How to Lay Stepping Stones in 6 Easy Steps

Using stepping stones to create a garden path is one of those small backyard upgrades that punches well above its weight. It keeps muddy footprints out of the house and gently tells people where to walk, without shouting about it. But when stones start wobbling or sinking a few months in, the magic wears off fast.

The good news is this isn’t hard to get right. With the right prep and a bit of patience, you can lay a garden path that feels rock-solid and still looks great years down the track.

What steps do you need to follow for a long-lasting garden path?

Most DIY path disasters come down to the same thing: shortcuts that seem harmless at the time.

Dropping stones straight onto grass without lifting the turf, skipping the base layer because it feels like ‘extra work’ or eyeballing the spacing instead of actually walking it through will almost always come back to bite you. That’s when stones start shifting, edges lift and your neat path turns into a tripping hazard.

You don’t need fancy tools or concreting skills to get this right. Just slow down, nail the basics, and your stepping stones will stay put and stay level.

These are the same simple installation steps professional landscapers across Brisbane and Queensland use again and again because they work.

Step 1: Choose stones that suit your garden.

Start by picking stepping stones you actually enjoy looking at. Natural stone, like bluestone or sandstone, adds a premium, earthy feel and works beautifully in modern or rustic gardens. Concrete pavers are budget-friendly and consistent in size, so they suit clean, structured spaces. Pre-cast decorative stones are great if you want the path to make a bit of a statement.

Most people find stones between 300–500mm wide feel comfortable underfoot. Try to match colours and textures to what’s already in your yard so the path feels like it belongs there, not like it was dropped in as an afterthought.

Step 2: Map out the garden path and walk it first.

Before you touch a shovel, lay out the path visually. A hose or string line makes this quick and flexible. Curved paths usually feel more relaxed and inviting than ruler-straight lines.

Once it’s marked out, walk the path and place markers where your feet naturally land. For most adults, around 500–600mm from the centre of one stone to the next feels just right. If it feels awkward now, it’ll feel worse later.

Step 3: Prepare the ground properly.

This is the moment where good paths are made and bad ones are born. Dig out each stone’s spot around 50–100mm deeper than the stone itself. Remove all grass, roots and soft soil. Anything organic left underneath will break down over time and cause the stones to shift.

Press down and lightly compact the bottom of the hole. A flat, firm base here saves you a lot of fixing later.

Step 4: Build a strong base layer.

This is the step many people skip and later regret. Add a 50mm layer of crusher dust, road base or paver sand under each stone and compact it firmly. 

A properly compacted base can keep a stepping stone path stable for five to ten years, even in Queensland’s wet season.

Step 5: Place and level your stepping stones.

Set the stones in place and grab your spirit level. Check side to side, front to back and along the flow of the whole path. If a stone needs to come up, add a bit more base material. If it’s sitting too high, scrape some out.

Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the stone into position. You want it bedded in, not cracked. Aim for the stones to sit just above the surrounding ground, so water runs away instead of pooling around them.

Step 6: Fill the gaps and set everything in.

Once the stones are sitting nicely, fill around them to lock everything in place. Paver sand is the quickest and easiest option. Gravel or pebbles add a sharp, clean contrast and help with drainage, while mulch softens the look and blends the path into garden beds.

If you’re after a greener finish, plant a low-growing groundcover like creeping thyme or dichondra between the stones. Give sand or soil a light watering so it settles neatly.

If you’re using natural stone, applying a sealer helps protect it from stains and weather damage, especially in sunny or exposed areas.

What will you get from getting the process right the first time?

Once everything’s set, you’ll have a garden path that feels solid underfoot, drains properly and holds its shape through the seasons. Muddy shortcuts disappear, lawns stay intact and moving through your garden just feels easier.

If you want to make sure your path works well with your garden and handles rain properly, the Australian Government’s YourHome guide on landscaping and garden design has some great tips. 

And if you’re ready to get started, we’ve got everything you need, from natural stepping stones and concrete pavers to crusher dust, paver sand, gravel fillers and the right tools to get the job done properly.

Plan your next garden project with Australian Landscape Supplies today!