Making stones in cold weather?

[Zach Snyder]

Has anyone here successfully made a stone in the winter time? I have read it needs to be at least 40 degrees for it to set properly. It's been 40 the past few days here, but drops below that in night time. I'm thinking it might be ok if i mix it with hot water, and then cover the mold with blankets to keep some heat in.

Any suggestions/tips?

[paul kuokkanen]

If you can put it inside in a garage, this is the best thing to help keep it warmer

Blankets like you said and hay on top as Insulation, the crete will create its own heat, just need to hold it in.

Calcium will help it cure faster.

I've done plenty of slabs out in 10degree weather with no problems as long as you do this,
but if the water in the concrete freezes, then you're fresh out of luck, and it will crumble.

[Zach Snyder]

If you can put it inside in a garage, this is the best thing to help keep it warmer

Blankets like you said and hay on top as Insulation, the crete will create its own heat, just need to hold it in.

Calcium will help it cure faster.

I've done plenty of slabs out in 10degree weather with no problems as long as you do this,
but if the water in the concrete freezes, then you're fresh out of luck, and it will crumble.

thanks

my garage is uninsulated, but it should still be about 25-30 at night. I'll have to dig up some old blankets, and keep the mold as warm as i can.

[Mike Caruso]

I think you can get an accelerator (Calcium) at Home Depot.

Keep it insulated and if possible a heater near by. If it doesn't get below 25 you should be fine. There is some residual heat from the exothermic rxn with the water and lye in the concrete so as long as it doesn't get too cold you should be set.

[Matt Parkes]

covering them with a garbage bag and then a blanket has helped me keep the heat in while its setting. Even if they do freeze if you leave them alone for about a month they may harden up enough to be usable.

[Matt Middendorf]

I just made a stone a few weeks ago and it was in the 30s here, but I did do it in my garage and it came out perfect.

[brian kling]

If you have a basement why not do it in there on a tarp or something?

[Zach Snyder]

If you have a basement why not do it in there on a tarp or something?

ventilation, and because then i'd have to haul the stone up our rickety stairs, and all the way out to our garage. Plus, if it's a stone that i can't lift, yet, then i'm going to have trouble with that.

[Zach Snyder]

thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to give it a try tomorrow.

[Matt Middendorf]

no problem man, and i also did try making one in my basement and ventilation was definitely an issue and i can't lift this one(made it way to big) so its stuck there.