How to Lay a Walkway With Prefab Concrete Stepping Stones

An informal prefabricated concrete stepping stone walkway

Prefabricated or precast concrete stepping stones are available for purchase as an alternative to buying expensive stone to create a walkway. Homeowners who enjoy doing their own projects from start to finish can construct wooden molds to precast concrete stepping stones. A walkway's design may be a straight line or in meandering curves. Concrete is durable in freeze-thaw locations, and color pigment can be added to enhance the walkway's appearance. An informal walkway made from round or square prefabricated (prefab, for short) stones requires less ground preparation and base material. Flowers or decorative grass planted along the edges of even the least expensive concrete walkways can make them look elegantly designed.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Stakes or yard spray paint
• Long knife
• Shovel
• Sand

Instructions

1. Decide where to place the walkway. For instance, a good location is where the ground is bare from heavy foot traffic or a route that leads from a garden to your home's doorway.

2. Measure the length and width of the walkway. This will help you determine how many stepping stones to purchase. Use a person's natural stride in deciding how far to space the stones, or plan to space the stones closer together.

3. Stake the edges of the walkway following the chosen lines. Use yard spray paint to mark the walkway as an alternative to staking the edges.

4. Lay out the stepping stones following the chosen path. Cut around each stone with a long knife into the ground the thickness of the stone (usually 2 inches). Set the stone to the side and dig out the area with a shovel.

5. Place a 1/2-inch layer of sand in the bottom of the dug out area. A simple sand base permits drainage and facilitates easy removal for repair or replacement of stepping stones. The sand layer raises the stepping stone above the ground 1/2 inch.

6. Set the stones in place. Each stepping stone should be no more than 1/2 inch above the ground for simple maintenance. In addition, the stones will settle over time, and the 1/2 inch above ground allowance will help keep the stones visible.

7. Fill in any open space around the stones with the sod removed previously.

Tips & Warnings

• If the drainage is poor where the walkway is situated, allow for a 1/4-inch slant when digging the ground for stone placement.

References

• "Popular Science Skill Book: How to Build Patios and Decks;" Richard Day; 1976