The ground you put stepping stones on should be level and prepared properly before the installation of the stone. This is an important step. If the area is not properly prepared before the stepping stone is installed, you may have problems later with broken or sinking stones and those that deteriorate because they were not intended for this purpose.
Stepping stones are typically large slate, sandstone or coral stones, surrounded by gravel, mulch, sand, or other medium. The area should be prepared and leveled before installation. This ensures that the stone is on a solid base and won’t crack.
If the area around the stones is a bit uneven, it is less critical, since it will be filled in with rock, stone, or other media after the stepping stones are installed.
Should You Put Stepping Stones on Uneven Ground?
There should be no issue with putting stepping stones on areas that have a slight incline. Often, stepping stones are installed on steep grades to make steps.
During normal stepping stone installation, any humps or high areas should be raked smooth and patted down firmly to ensure a solid base. Alternatively, if there are areas that are lower or have holes, they should be filled in with dirt or other materials to make the area level, firm, and ready for the installation of the pavers.
The area needs to be prepared before beginning your project, including diagramming the design. The areas where the large step stones are placed should be raked level with a layer of decomposed compacted granite or sand to ensure a solid base.
The priority is making the area safe to walk on. If the stepping stone is on an unprepared surface, there is a chance it may crack or sink over time.
The area between the stepstones is more forgiving as any uneven areas will be filled in with rocks, sand, and often sod or ground-covering perennial plants.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Stepping Stones on Uneven Ground?
Of course, every project is different, so there may be some variations, but here are the general tools needed to install stepping stones.
- Trowel
- A level
- Rubber mallet
- Spray paint
- Waterproof sheeting
- Shovel or spade
- Tape measure
- Bucket to mix cement (if using)
- Sand or granite to level the area where the large stepstones will be
- Wheelbarrow to move the medium (rock, gravel, etc.)
- Large stepping stones in the time of material that best matches your home, or personal preference
No matter what project you are doing around your home or garden. Having the right tools handy will ensure that your project is done correctly and will last for many years, with little care.
What Preparations Do You Need Before Installing Stepping Stones on Even Ground?
The preparation depends on where the stone is going, because some stepping stone projects are more complex than others.
When creating a walkway in the grass, just cut away the sod and place the stepping stone in it. If you are creating a walkway with gravel or rock surrounding the stepping stone, you will need to level the ground first and lay down a secure base.
Taking the proper measures and preparing the surface before you install the stepping stones will pay off in the long run. They will stay in place and have less chance of cracking and breaking if you put down a sturdy base before laying the stone.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 13, 2022.
How to Install Stepping Stones on Uneven Ground:
The first thing you need to do before you begin your project is to diagram the area. Determine how much the materials will need and make sure you have all the materials and tools needed to complete the project. When everything is assembled, you are ready to begin.
There are many things to consider. The type of stepping stone to be used and the materials going around the stepping stone. Then, you will need to use contractor’s sand to flatten the surface. You are then ready to place the stone and filler. You can then sit back and admire your hard work.
Step-by-Step Directions for Installing Stepping Stones on Uneven Surfaces:
These directions are primarily for those adding stepping stones to areas with gravel or rock around them, as the process for adding stepping stones to grass is quite simple.
- Begin by moving any existing gravel from the area you will be working on.
- Even out the surface, making sure that the area is as flat as possible where the large stepping stones will be placed.
- Lay down moisture-proof sheeting to protect the area from weeds coming through. The material also helps protect the paving stones from sinking into the dirt below. It also helps keep moisture from the stepping stone.
- Use a layer of granite or construction to even out any uneven areas.
- Use a tape measure to determine the center of the walkway and where the stepstones will be.
- Take the spray paint and, using your diagram, paint on the sand/granite the area where each stepping stone will be. This will make sure that each stone is uniform on the gravel base.
- Dry the stone and add each one to the area, per the design chart. Each stepping stone should be uniformly placed to give the finished product a professional look.
- Some choose to add cement to hold the stepstones in place. If so, this is when you will mix the cement and put it down, and place the stepstones in place.
- Once the large stones are in place, it is time to add the stones, rock, or mulch around the stepping stones.
- Do not walk on the stones until at least 24 hours after installing the step stones and other media.
What Types of Stepping Stones Are There?
There are many different types of materials used for stepping stones, including the following options:
- Sandstone
- Concrete pavers
- Flagstone
- Slate
- Brick masonry stone
- Handmade stones using concrete
Any stone that is durable and comes in large sizes will work as step stones.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 13, 2022.
After your project is finished, you will see the difference it makes to your home and yard.