How to Build a Stepping Stone Patio
Adding a patio to your back yard is a great way to add functionality and makes entertaining much easier. Traditional concrete patios require complicated drainage structuring, expertise about concrete and a lot of sweat labor. But building a patio from stepping stones requires minimal digging and is ideal for the weekend warrior. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tarp (1 ft longer and 1 ft wider than desired patio size)
- Shovel
- Railroad ties or 6x6 edging timbers
- Rubber mallet
- Sand
- Spare 2x4 board
- Stepping stones
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Prepare trenches for railroad ties.
It may be helpful to lay the tarp down in the desired location to help you gauge your trenches. Remember that 6 inches of each edge of the tarp will lay into the trench, so if you lay it down before digging, pull back these 6 inches so they're not in the way.
Dig your trenches 6 inches wide and 2 inches deep. -
2
Place Railroad ties into trenches. Use a rubber mallet to pound the ties in solid and to get them to fit tight together.
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3
Place a layer of sand about an inch thick. Use the spare 2x4 to level it off and spread the sand evenly.
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4
Place stepping stones as your personal taste dictates. Some people prefer them to be more spread out than others.
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5
Place another layer of sand to fill in around the edges of the stepping stones. Leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the stepping stones exposed. If you need to, use the 2x4 to smooth out this layer of sand.
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6
Wet the sand. This will set the sand and keep the stepping stones from shifting.
Do not turn your hose to high pressure, as you will end up washing the sand away rather than simply setting it.
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