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How to lay a stepping stone pathway

Close up of a finished stepping stone pathway beside a deck in a backyard.

Overview

If your grass is being constantly trod on, or your plants are in danger of being destroyed by foot traffic, why not install a stepping stone pathway? This simple D.I.Y. project is a great addition to any garden, giving guests a clear way to either access your home from the street, or access your backyard from the house. Best of all, it’s durable, requires little maintenance and can be arranged to suit your specific space, resulting in a completely unique design. 

First, you will need a solid foundation: make sure the area around your pathway is level and clear before starting this project, with no weeds or debris to obstruct your design. You may also want to check the weather forecast – rain or an excessively wet space may cause issues when waiting for the mortar mix to dry. 

 

Steps

1

Gather your tools and materials

Below are all of the tools and materials you’ll need to complete this project.
The tools and materials you’ll need to complete this project.

2

Lay gravel

First, we need to lay the gravel in the area you’re planning on paving. 
Person in a backyard emptying gravel out of a wheelbarrow.

3

Even out the area

Grab your rake and spread the gravel as evenly as possible. 
Person spreading out gravel with a rake.

4

Measure and cut edging

Depending on what type of edging you choose, you may need to use your circular saw and cut this according to your measurements. 
Person cutting timber edging with a circular saw.

5

Lay border edging

Once your edging has been cut, hammer in your edging.
Person hammering in an edging peg next to a length of timber edging on a gravel base.

6

Use a compactor

First things first, get your safety equipment! Using a compactor will provide a solid base while also helping to make sure that everything stays in place over the long term.
Person using a compactor on a gravel base.

7

Measure your steppers

Using a string line, line up where you want your edging of the stepper to be – make sure there’s enough space from the edging to your paver! 

8

Measure and mark for your pavers

Use a tape measure to measure where you’d like each stone to go. Mark each spot with a line either side with spray paint of where you want your pavers to go.
Person using a string line and fluoro paint with a tape measure to mark out paver positions.

9

Mix your mortar

Prepare your mortar mix in a wheelbarrow. With a bucket, add water one at a time. Use your shovel to mix the mortar and water together.
Person mixing mortar in a wheelbarrow.

10

Lay your bed of mortar

Once you’ve mixed your mortar, use your shovel and place this where you’ve marked your stepper. 
Person laying mortar mix on gravel base using a spade.

11

Lay your stepping stones or pavers

Lay your stones in your desired pattern. Gently tap them into place with a rubber mallet. 
Person wearing work gloves tapping a paving stone placed on top of mortar with a rubber mallet.

12

Check if it’s levelled

Check the level using a spirit level. Use your shovel to smooth any overflowing mortar over the edge of your stones. Leave the stones and mortar to dry for 24 hours. 
Person wearing protective gloves placing a spirit level across a paving stone.

13

Lay pebbles

Lastly, it’s time to lay your pebbles once your stones have dried. Now sit back and admire your new stepping stone pathway!
Person pouring gravel from a bucket around paving stones.

14

Now it’s your turn!

Start designing your stepping stone pathway with our wide range of paver stones. 
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.