There’s something deeply satisfying about making a humble material like cement turn into something handsome and useful. These modular garden bricks are one of those simple little projects that look far more expensive than they are, and all you really need is wet cement and a jumbo silicone ice cube tray to create a set of sturdy blocks you can use in all sorts of ways outdoors.
I’m especially fond of projects like this because they remind me of the practical make-do spirit I grew up around here in the Midwest. We didn’t waste much, and if something could be made by hand for the garden, porch, or yard, somebody in the family usually gave it a try. These bricks are perfect for folks who want an easy beginner concrete project for edging, plant stands, pathway accents, or small modular garden builds without needing fancy forms or power tools.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set your silicone ice cube tray on a flat surface protected with a drop cloth or scrap cardboard so the filled mold can sit undisturbed while it cures.
2. Put on gloves, then add the cement mix to your bucket and pour in the water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture is thick like stiff peanut butter and holds its shape when pressed.
3. Scoop the wet cement into each cavity of the jumbo silicone tray, packing it firmly into the corners to avoid gaps or weak spots.
4. Tap the tray gently on the table several times to release trapped air, then smooth the tops with the stir stick or the back of the scoop.
5. Leave the tray in a shaded, level spot for 24 to 48 hours, or until the cement is firm enough to demold without bending or chipping.
6. Flex the silicone tray gently to loosen each brick, then peel the mold away and lift the bricks out one at a time with both hands.
7. Let the bricks continue curing on a flat board or piece of cardboard for another 5 to 7 days, lightly misting them once a day if the weather is hot and dry.
8. Arrange the finished heavy bricks in the garden as edging, stack them for a small riser, or space them in a decorative modular pattern between pots or along a short path.
Variations & Tips
For a smoother finish: Use a finer sand-topping mix instead of a gravelly concrete blend if you want crisp edges and a cleaner modern look.
For easier filling: Slightly dampen the inside of the silicone tray before packing in the cement; I’ve found it helps the mixture settle into the corners more neatly.
For heavier bricks: Fill deeper jumbo molds all the way to the top and make sure you pack the cement tightly so the finished pieces feel solid and substantial.
For a rustic garden look: Don’t worry if a few edges come out a touch imperfect. In my experience, those little irregularities often look right at home among flowers, herbs, and weathered pots.
For safe curing: Keep the tray out of direct blazing sun while the cement sets, because drying too quickly can lead to cracking.
For planning quantity: One full jumbo tray makes a small batch, so if you’re edging a larger bed or building a broader pattern, it’s worth mixing enough for several rounds and curing them in batches over a week.