Natural stone paths look good in almost any landscape. They never go out of style like so many man-made paver materials. Like most things made of stone, they will stand the test of time if they’re built carefully. Stone construction is one of the most satisfying home improvement projects you can do, for that exact reason. Stonemasons are generally a happy and satisfied group, because they build things that last and no two projects are exactly alike.
We often see stone paving and stepping stones that have sunk into the ground, sometimes so much that they become buried. Settling can make the stones uneven and hazardous to walk on, and can cause dirt and grass clippings to pile up on them. Another common problem with stepping stones is that they aren’t hard enough; the wrong type of rock was used. Stones that are laid on the ground will absorb water if they’re too porous, so winter freeze-thaw will crumble them to bits eventually.
Home handymen can build with stone, however there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Backaches, crushed fingers and even hernias are a real hazard, so you need to be aware of your own limitations. Having a helper is a good idea, but handling stones is a bit like dancing; your partner must work closely with you or there can be bumps and bruises, or worse injuries if you’re not extremely careful. Respect rocks. They can hurt you badly in a careless moment.
Here’s how to build stepping stone paths that last. First, select dense, hard rock like ledge limestone or granite, at least three inches thick. Porous stones like “creek rock” or “fossil rock” absorb moisture and then crumble over time, as they freeze and thaw repeatedly.
Dig a trench an inch or two deeper than the thickness of the thickest stone, wide enough for the widest stones you have. Spread an inch or two of one-inch “crusher run” limestone in the trench, and pack it with a tamper until it’s solid. This is called a “footer”. Add an inch or so of pea gravel (tiny round river pebbles) on top of the compacted limestone, and then lay the stones out on the pea gravel. Space them for a normal stride, so that an average person can walk on them comfortably.
Now heap pea gravel all around each stone. Using a level, raise or lower each stone so it’s level across the top and level with the stones next to it, working pea gravel up under the stone on all sides with a shovel. Wiggle and twist the stone to “settle” it so it won’t “see-saw” or rock no matter where you step on it. Once you’re done this step, walk on the path in both directions to check the spacing and make sure the stones don’t move, and that there are no tripping hazards. Using a rake, pull the extra pea gravel up around each stone so that there are no gaps under the stones.
If your stone path is across lawn, take special care to make the top surface of each stone level with the ground around it. This way you can mow over the finished path easily, and it won’t matter if grass grows between the stones.
If your path is across landscape beds, you might want to set the stones higher than the surrounding ground, so that you can mulch around them a few inches thick. Wash the stones thoroughly so that any dirt or weed seeds clinging to them won’t wind up on top of your clean, sterile mulch. Carefully stuff mulch between the stones, and then spread mulch flush with the top of your path. Brush or blow off any mulch that gets on top of the stones.
Now, stand back and admire your work. It’s safe and solid, on a compacted footer that won’t allow it to sink. Because your stepping stones are set on a bed of pea gravel, will always be easy to level up and adjust any stone that settles or moves out of place. You’ve made a permanent improvement path that will last for generations.
Steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape “makeovers”. “Let’s Grow” is published weekly; column archives are online at www.goodseedfarm.com. For more information call GoodSeed Farm Landscapes at (937) 587-7021.
Stepping stones are a great way to create a charming garden path or decorate a gravel driveway or patio. The rustic look of weathered stones peeking out from loose gravel gives landscapes a natural, earthy feel. While laying stepping stones directly on top of gravel is quick and easy, they can shift out of place over time as the gravel settles. A properly constructed stepping stone path set into a gravel base provides a more stable, long-lasting walkway.
Planning Your Stepping Stone Path
When planning a stepping stone path set in gravel, the first considerations are layout and design. Decide on the shape and flow of the path. Curving paths feel more organic while straight paths create a cleaner look. Space the stones between 2 to 3 feet apart so most adults can comfortably step to the next stone. Account for high traffic areas by placing stones slightly closer together.
Measure the area and mark the path layout with spray paint or flour. Purchase enough uniformly sized stepping stones to cover the length of the pathway. Irregular shaped or various sized stones can create an uneven walking surface.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Shovel
- Rake
- Tamper
- 4×4 lumber
- Level
- Gravel
- Washed stone dust
- Stepping stones
- Landscape fabric (optional)
- Edging (optional)
Step-by-Step Installation
Follow these simple steps for properly installing stepping stones in gravel:
1. Prepare the Base
Remove any grass or debris from the installation area Level the soil beneath with a shovel then tamp down with a hand tamper Clear an area 24 to 36 inches wide to allow adequate workspace.
2. Install Landscape Fabric (Optional)
Cut lengths of landscape fabric to fit the area overlapping seams by 4 inches. This prevents weeds from sprouting up between the gravel and stepping stones. Secure fabric edges with landscaping staples.
3. Add and Compact Gravel
Dump, spread and compact a 4 inch gravel base over the installation zone. Compact gravel in 2 inch layers using a hand tamper or plate compactor. Gravel bases provide drainage and prevent shifting.
4. Build Edge Restraints (Optional)
Install edge restraints to keep gravel securely in place. Flexible plastic or metal landscape edging, bricks, stones, or treated wood boards all work well. Leave edging 1 inch above ground level.
5. Fill With Stone Dust
Cover the gravel base with a 1 to 2 inch layer of stone dust, also called screenings. Compact and level the stone dust, which will form the setting bed for the stepping stones.
6. Set Stepping Stones
Place stepping stones one at a time on top of the stone dust base, spacing them 2 to 3 feet apart. Use a level to ensure each stone sits evenly. If needed, adjust stone dust beneath to level.
7. Lock Stones In Place
Sweep stone dust over the open areas between stepping stones. Sprinkle water over the stone dust to dampen it. The moisture helps compact the dust so it locks the stones firmly in place.
8. Complete The Path
Check that all stepping stones sit solidly without rocking. Add more stone dust and tamp down if any stones feel loose. Sweep off any excess stone dust once finished.
Caring for Your Stepping Stone Pathway
With proper installation and occasional maintenance, a stepping stone path set in gravel provides years of enjoyment. Regularly check for shifting stones and refill areas around the stones that have settled using more stone dust. Limit weed growth by reapplying landscape fabric. Routinely sweep away debris and gravel that has scattered off the path.
A stepping stone walkway blends beautifully into natural landscapes or gardens. The simplicity of installing these rustic pathways makes them a DIY project suitable for all levels. Following the proper techniques for setting stones into a gravel base results in a finished path that provides stable, long-lasting functionality. Get creative with stepping stone materials, shapes and layouts to design a unique garden accent.
How to lay stepping stones on gravel
FAQ
What is best to put under stepping stones?
Add builders sand to the dug-out areas and set the stones in place. The sand will help you position the stones.
Can you put stepping stones on gravel?
Can you lay stepping stones on gravel? You can lay stepping stones on gravel, but make sure you don’t directly lay them. This will make the slabs lose and will start shifting from their place.
Do stepping stones need to be cemented down?
Both sand and cement can be used for laying stepping stones, but cement offers more stability. Use a 1.5cm layer of sharp sand and a rubber mallet for levelling on firm ground. In softer soil, a cement bed prevents sinking over time.
Should I put landscape fabric under stepping stones?
Fabric under stone is to keep the stone from sinking into the soil with the vibrations of the Earth. Weeds are not coming from under that. They come from the birds, air, water, truck in from your feet and on animals, land in the stone, and grow. If weeds can grow in a concrete crack, they can certainly grow in gravel.