Stone walkways are a home improvement project for this fall; What’s worth knowing

On By Yukito

play

Natural stone paths look good in almost any landscape. They never go out of fashion, like many other man-made paving materials. Like most things made of stone, they will stand the test of time if built with care. This is why stone construction is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. Stonemasons are generally a happy and satisfied bunch because they build things that last and no two designs are the same.

We often see stone walkways and walkways that have sunk into the ground, sometimes so much that they become buried. Settlement can make stones uneven and unsafe to walk on, and can also cause dirt and grass clippings to accumulate on them.

How to prevent your stone walkway from cracking

Another common problem with springboards is that they are not firm enough; wrong type of rock was used. Stones placed on the ground will absorb water if they are too porous, so winter freezes and thaws will eventually crumble them into pieces.

DIYers can build with stone, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Back pain, crushed fingers and even hernias are a real threat, so you need to be aware of your limitations. Having a helper is a good idea, but using the stones is a bit like dancing; Your partner must work closely with you, otherwise bumps and bruises or worse injuries may occur if you are not extremely careful. Respect the rocks. They can hurt you badly in a careless moment.

Enter and win: Great American Fall Home and Garden Refresh $100,000 Giveaway

What is the best stone for a path

Here’s how to build lasting stepping stones. First, choose a dense, hard rock such as limestone or granite that is at least three inches thick. Porous stones, such as “stream rock” or “fossil rock”, absorb moisture and then crumble over time as they freeze and thaw repeatedly.

How to make a straight stone path?

Dig a trench an inch or two deeper than the thickness of the thickest stone, wide enough to accommodate the widest stones you have. Spread an inch or two of one-inch “crusher” limestone in the trench and tamp it down with a tamper until it is hard. This is called a “footer”.

Add about an inch of pea gravel (small round river pebbles) on top of the packed limestone, then place the stones on top of the pea gravel.

Space them out to provide a normal stride so that the average person can walk on them comfortably.

Now place pea gravel around each stone. Using a level, raise or lower each stone so that it is level with the top and level with the stones next to it, shoveling pea gravel under the stone on all sides.

Move and twist the stone to “stabilize” it so it doesn’t “swing” or rock no matter where you step on it. Once you have completed this step, walk along the path in both directions to check the spacing and make sure the stones are not moving and there is no tripping hazard.

Use a rake to pull up additional pea gravel around each stone so that there are no gaps under the stones.

How to make sure you can mow near or over a stone path

If your stone path runs across a lawn, take special care to ensure that the top of each stone is flush with the surrounding ground. This way you can easily mow the finished path and it won’t matter if grass grows between the stones.

If your path runs through landscape beds, you can place the stones higher than the surrounding ground so you can mulch a few inches thick around them.

How to prevent weeds from forming near a stone walkway

Wash the stones thoroughly to prevent any dirt or weed seeds clinging to them from ending up on the clean, sterile bedding. Carefully place the mulch between the stones, then spread the mulch evenly with the top of the path. Brush or blow off any mulch that gets on the rocks.

Now stand back and admire your work. It is safe and solid, with a compact foot that will not allow it to sink. Since the stepping stones are set on a bed of pea gravel, it will always be easy to level and adjust any stone that falls or shifts out of place. You have embarked on a path of sustainable improvement that will last for generations.

Steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer specializing in landscape “makeovers.”