Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

Our Price Guarantee

How to lay a stepping stone pathway

Close up of a stepping stone pathway laid by a timber deck.

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

1Gather 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.

2Lay 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.

3Even out the area

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

4Measure 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.

5Lay 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.

6Use 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.

7Measure your steppers

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

8Measure 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.

9Mix 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.

10Lay 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.

11Lay 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.

12Check 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.

13Lay 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.

14Now it’s your turn!

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