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Learn how to lay crazy outdoor pavers down at home, from prepping the area to adding a pop of colour in your new pathway with your favourite plants.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (mask, gloves and protective footwear for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Use a garden rake or shovel to clear out the pine bark and if needed, dispose of it in your green waste bin or compost.
Once your area is cleared out, mark out the outline of your pathway with spray paint. Then take a tape measure and run it across the outline to determine the length of garden edging needed. You’ll need to work out the square metreage of your pathway to get an estimate of how many pavers and bags of sand you’ll need. Simply multiply the length by the width of your path to get your number.
You’ll need to remove some dirt from the ground before laying down pavers to create a stable, level base. This ensures that the pavers will sit evenly, preventing shifting or sinking over time. Use a shovel to dig out the soil to depth, then smooth the surface over with a rake.
Take the bags of sand and pour directly onto the dugout path. Sand adds drainage to the path, which will help stop water pooling that can lead to damage of your pavers. Use a soil spreader or garden rake to smooth out the sand.
To compress the sand, use a plate compactor or hand tamper to firmly press it down. This is going to create a stable, level surface that prevents pavers from shifting or settling unevenly over time.
Take your garden edging and lay it down next to the spray paint guide. It's best to begin from one corner or the most visible edge so that you’ll get better alignment. If the edging pieces need to be interlocked, connect them as you go. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the edging and pegs firmly into the ground, then backfill the surrounding area with soil to complete the installation.
For planting between pavers, choose low-growing, hardy varieties like creeping thyme, sedum, or Irish moss. These plants handle foot traffic well, are drought-tolerant, and require minimal maintenance. You want to avoid taller grasses or plants with sappy leaves as these can create hazards along your path. Feel free to pick taller plants for the border if you wish.
Lay out your plants until you’re happy with the placement and effect. Then dig holes and plant your plants in and top them off with a good water to help them settle. Now you’ve finished your garden stepping stone pathway with a pop of colour!
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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.
