How to Install Stepping Stones: Safe, Accurate Methods for Long-Lasting Results
Having been on many expert witness projects where stepping stones have been installed poorly, and in some cases dangerously, I thought it’s about time we had some guidance.
Firstly, I would lay the stepping stones or paving units out “dry”, allowing between 75 and 10mm between the slabs. Physically testing the stepping stones is recommended, by walking on, or besides, the stones, taking into account the client’s own natural gait. It is important to achieve equidistance between each unit as a person’s stride becomes accustomed to an equal distance.
Once the stepping stones position has been agreed and finalised, carefully spray around the slabs, using line marker aerosols. Allow for any falls as required, especially when creating pathways on virgin ground. Creating stepping stone paths across existing grass lawns is the easiest option, as the effects will be obvious and instantly effective.
Dig out where the spray line marks are to a minimum depth of 150mm (assuming a 20mm thick paving unit). Lay MOT type 1 and compact in layers until you achieve a 100mm compacted depth. Compact the base using a trench rammer and/or hand tamper.
Lay the slabs into a full bed of 1-4 mortar mix using OPC and crushed rock to a 40-45mm depth; this will compact to 30mm.
Apply bonding mortar/slurry primer to the whole of the back of the paving unit.
Lay the paving slab upon the mortar bed and compact sufficiently so as to achieve a full contact bed with no voids.
The paver height should be slightly lower than the level of a lawn so as to avoid damage by lawn mower blades, or level with gravel pathways surfaces.
Allow to cure for a minimum 48 hours until they are walked upon.
Stepping stones require little maintenance, beyond keeping the surface free from stones or trimming the grass edges.
