How to Landscape With Steppers

Outline a pathway with wooden stakes and string. Set the stakes 2 feet apart if the path of the steppers is winding.

Decide if you want to lay gravel between the steppers or allow the grass to show. If you choose the grass, trim it regularly. Gravel reduces maintenance and provides a textured contrast next to smooth stones.

Remove the grass from the outlined area if you choose to lay gravel down with the steppers. Dig down 4 inches with a shovel. Spread a 3-inch layer of sand over the surface and tamp it down with the back of the shovel or a tamping tool.

Arrange the steppers on the surface of the sand or grass using the wooden stakes and strings to guide you. Space them evenly apart with about 6 inches between each stepper. Walk the path on the stepping stones to ensure they're positioned how you want them.

Dig a depression in the dirt 4 inches deep if you decide to leave grass between each stone. Spread a 3-inch layer of sand over the soil and tamp it down.

Set the first stone on the sand and stand on it. Shift your weight to see if the stepper rocks or shifts. Add more sand beneath until the stepper is level.

Continue to lay the steppers using the same method as the first stepper. Fill in any gaps with sand between each stepper and the ground.

Spread a 1-inch layer of gravel over the sand between the steppers if you want to lay a gravel path. The steppers should sit at least 1 inch above the surface of the gravel.