How to Make a Patio Using Stepping Stones

Measure the length and width of your square or rectangular stepping stones for the patio. Use the length and width of the stones to create a width and length of your patio space so that you do not have to cut a stepping stone or leave an empty space. For example if you use a 12-inch square stepping stone, you want to create a patio with a width and length in inches that is a multiple of 12, so you do not have excess space or not enough.

Measure a corresponding area on the ground where you wish to place the patio. Use wood stakes to mark off the four corners of the space and string or ribbon of any kind to tie between the stakes and guide you where to dig.

Dig to remove the sod in the patio placement area. Remove only the sod, digging down about two inches with the spade. Get the area as close to level as possible without checking; you may have to remove more soil from the higher parts of the dug-out site.

Spray on vegetation killer into the dug-out space. This prevents weeds and grass from growing up and through the cracks between each stepping stone.

Apply a one-inch layer of sand or crushed stone into the bottom of the dug-out spot. Smooth down the substance and use a level to check that the powdered layer is level. Apply water to the substance to pack it down and then check the levelness again and apply more material where necessary to create a perfectly level layer. This layer prevents the stepping stones from sinking prematurely in spots.

Start in one corner of the dug-out area and place one stepping stone into place right against the edges. Set another stepping stone into place directly against this corner stone. Use a rubber mallet to tap the second stone into place as close as possible to the first stone. Repeat this as necessary to install all stepping stones.