So, Orangedragonfly, are you saying that bagged, pre-mix concrete is too expensive or is it some other product??

The pre-mix I've used contains pea gravel instead of the crushed rock you'd normally get from delivered concrete. I don't know why that is but it may be more appropriate for stepping stones anyway.

The "traction" sand I dumped out of a couple of broken bags to use under pavers recently appears to be the same stuff as is in the pre-mix bags - without the cement, of course. However, it also appears NOT to have been washed so there's subsoil in there. Not a terrible thing under brick pavers, I suppose.

Anyway, mixing concrete is nothing special - 4 ingredients: water, gravel, sand, and cement. You can purchase various color powders to add. A wheel barrow, a hoe, and a shovel are the only tools needed for the process.

Steve

Check the damaged goods section of the big box stores. If you don't mind rebagging with a large plastic bag before loading in your vehicle, you can save a few bucks. I just saw a skid of various sand bags (about a dozen white sand and play sand) for $15 that I hope to pick up on Friday. Loading is a pain but the price is right. Last month I got about a hundred 6' fence boards for $20. Now, if I can just get the boys to help me buy the 2X4's and rebuild the fence.......