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How to create a stepping stone pathway

By Bunnings magazine /

A dog sitting on a completed stepping stone pathway with a small dining setting.

Overview

A worn-out section of grass in the garden can be transformed into a stepping stone pathway with pavers, turf and a pretty geometric pattern. Measure your space carefully to calculate the number of pavers needed, then get creative with a design of your choice. Add turf or low-growing groundcovers to fill the gaps and flesh out the borders with extra plants. With a project cost of approximately $38 per square metre* (pavers only) it’s time to get cracking!

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What we used for our stepping stone pathway revamp

  • Cream pavers
  • Buffalo turf
  • Expanding trellis
  • Begonia rex plants
  • Bistro setting

    • Steps

    1Clear and prepare your pathway area

    Remove any grass and other vegetation from the area using a square-mouth shovel; skim across the surface to remove material and roughly level. Use a mattock for difficult material. As you work, use a wheelbarrow to remove any waste. Use a landscape rake to bring the area to a consistent level and remove any remaining waste.
    A rake being used to bring a soil area to level.

    2Determine your dimensions and prep for your border

    Use a tape measure to determine the approximate dimensions and border of the paved area (in this case, a rectangle). Mark out the long sides and short ends of the border, then use a tamper to compact the soil around the entire border. Run around the border twice to give a wider footing and create a stable base for the edging.
    A person wearing work boots and in shorts uses a tamper to compact soil

    3Set out your stepping stone pathway area

    Use a club hammer to drive in a stake about 500mm from where one long side of the border edging will finish. Attach stringline to the stake, 100mm above the soil level, then run the line to 500mm out from the intended corner at the other end. Hammer in another stake and attach the stringline. Repeat for the other long side, ensuring spacing is equal at each end.
    A stake in soil with measuring stringline tied to it surrounded by greenery

    4Mix the mortar

    Empty a 20kg bag of mortar mix into a dry wheelbarrow and, a little at a time, add water while using the shovel to blend. Ensure that you reach all areas of the mix and no dry pockets are left. Keep adding water and blending until you have a thick but workable consistency. To test, scoop a slice of mortar onto your trowel – it should hold in a sausage shape, without slumping, and be a little sticky on the trowel.
    A wheelbarrow filled with mortar being mixed by a square-mouth shovel

    5Cut the pavers

    This path has a centreline of square pavers in a diamond pattern, with pavers cut in half to create triangles for the sides, and a gap of 100mm between all pavers. For the half pavers, mark corner to corner, then use an angle grinder fitted with a masonry wheel to cut.
    Green Bunnings hammer
    Safety tip Always wear a P2 respirator, and have a second person constantly trickle water onto the cut as you work to reduce dust.
    A single paver on top of dirt with part of a large yellow framing square and a person’s boot in image

    6Lay the pavers

    Starting at a corner, put shovel-loads of mortar along the stringline and lay edging pavers at each end of the path, tapping down gently with a non-marking mallet. Use the stringline as a height guide and check for level as you work. Repeat for the other side, then lay edging pavers between the sides. Put a large pad of mortar in the path centre, position the first square paver in a diamond position, then lay cut pavers. Continue laying paving; checking for level.
    Pavers laying on fresh mortar with a spirit level on top and two work-booted feet in shot

    7Haunch the edges

    As you work your way along the path, and before the mortar cures, haunch the edges to lock the pavers and edging in place, preventing sideways movement. To do this, use a trowel to bring the excess mortar from the beds halfway up the sides of the pavers and edging, so it slopes away from them; adding more mortar if needed.
    An image of using a shovel to haunch the edges of a stepping stone pathway

    8Fill the gaps

    Once the mortar has cured (generally after at least 24 hours), pour turf underlay soil between the pavers to a few centimetres below the top edge. Use a broom to remove excess soil from pavers and get the fill soil to level. Measure the gaps and use a handsaw to cut sections of turf from the rolls. Place turf in the gaps, gently pushing it down, then water in well.
    A strip of turf sits between a paver and a stepping stone pathway border

    9Add greenery and plants to your stepping stone pathway

    To landscape the new pathway, supplement the existing plantings along the borders. Provide climbing support and boost privacy without blocking the view by adding an expanding willow trellis, attached to 50mm x 50mm garden stakes with UV-resistant cable ties. Add a 50mm layer of bark mulch to the garden beds.
    Two gloved hands spread bark mulch over a garden bed

    10How much mulch should I use?

    Mulch is the essential finishing touch in every garden makeover, large or small. There are a few factors that will determine how best to buy your mulch. For smaller jobs or those with difficult site access, buying mulch by the bag is always the best option. For large projects – if you think you’ll need more than 5-6 bags – consider having bulk mulch delivered. There are several timber-based mulches available to order in bulk via Special Order (also available in store) that can be delivered from as little as 1 cubic metre – that’s enough to cover 20sqm of garden bed with a layer to the recommended depth of 50mm.

    11What other fillers can I use to fill paving gaps?

    Turf is not the only option for filling gaps between pavers. Check out these great low-growing groundcovers that can work just as well. But make sure you consider your soil conditions and how much light the area gets when making your selection.

    • Mondo grass: Hardy and comes in dwarf and regular sizes.
    • Zoysia: Clump-forming habit for a more informal look.
    • Pratia: Dainty native creeper with tiny white or pale blue flowers.
    • Dichondra repens: Fast-growing, mat-forming groundcover with small kidney-shaped leaves.
    • Corsican mint: Ideal for shady and slightly damp areas.
    • Native violet: Thrives in shady, moist areas.

    12Keep in mind...

    • When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Prior to excavating, contact Before You Dig Australia to check the location of underground pipes, cables and utilities to avoid damaging them.
    • Take care when selecting your plants, as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
    • Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch.

    13Want more gardening and landscaping tips?

    Check out our planting and growing D.I.Y. ideas to keep your yard in top shape.

     

    Photo credit: Nigel Lough, Eunice Oh.

    Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. 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 or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.