How to use stepping stones to create a patio

If necessary, start by removing any turf from your planned patio area using a shovel. Once the grass is cleared, use a rake to level the soil. To determine how deep you need to dig, calculate the combined depth of your base layers - this should include 50 mm of road base or crusher dust, 20–30 mm of paving sand, and the thickness of your stepping stones - Tuscan Path has a great range. Dig down to this depth across the full area to ensure your finished patio sits flush with the surrounding lawn or garden.

If your space doesn’t already have a defined border, now is the time to install edging. Use treated pine or other suitable timber garden edging to create a frame around the perimeter of your patio. Measure and cut each piece to size, then set it in place using stakes or steel posts. Use a string line to ensure your edges are straight and fasten them securely.

This border will help contain your materials, define the layout, and keep your layers level as you build up the patio.

For larger spaces, add a height peg in the centre of the area before you start compacting. Drive the peg firmly into the ground and mark the correct height on it to match your finished level. As you spread and compact the road base, use this peg as a reference point to check that the surface stays even from the middle out to the edges. This will help prevent dips or high spots forming in the centre of the patio and ensures water drains away properly once it’s finished.

Once your edges are in place, add a 50 mm layer of road base or crusher dust across the cleared area. Spread the material evenly with a rake and lightly wet it down to reduce the dust.

Use a hand tamper for small areas or a compactor for larger patios to compress the base. This step is crucial - a solid base will prevent movement or sinking in your patio over time. Check for low spots or uneven areas, adjust as needed, and re-compact to ensure a smooth, level foundation.

With the base in place, set up screed rails along the length of the area - 25 mm conduit or similar material works well. Spread 20–30 mm of paving sand between the rails and slightly overfill. Use your screed board or straight edge to level the sand by dragging it along the rails. Remove the rails when done and backfill the gaps with more paving sand. Smooth everything over with a trowel to create an even bedding layer for the pavers.

Before installing, seal your Tuscan Path natural stone pavers with a sealer suitable for natural stone. Apply it to all sides - top, bottom and edges - and allow them to dry completely. This protects the stone from stains and weathering.

Lay the stepping stones out in a dry run first to finalise the spacing and design. You can place them close together for a formal look or spread them apart for a more relaxed style. Once you’re happy with the arrangement, set each stone onto the sand bed and tap it down with a rubber mallet. Use a level to check each paver and adjust the sand underneath as needed to get them perfectly even.

If you’d like to soften the look and blend the patio with your garden, you can plant low-growing groundcovers between the stones. Plants like Emerald Falls Dichondra or Trailing Pratia work well. Choose your planting spots, then dig through the base layers down to the soil. Fill each hole with potting mix, position the plant, and water well. Over time, the plants will spread out and grow between the stones, adding colour and texture.

To complete the look, fill the spaces between your Tuscan Path pavers with small decorative pebbles from the AMES Garden range. Choose a colour and size that complements your garden stepping stones and the surrounding garden. Pour the pebbles in and spread them out evenly using a broom, making sure to tuck them neatly around any plants.

This final step locks the pavers in place and gives your patio a polished finish.