How To Install A Stone Path

A stepping stone path is a great way to offer a beautiful path from one place to another in your yard. And (the real bonus) it’s simple enough to make in one day. Okay… maybe one FULL day… but a day regardless. Here’s a simple guide on how to get it done.

To start, you’ll want to put stakes along the exterior lines of where you want to be and connect those stakes with rope. This rope should be low to the ground, as this will essentially be your baseline for how far the stones will sit above the ground. Next you’ll need to measure the length of the paths width and distance so you have a general idea of  how many stones you will actually need to complete the job. You can use stones of any size but as a general rule, they should be about 1.5 inches thick and anywhere from 6 inches to 2 feet wide, depending on the design you want the path to take. You can get these type of stones from local stone yards and some big box home improvement stores.

Before you lay the stone, though, there is still some work to be done in the area that the path will lie. You’ll need to dig up the areas you will be placing the stones. If you wish to have grass growing between, you’ll want to make sure not to dig down too far.  Take a sample stone and test it by putting it into place.  You should have dug enough so that the stone just reaches the rope you had tied.  If you like the height, then it’s on to the next and final steps!

Finally before you lay the stone in place, you’ll want to make a batter type material from the stone dust and water. You’ll be applying a layer of this to the actual area under the stone to prevent sinking. Finally, you lay the stones in place, remove the rope and the stakes, and collapse in the grass from all the heavy lifting!

Instructions by: Hillary Hansen