For the next few weeks, I'm going to go into detail on how to use stepping-stones, brick and flagstone, from ground preparation to cutting and fitting them together, with a few design ideas along the way. So let's begin with stepping-stones.
These blocks come in several different sizes and shapes, as well as a variety of colors. The most commonly used one, and the easiest to work with is the 12-inch square. This block also comes in round and hexagonal shapes. There are plain textures, exposed aggregate, and cobblestone. The colors are gray, brown and red, depending upon the block.
Now most people feel that this is just too plain for them to use, but what I recommend is that you don't use just one style or color, but that you incorporate two or three for our design. For example, let's say that you have a 20x20 area that you want to make into a patio. Trim the outside with red-colored block, and make the body of it plain gray. For the middle section, make a planter area, or break it up even more by inserting brick. For the pathway sections of the patio, use the cobblestone look. The price for this will average under $1.50 a square foot, and you will have a very attractive look. To plan for this, get some grid paper, each grid being one square foot. Color the perimeter in red and color the center a different color if you are going to make a planter. Add a third color for the cobblestone stepping-stones. This will let you choose the design you like before you begin to dig the ground, and avoid any design problems with your other half. Now remember, you don't always have to go with just a plain square, but maybe you can make it different shapes. Here, your only limit is your own imagination.
First, outline the patio with either some powdered lime, or better yet, with twine--tied at the ends with some wooden stake pegs. This will give you the best idea on what it will look like in proportion to your yard. Once you have the size finalized, remove all of the grass and dirt and dig down about four inches. Spray the area with a weed killer to prevent any grass or weeds from growing through the patio.
Once you have done that, come into Cascade Block and purchase some plaster sand that you will use for leveling the stepping-stones, a rubber mallet, some knee pads and gloves, and finally the stepping-stones that you have chosen. I also like to see people purchase some ground fabric, which will let water drain through, but will also prevent any grass or weeds from growing through the patio. You can get this at any lawn and garden center.
Next, lay your ground fabric over the patio area, overlapping it carefully. The stepping-stones should be level with the ground when you are done. Since they average about two inches thick, you will spread two inches of sand, or however deep you need, to level the base, since your ground will not be perfectly level. Use the sand for this purpose. When you have it done, wet your sand and begin to tamp it down. Rent a lawn roller for this step. Repeat this as needed until your base is level. If you are uncertain how much sand to get, ask a saleperson at Cascade Block. Give them your average depth and outside dimensions, and they will sell you what you need. You will need to purchase some extra sand for sweeping between the stepping-stones, to help lock them together.
Now it is time to begin placing your stepping-stones. Starting in one corner of the patio, begin carefully to lay them down, workng your way towards the center of your patio. Each time that you place your stepping-stone, strike it on all sides with your rubber mallet, and then carefully lift it up, to make certain that it is fully supported by the sand base. If needed, grab a handful of sand and throw it underneath the stepping-stone as needed. Time's up, so we'll continue this next week, so until then, see ya'!
Originally published in the Daily Courier March 25, 2000