You can cut decorative concrete patterns like river rock, cobblestone and flagstone into existing concrete using the KaleidoCrete System.
In this video, these patterns and techniques are demonstrated using templates and the KaleidoCrete system tools.
This is part 21 of an on-going series on Decorative Concrete, and is taken from the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics.
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The flagstone template set can be particularly effective in achieving outstanding results on older and cracked concrete, as well as new construction.
Align the stone templates and lay out a few stones, using soapstone to check the aesthetics of the design. Engrave around the perimeter of the template. Continue by nesting another stone template next to the cut just made and engrave around it as well.
Stones will not always nest together perfectly. This leaves areas that will form a stone shape that does not resemble any of the templates. These are what gives the design its unique randomness. To gain maximum realism to the design, it is often necessary to reshape stones.
To do this, use the edge of a template to alter stone edges. Using this technique you can square off corners, create dimples in stone edges, and widen some grout lines. This process can also be done using the Wasp.
When choosing stones to reshape, look to see if the shape is what you might see in real flagstone. The further away you nest one template from your previous cut, the wider the resulting grout line.
A river rock design follows the same procedure as a flagstone pattern. The only difference is the more rounded template shapes. River rock should not be overlapped but should be nestled close together to prevent grout lines from becoming excessively wide.
The grout-line set is extremely versatile. It allows you to create a wide variety of designs to include cobblestone, tile, blocks, bricks, stones, ashlar slate patterns and more. Merely plan out your pattern and use a chalk line or soapstone to lay out the design. Use the Shark or Barracuda with the grout line template aligned over the layout marks to create the pattern desired.
Purchase the DVD Mastering Concrete Engraving, The Basics to see this series in its entirety.