Step-By-Step Guide To Installing Stepping Stone Pavers

Stepping stones may be a beautiful finishing touch for your patio or yard. Since we are paving industry professionals, we are frequently asked how to install stepping stone pavers. Even while it might be a quick and easy fix to just place the slabs straight on the gravel, they could eventually become unstable and slide.  

With a few extra steps, though, you can make the stepping stones for the garden more durable.  

Read on for our comprehensive tutorial to find out how to properly fasten your paving onto a gravel surface so you can build the ideal stepping stone pathway or walkway.  

Stepping Stones Pavers Laying Tips 

Should we choose large stepping stones or small? Or should it be something in between? Are there different colour you can select from? 

There seem to be countless options when it comes to choosing stepping stones for garden. To help you narrow down your options and come to a wise selection, there are a few things to consider. 

First, think about how the pavers will be used. Natural stone pavers for a patio could not be the same as those for a garden walk or driveway. It’s also important to consider elements like consistency, density, underlayment, breadth and thickness of the stone. 

If you want to repave a driveway, you will need a stone that is thicker—usually two inches or more. On the other hand, a patio would be better with a thinner stone. Furthermore, certain natural stones are better suited for particular applications than others. For example, Bluestone tiles would not be the best choice for a driveway, but it can look great along a garden walk when used as stepping stone pavers.  There are wholesalers like Stone Depot who can help you choose the option that best fits your needs and tastes and offer guidance on how to lay stepping stone pavers. 

Choosing the route of your path and placing the stepping stone pavers loosely on the ground are the next steps in setting them out. Use a tape measure or walk one stride from the middle of one paver to the next to be sure the stones are spaced equally apart. 

Nevertheless, it could be more sensible to utilise one stride as the separation between each stone rather than an arbitrary measurement, given the main objective of this walkway is to permit walking. However, it is crucial to think about other people’s safety who could use the walk, such kids or the elderly. If so, it is best to move the pavers closer together to prevent trip hazards. 

It is advised to place the first and last paver before the others in order to guarantee a level finish for your stepping stone garden walkway. You can level the remaining pavers with the use of this. Before compacting the earth using a metal tamper or other items like wood or your feet, start by clearing the area where the two pavers will be set of any gravel. Compaction of the area is important because it keeps the earth from sinking over time and provides a solid base for paving. 

Using a cement trowel to level off the cement mix is crucial to creating an even mortar bed for the stepping stone pavers. After covering the whole area, carefully lay the paver on top of the mixture. If you want the finish you want, you might have to add or remove some mortar. Move the paver gently into the precise location you measured in step one after setting it on the mortar. 

Once the surface has been levelled by tapping, look for spaces between the paver and the mortar bed. If you discover any cracks, fill them in with various mortar mixtures using a trowel. Making ensuring the paver is firmly positioned on the mortar bed and that there are no gaps between them is crucial. 

After you are satisfied with how the paver and the mortar are positioned, give it a full day or two to dry and set. To keep the stepping stone pavers from shifting or becoming uneven during this period, avoid treading on it. 

Check the positioning, levelness and spaces between each paver as you repeat the procedure for each remaining large stepping stones. Lastly, use sand to fill in the spaces between the stones. 

Make sure the mortar mix is level again once you’ve built it up against the paver’s sides. Use a wood-handled hammer or rubber mallet to gently pound it until it’s level. Use a trowel or a damp cloth to remove any extra mortar from the stepping stone paver when you’re happy with its level. Walk on the paver or go on to the next one once the mortar has had at least 24 hours to dry and set. 

After each stepping stone paver, check the level and repeat the process with the remaining ones, maintaining the same space between them. 

Summing Up  

One of the best ways to recognise the effort and hard work that went into the project is to be proud of your work. Stepping stone pavers enhance the aesthetic appeal and practicality of your outdoor area while also raising the property’s value. 

Don’t forget to maintain your stepping stones for garden by routinely removing weeds and debris and sealing the pavers to prevent splinters. Additionally, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Stone Depot’s natural stone professionals if you have any concerns or want any additional help with your landscaping project.