Installation Instructions for Stepping Stones & River Rocks

Stepping stones and river rocks can create a natural path or walkway that complements its surroundings. Many people simply place the stepping stones or river rocks flat on the ground and use them as a surface to walk on, but because these are natural materials doing this will not create a level walking surface. It is important to have a level surface to walk on so that people do not trip. You can create a safe and beautiful walkway by digging out the soil for each individual stepping stone or river rock.

Stepping stones/river rocks
Trowel
Small shovel
Sand
Rubber mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Position the stones to create the track and length of the path you want. Place the stones close enough to each other so that people will be able to walk from one to another easily.
- 2
  Cut around the edges of each stone with a trowel to mark the perimeter of the stone into the ground. Remove each stone and set it aside.
- 3
  Dig out each stone's location down to the depth of that stone using a trowel and small shovel.
- 4
  Fill in the bottoms of the holes with 1 to 2 inches of sand. This will help you level the stones, particularly on hard packed ground.
- 5
  Set each stone in its respective hole. Place a level across the top of the stone. Tap it with a rubber mallet to seat it into place and adjust it for level. Continue with this process until all of the stones are in place.

How to Make a Stone Looking Path Using Cement

Tips on Designing a Front Walkway

Landscaping Walks & Pathways