The stepping stone path I recently set in my backyard is the third path I have laid over the years. With a little time and elbow grease now, the set stones will require little maintenance over the years.
Here’s a tutorial in case you are looking to set your own stepping stone path into existing grass.
1 | Choose your material. In my last house I set stepping stone paths with irregular stones that I bought at a stone yard. I was able to pick through and choose what stones I wanted, and was careful to choose ones that were somewhat flat on one side, and fairly large (yet small enough that I could lift them myself). You can purchase natural stone by the pallet or by the pound at many stone yards.
For this project I repurposed rectangular-cut bluestones form our yard. Our front path (that badly needs to be reset – but that’s a project for another day) had a little side path off of it leading to a door in our garage. We never used this path or the door, so I decided to repurpose the stones.
The bluestones are mostly smooth on one side, but quite unevenly textured on the other, so setting them is much like setting an naturally shaped stepping stone.
The uneven side wouldn’t make a very good surface for stepping, so this side was placed down. When laying the foundation for the stones I took into consideration that the bottom of the stone would would need to be leveled.
PS – Those pavers weigh a ton! Holy upper body workout!!
2 | Determine where the path will go and how far apart the stones will be set. A hose is a great way to mark a curved path. Set the stones about where you think they should be set and then walk on them several times, adjusting the stones based on where your natural step lands comfortably. My steps ended up about 6″ apart.
6 | Movement equals shifting which equals cracked stones later on, so make sure each stone is level and has no movement when weight bearing. After pressing on each stone and adjusting with more sand, stand up and rock on the corners to feel if the stone is set and not moving.
From previous experience, if you take the time to set the stones properly they will look great for a long time to come!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
looks awesome! i love stone!
pam {simple details} says
WOW! What can't you do? It's fabulous (great tutorial, too) and you definitely need a fire pit to make it flow! 🙂
Maury Kilgo says
That looks great! I love they way you did them. It makes them look like they've been there for years.
Jennifer L. Griffin says
What a fantastic outdoor living space! It's coming along so nicely and the path is such a nice addition to set off your space. I'm impressed with your skills! So nice that you had such great stones to reuse in a different spot.
elizabeth@themustardceiling says
Wow Lisa your new walkway looks awesome! I can't believe you did this yourself, it looks like a lot of hard, heavy work. Great job.
Sally says
I love that you "framed" the seating area with this path. Looks great!
Urban Orchard Interiors says
So helpful Lisa! What a great post. We are still trying to finish a brick path in our front yard and laying all those bricks evenly is quite a chore. Your path and seating area look so inviting!
Kim@Chattafabulous says
Lisa, I love your stone path! I've tried it myself before but the rocks weren't flat enough and it was better to go around it! Thanks for showing me how to do it better!
http://www.chattafabulous.blogspot.com
Barbara says
That looks great, you need a break after that good thing you have chairs!
Suzy www.savedbysuzy.blogspot.com says
I love your path. It looks like it took a LOT of work and strength! My arms are sore just looking at the pictures.
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
We need to do this! We're a long way off still, but I hope it turns out as pretty as yours. And the little sitting area you gained is so sweet!
Heaven's Walk says
What a beautiful job! Thanks for sharing your tutorial today. I have plans for a path through a shade garden on the north side of our house this summer – and your tips will truly come in handy! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Julie says
Gorgeous! I have a stone path as my front "sidewalk" & I love it. I'm sure you'll love yours too!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
Really pretty and I love the curve!