Stepping stones are suitable for larger lawns that are walked on frequently. This protects the green area and laying the stones is not difficult with the right instructions.

In a nutshell

  • Stone slabs make it easier to walk on the lawn
  • there are different stones of different colors
  • Stepping stones in the lawn are easy to lay
  • correctly laid, they can be driven over with the lawnmower
  • misplaced, they become tripping hazards

Reasons for stepping stones in the lawn

Stepping stones are suitable if the lawn is frequently walked on on certain paths. These paths can be recognized by the fact that an unsightly beaten path soon emerges. The grass disappears over time and the ground becomes hard and dry. Stepping stones ensure that the rest of the lawn is protected. In contrast to completely paved paths, laying individual stones is easier and costs less time and money.

manual

With our detailed instructions, you can easily lay stepping stones in the lawn yourself.

planning

  • Walk down the path, counting the steps
  • one plate is counted per step
  • Distance should be about 60 - 65 cm
  • the right distance depends on the personal step length
  • do not take excessively large steps
  • the running should take place in a comfortable step

Select stepping stones

It's not just about the color or the material. Since the stones lie for a long time, are frequently walked on and are also exposed to the weather, they should be as robust as possible. It is also particularly important that they do not have a smooth surface. Otherwise they become slippery in rain, dew or snow. The slabs should be at least 4 cm thick and large enough that you can stand comfortably on them and do small jobs, for example on the lawn.

cut out sods

Distribute the tread plates on the lawn according to the plan. Then mark the outlines. Either use marking spray or cut out the outlines with a spade.

Notice: Do not use tree marking spray. Chalk spray is better, so you don't see the marking in the lawn for a long time.

Then put the slabs aside again and cut out the turf with the spade. Then dig the holes a little deeper than the plates are thick. This ensures that they do not survive later. Otherwise, the stones quickly become a tripping hazard, especially in the dark. In addition, protruding slabs make mowing work in the lawn more difficult.

Lay a gravel or sand bed

  • Compact the soil under the slabs
  • either step on it or work with a hand tamper
  • Plates don't sink any deeper later
  • Stepping stones do not require a poured foundation
  • a layer of sand, grit or gravel is sufficient
  • this compensates for unevenness
  • the layer should be so thick that the slab is then flush with the floor

Lay stepping stones

Lay the slabs on the bed of sand. If necessary, top up with a little more sand so that no holes appear under the plate. Try to see if the disk wobbles.

Align stepping stones

Align the panels horizontally. Use a spirit level for this and possibly level the substructure a bit. Then tap the stones. Use a rubber mallet and work carefully.

fill up soil

Since you can never work exactly, there will be a gap between the plate and the lawn. Fill this up with fine soil. It should be nutritious, but not contain any large pieces, so that it also fills small cavities well. Press the earth down and possibly muddy it with a little water from the hose.

Notice: Only remove loose soil from the plates when they are dry again. Otherwise the soil will smudge.

sow new grass

So that the earth around the stones does not remain bare for long, new grass seed is spread over it. It should be the same seed that was used for the rest of the lawn so that no transitions are visible later. Rake the seeds into the soil and press down firmly. Then water thoroughly and then keep moist until the grass germinates.

frequently asked Questions

What to do if the plates wobble?

It makes the most sense to completely reinstall the panel in question. For this purpose, the sand bed is piled up again under the stone. Remove any bumps or larger stones. Set the plate back up and tap it into place. The panels themselves may also have minor bumps that cause them to wobble.

Can stepping stones be cast yourself?

This is actually possible with special casting templates. Concrete is used as the casting material. Both are available at hardware stores.

Which material is suitable for the stepping stones in the lawn?

There are different types of stone for stepping stones. Including granite, slate but also sandstone. The material differs not only in appearance, but also in hardness and sensitivity.

Category:

Garden design