How to Install a Stepping Stone Path
Stepping stones are an easy way to add a hard pathway in a dirt or high-traffic area in your garden. If you prefer a natural, organic or loose look, stepping stones allow for infinite design possibilities. Since they are not poured into place, you can easily change or replace the stones as needed over time. A stepping stone path also adds value and beauty to your property as exterior hardscape. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stepping stones
- Rope or garden hose
- Garden stakes and string
- Measuring tape
- Shovel or spade
- Water level
- Builder's sand
- Wooden board
Instructions
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1
Lay down two lengths of rope or garden hose in the area you wish to use as a pathway. Arrange them parallel to each other to mark the contours of the path. If the path is to be straight, you can drive stakes into the ground and stretch string between each stake instead.
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2
Lay the stepping stones along the pathway to dry-fit the design. Adjust the layout as desired.
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3
Measure the distance between the stones. Place them so that the center of each stone is spaced within 18 inches of the next.
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4
Outline the edge of the first stepping stone with a spade or trowel.
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5
Lift the stepping stone and dig out the dirt from the outline. Make the hole deep enough so that the stone will lay about 1 inch above the soil surface after you have added 1 inch of sand. This will allow for settling. Take the thickness of each individual stone into account as you prepare each hole.
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6
Pour 1 inch of builder's sand into the hole to make the stepping stone easier to set. Check with a water level and make adjustments to the sand to ensure it is level.
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7
Set the stepping stone into the hole. Repeat the marking, digging and setting process for each stone along the pathway.
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8
Set the water level or long wood board down to check that stones are equal in height. Add sand around each stone as needed and tamp down firmly to set.
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9
Remove the marking ropes or stakes.
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References
- Photo Credit stepping stones image by cherie from Fotolia.com
