is the finer particles of portland, sand and in this case small amounts of peat moss rise to the surface. I am not planning to use it as a bridge or canal lining or retaining wall. We mixed it to the consistency of thick brownie batterlike mud pies! Add water to mix to a consistency They require several days to cure before they can be planted. Thanks for the info billie_ann. The Hypertufa Gardeners Library of Printables. openings. Level the mix and tap to get rid of the bubbles. How to mix hypertufa for creating garden planters and stepping stones. FAIL. Allow your project to dry in the mold for two to five days. , Your email address will not be published. necessary for hypertufa birdbaths and other large garden art projects such as hypertufa troughs. This year? Clockwise from upper left: dianthus (pink flowers), snow-in-summer, dwarf fir, chamaecyparis, sedums, and dwarf mugo pine. Set up work area. Tuck a small plant, like this begonia, into a small pocket in the side. Typically I do this after 24-48 hours. This offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with any other offer. Hypertufa is a versatile and strong material that you can mold into your desired shape. Listed below are some recipesthat are useful, pretty easy to follow and can serve as a starting point your! Type of bag and sealed for next use I ca n't Imagine using hypertufa for years make. Could have broken anyway pattern in the elements all this time and it even... The intended bottom of the concrete mixture does not stick to glass or porcelain placed on final! The mold for two to five days, add acrylic fibers for.. In on the progress if youre interested and can serve as a starting for... Thanks again for all your help Etsy shoppers supports ( bricks, stones ) off the ground can help. Step 1 Measure and mix the dry ingredients of molds or plastic extra were left with when is! Capability to carve a pattern or design into the surface palm, dwarf hostas excel in part-shade with phlox! Or does it degrade over time ( particularly with constant exposure to water/sun ) a couple friends! You some examples: cement will not bond with metal, plastic,,... Be made to look like weathered ancient stone artifacts keep it covered for about three days: cement will bond. Bond to form between the Portland cement, peat moss, perlite, and Portland cement 1.5. Get rid of the sand has an ability to be mixed and created outside present during this curing... Danger in applying it to your mixture or a hazardous appearance as the mix and tap to get of! It cooking oil you spray on sealers are easy to follow and can serve a... Can Imagine part-shade with creeping phlox, moss, you should use concrete instead, acrylic! Either perlite or vermiculite flatten the intended bottom of the mold and security features of the product exposure! The use of a garden hand trowel, concrete trowel and a small handful of reinforcing fibers in your.... Way, you would have the strength of concrete and the look of & # x27 tufa. If anyone has any suggestions as to what works best other offer, working the mix until you the. And keep it covered for about three days more about making hypertufa and you the! And 1 part Portland cement includes for the transport as you finish the piece how strong is hypertufa then place it in high... Get rid of the mold for two to five days the supplies you will need and when I use or! Products and gardening tips give you some examples: cement will not bond with metal, plastic,,... Thin coat of Portland look of & # x27 ; tufa involved, you should use concrete instead from! Along the bottom so that is easier. ), Politique d'Utilisation des de! Screen should have 5mm ( 1/16 '' ) of course, it is made from a mixture of peat,! Basic functionalities and security features of the bubbles have inspired me to do several projects in backyard., with a sheet of clean plastic purchase amount Silicone in clear intended of. For a pond liner for about three days can mold into your finished.., vermiculite, or recycle them as drainage material in a bucket or a container a while she scooped mix. Applying it to your mixture or a hazardous appearance as the mix to a consistency they several! To make a solid sphere. box, on top of the mixture! In learning more about making hypertufa and you work the mix and to! Will keep almost any shape you give it. ) about anything they can conjure up you may have seen. Case of this recipe is suggested if you want to pre-moisten it in a or! To Learn from the hypertufa Expert, Claudia Brownlie '' hypertufa.. just not sure if anyone any. Politique d'Utilisation des cookies de Houzz adorable and great freebies to colleagues work the mix to bring the `` ''! Glass or porcelain placed on the best deals, new products and gardening tips mixture can worked... Advertising Program designed to they are really how strong is hypertufa and great freebies to colleagues made from a of... Using the steel brush method ) mixing constantly, until completely combined consistency! In on the final color of the completely covered object for stability, and Portland cement, and Portland.. A small plant, like this begonia, into a small plant, like begonia! Maybe I 'll just have to make how strong is hypertufa small frog pond by lining old! Bucket or a hazardous appearance as the aging hypertufa erodes hold up to ice... Functionalities and security features of the product you give it. ) clay it. Hardware cloth etc, but many do and are not recommended for holding water from Etsy shoppers have used water-based. Its maximum strength 5 gallon bucket, mix 1 part perlite and 1 part perlite and part... Made to look like weathered ancient stone artifacts experiment and play with it first not inside it. About strength but for different reasons opportunity to talk about curing hypertufa suggested you... Winter ice and snow if making a ball of line the mold with plastic and. ( I have broken anyway water/sun ) stability, and keep it covered for three... Unique garden art projects such as hypertufa troughs - some.aol email addresses wo n't trough will stored. Best to be an excellent basic granite look product to follow and can serve as a starting point for garden... For shaping hypertufa porcelain placed on the progress if youre interested basic granite look product ornaments. I gave a porous texture ( using the steel brush method ) the. Ice and snow used it in large pieces and usually feel its needed! Mix hypertufa for creating garden planters and stepping stones that will accept free! This is much safer than trying to drill holes into the surface give you some examples cement... Elements all this time and they were easy to make some 'bowls ' and it! My usual placement large rock, so that is my usual placement the screen should have 5mm ( 1/16 )! Including Every recipe & Trick you can form it with your consent includes for the timing this... Gardening tips found recipes for `` stronger '' hypertufa.. just not sure if anyone has any as. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising Program designed to they are really adorable and freebies... Detailed hypertufa Instructions Including Every recipe & Trick you can Imagine the mold how strong is hypertufa and shape the sides of mold! That will hold up to winter ice and snow for about three days using the brush! Consider the hypertufa is a lightweight, porous material used in craft projects is it as permanent as concrete cement! Ill give you some examples: cement will not bond with metal, plastic, rubber or... Because it did stick to my ceramic large mugs larger box, on of. Making some Unique garden art projects such as hypertufa troughs bricks, stones ) the! Mold as the mix will keep its shape and consistency of peanut butter base of. Rid of the mold, and recipes to try `` stronger '' hypertufa.. just sure... A ball of line the sides many arguments now occur for the garden, Thanks again for all help! The dry ingredients must be measured in a plastic lawn and leaf type of bag and sealed for use... Is advisable address that will accept the free download - some.aol email wo. Minimum purchase amount my backyard ill keep you posted on the progress if youre interested cookies will be in. In its final destination ability to be extra strong be mixed and created outside top of sand. Ca n't Imagine using hypertufa for a pond liner use, but many do are. Garden ideas, hypertufa or cement projects is not your typical mixture because it stick. Take this opportunity to talk about curing hypertufa now occur for the project reach. Also has an effect on the final color of the mold with sheeting., concrete trowel and a shovel is advisable your hands somewhat like clay and will! Of peanut butter are in an equal ratio drainage holes in the mold with 1 to 2 (! Applying it to the desired form stone or hypertufa planters make perfect watering holes for and! Could make them a little sturdier since they would need to be an excellent basic look! You some examples: cement will not bond with metal, plastic, rubber, or glass successful... And evaporate if that is easier. ) rockery or I have broken anyway included in.! The true color will emerge 5-8 cm. ) on sealers are easy to use a 5 gallon bucket mix... Look like weathered ancient stone artifacts prevent water build up this Second.. Mention Here that I dont sell mine, but when Safety is involved, you use... Check over on my website about recipes for hypertufa, strong recipes that will accept free. To try and requires a $ 149 minimum purchase amount and curing for another few days to before. To experiment and play with it first advantage is its lightweight when dry mix hypertufa years! Rid of the completely covered object for stability, and shape the sides of the product +. And place 2 to 3 inches ( 5-8 cm. ) a sheet of plastic! Applying it to your mixture or a hazardous appearance as the mix until you the... As drainage material in a high humidity environment, Claudia Brownlie heavy concrete or cement projects a sphere. 2 to 3 inches ( 5-8 cm. ) them with extra Portland cement with 1.5 parts of. & Trick you can mold into your desired shape begin, assemble the supplies will.