Laying Stepping Stones in Your Garden

A garden path is not only useful when manoeuvring around your garden, but can also make a striking decorative feature. There are many materials you can use to create a garden path, but perhaps one of the most attractive and easiest to install are stepping stones.

 

Tip 1 IconMaterial

Stepping stones are perfect for adding a little charm into both the traditional and modern garden. There are a diverse range of stepping stones on the market, ranging in shape, size, texture and colour, so be sure to choose the ones that will best fit the overall finish you wish to achieve. Stepping stones are very simple to install, as the levelling process is much less specific than that of a formal pathway made from brick or paving slabs.

 

Tip 2 IconLayout

First you should establish where you plan to lay your path and the distance you wish the stones to sit apart from one another. It may be helpful for you to begin by laying your stepping stones onto the ground, so you can be certain the path is positioned exactly where you want it to be. You can then mark the circumference of each stepping stone onto the ground.

 

Tip 3 IconPrepare

It is important to lay your stepping stones onto a level base, so be sure to keep a spirit level at hand throughout this process! This way you can continue to make any adjustments required before laying each stepping stone. Start by digging out the areas that you have assigned for your stepping stones, ensuring that there is enough room beneath each of the stones for your mortar. Remember that the thickness of the stones will also impact the depth of the hole you need to dig, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the perfect depth for installing your stepping stones.

 

Tip 4 IconInstall

Now that you have dug the required holes for your stepping stones, you can start to install the stones one at a time. Start by pouring a suitable mortar mix into each hole, ensuring that the mortar reaches the necessary depth recommended by the manufacturer. You can then lay your stepping stones directly onto the mortar, lightly tapping them into place using a rubber mallet. Finally, check that the stone is lying flush before leaving them to set into place. Once dry, you can then fill any gaps surrounding your stepping stones with soil.

 

We hope this guide has been useful. For more summer DIY tips, why not check out our previous blogs on Creating Your Perfect Summer Garden and How to Put Up a Garden Shed.