How to Build a Stepping Stone Path

To determine the method for laying your stepping stone path, you need to decide what material you’re going to use as filler between the stones.  Are you going to set them in grass or gravel?  Or are you going to plant a bit of softscape between the stones?  Your answer to this question will influence how you’re going to go about setting your stepping stones.

The primary method for setting a stepping stone path is the one you’d use if you’re going to be planting a bit of groundcover or flowers between your stepping stones.  Although the greater part of this article discusses how to lay this type of path, I will also include the slight variation in technique required to lay a stepping stone path across a lawn, and to lay stepping stones within an existing gravel path.  If you intend to create a stepping stone path set in gravel, but do not already have an existing gravel path, the method used to build it from scratch will be somewhat different, and you can find DIY instructions for how to build a stepping stone path set in gravel right here.

The first thing you’ll need to do is to figure out how many stones you’re going to need.  This is a pretty simple procedure; all you need to do is walk the path at the approximate pace you assume most people will walk it.  Walk it more than once, and walk it both ways.  If your path will be somewhat long, use a couple of garden hoses; just lay them out where you want your path to go.  This way you can be sure you walk the exact same route each time.  This is not rocket science, you just want to come up with the number of steps people will probably take when using the path.  There’s a simple way to make certain that you don’t have to make another run to the stoneyard after you’ve begun laying the stones out on the path.  Just get a couple of extra stones.  If your path is quite long, get a few more.  It won’t break the bank, and if, as you’re laying them out into position, you find you need one or two more than you figured on, they’re right there.  As for me, if I don’t end up using them in the stepping stone path, I will most certainly find something to do with several nice stepping stone size rocks in my yard.  No doubt about that.

What You’ll Need:

• Bow Rake
• Brick (just one)
• Broom
• Brush
• Hand trowel
• Knee pad
• Long carpenter’s level
• Paver sand
• Pry bar
• Rubber Mallet
• Short carpenter’s level
• Shovel, clean and sharp
• Stepping stones
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Wheelbarrow
• Work gloves
• Yard Waste Bin

You May Also Need:

• Filler plants
• Grass seed
• Gravel
• Mix of topsoil and compost
• Tarp

At this point, if you’re going to lay your stones in grass or gravel, you’ll want to briefly check out the instructions for setting stepping stones in grass or setting stepping stones in a gravel path.

The path I’m building is located in a space that is fairly shady with grass that grows only sporadically, and it gets lots of foot traffic.  When all is said and done, I don’t want grass poking up between my stepping stones, I want the creeping thyme that I’m going to plant to eventually cover all the spaces between the stones.  Most of the small amount of existing grass along the path will be removed from the spaces where the stones will be set when I dig the holes for the stones.  The grass currently residing in what will be the spaces around and between the stepping stones is going to be pretty much demolished with all the digging.  If there’s any grass left as I set the stones, I’ll simply remove the top bits wherever they still remain.   There won’t be much; this isn’t a delicate process.

Alrighty then, let’s get to it.  You want to lay your stones out along your pathway, flattest side up.  You want the stones to relate to one another.  Like pieces of a puzzle, but not so perfectly matched.  Set them lengthwise across your path, alternating left and right placement as you go.  Like this:

As you work, try them out.  Not every time you set a stone down, just occasionally.  I know they’re not laying completely flat, but just check to see if they’re in a position that will allow for comfortable walking, without having to alter your stride in order to make your foot land on a stone.  After you’ve laid them all out, tweak!  (One of my favorite parts of just about any project)   Is the layout visually appealing?  Do the pieces work well together because they look like they fit where they’re placed?  And again, are they spaced in such a way that you can walk the path comfortably?  Work with the stones till you’re happy with the way they look.

For this next step, all the guides out there will tell you to use either a knife or small trowel.  I tried both of those, and I’ll tell you what.:  Use a shovel.  It’s sooo much easier.  Place the business end of the shovel at the edge of your first stepping stone and step on it, pushing it into the ground.  Continue around the edges of your stone, just to outline the spot where the stone lies.  This does not need to be a perfect profile of the stone.  Just a reasonably accurate outline.  Remove the stone and put it aside.

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