How to Install Stepping Stones

May 4, 2023

Before you go anywhere, bookmark this page because the experts at Nicolock Paving Stones are dishing out all the secrets on how to install step stones like a professional. Paver stepping stones offer an affordable, attractive way to protect your landscaping without a full walkway and installing them can be done by the average homeowner. If you're wondering how do you lay stepping stones, rest assured that stepping stones are easier to install than paving stones and are the perfect outdoor beautification project for DIYers. Keep reading for simple step-by-step installation instructions on how to lay down stepping stones that you can follow at home.

Choose Your Stepping Stones

Before you begin, you need to decide which type of stepping stones you want to use for your project. Flagstone, fieldstone, slate, concrete and log steppers are the most common types of stepping stones available and are great for use in a stone walkway or stone path. The size, shape and type of stone you choose for your stone pathway will depend on your desired look and function. For example, large stepping stones for walkway paths are easy to walk on and are great for covering a lot of space. Small stepping stones appear more delicate and are better suited for decorative purposes or areas with space limitations.

Installing Stepping Stones

Once you've chosen the stepping stones for your stepping stone path, it's time to install them. No matter which type of stepping stones you choose, the basic installation steps remain the same, so once you learn how to lay stepping stones, you can easily complete multiple projects.

Step 1.) Plan the pathway. The easiest way to do this is to simply lay out the garden stepping stones and see how they look. Make adjustments to the step stone on grass as needed until you get them where you want them. You can then outline the stepping stones with spray paint or lawn chalk.

Bonus Tip: If you plan on having a significant gap between stones, measure the distance of your pathway and the width of each stepping stone. Use that information to calculate out the right spacing to save time planning the pathway.

Step 2.) Excavate the area beneath each stone. You can do this by simply using a shovel and digging out the shape you made in step one. You'll want to dig down about 3 to 4 inches below grade.

Step 3.) Add a thin layer of gravel. Add about 2 inches of gravel to each excavated area to ensure proper drainage. The gravel will also help prevent the stepping stones from shifting.

Bonus Tip: Add a weed barrier before the gravel to prevent grass or other weeds from growing up and around your stepping stones walkway. This is especially important for more complex installations.

Step 4.) Add a thin layer of sand. Add about 1/4 inch of sand to the top of the gravel. This will make it easy to level your stone step stones.

Step 5.) Place each stepping back in place. Place the stepping stones on top of the sand and check to make sure they are level. You can adjust the stone as needed until you're happy with their placement.

Step 6.) Backfill around the landscaping stepping stones as needed.

Installing walkway stepping stones can be done by the average homeowner, but if you find yourself needing a little help, let Nicolock Paving Stones help you find a contractor that can install pavers and stepping stones to bring your outdoor design ambitions to life.