How to Make a Lightweight Faux Rock for a Backyard

Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Large rocks can hide unsightly areas of your yard.

Hypertufa is a process of making, by hand, a faux rock that closely resembles tufa, which is volcanic rock. This process creates a lightweight faux rock that can be any shape or size. You can create many things from this method and all are long lasting and will not freeze, crumble or crack in extreme heat or cold temperatures. There are many recipes for variations in color and texture of a faux rock. These faux rock instructions include the basic faux rock ingredients for beginners.

Advertisement

Step 1

Form cardboard boxes into a general shape of a faux rock. Fasten pieces with duct tape to hold the shape. You may need to cut the boxes with scissors or crush them into a particular shape.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Cut poultry netting with wire cutters and place around the outside edge of the box form. Snipping the poultry netting with wire cutters in rounded areas will allow it to lay next to the poultry netting in a round form. Use bailing wire if necessary to hold the shape by attaching strips or pieces of the poultry netting together.

Advertisement

Step 3

Add 1 part Portland cement mix with sand, 1 part perlite or vermiculite and 1 part peat moss to a container. Put rubber kitchen gloves on and add water to the mix. Start with a small amount of water and add as necessary to obtain a mixture that will hold together in your hand but when you squeeze it just a few drops of water will drip out. Mix with your hands adding water as you need and testing the mixture.

Advertisement

Step 4

Spread the mixture on the faux rock form with your hands and press into the poultry netting form. Add more in some areas than others for an uneven surface. Let your project dry for at least 24 hours before setting outdoors so that it has protection from rain and dew that would add extra moisture to your faux rock. Wash the container out with water so it can be used again.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...