If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your outdoor space but don’t want to break the bank or hire a professional, this post is for you. In this article, we will explore various creative and budget-friendly ideas for creating a beautiful stepping stone walkway in your own backyard, small garden, or large lawn.
We understand that tackling a landscaping project can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. Maybe you’re worried about making a mistake or need help figuring out where to start. Don’t let fear hold you back because with a bit of planning and the right materials and tools, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and functional area for relaxing and entertaining.
At Lyngso, landscaping and gardening materials are the heart of our business, and over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned walkway can add value and charm to any property. In this article, we will share some of our favorite stepping stone walkway ideas (including some inexpensive ones), explore the different materials, and help you create a stunning stepping stone walkway that you’ll be proud to show off.
What You Need (and How) to Make a Stepping Stone Walkway
Step 1: Preparing the Path
Preparing the path involves marking the path of the walkway you want to create and then clearing the area of any vegetation. Once the area is cleared, dig out a shallow trench along the marked path and level the ground with a shovel or landscaping rake. If your site has soft or unstable soil, you may need to put down a few inches of either Class 2 Base Rock, Class 2 Permeable Base Rock, or Crushed Drain Rock to stabilize the walkway. Make sure to compact this subsurface layer well with either a metal hand tamper or a compactor.
Step 2: Materials and Construction
You’ll need certain materials and tools to create a stepping stone walkway. These include the leveling material (sand), step stones, and gravel or mulch. After the leveling sand is spread out into the walkway, space out the stepping stones onto it. Once the stepping stones are in place (use a rubber mallet to gently tap the stones into place if needed) you can add the gravel or mulch around the stone to finish the walkway. We recommend checking out the popular Crushed Black Basalt or Mahogany Chip if you want some inspiration.
Step 3: Features and Decorations
Finally, after finishing the walkway, you can bring more character using additional features or decorations. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily create a beautiful and functional stepping stone walkway that will enhance the look and value of your property.
Stepping Stone Walkway Ideas for Every Budget
Idea 1: Limestone Sawn Cut Paver Stones for Style and Durability
Limestone is a natural stone that can create a stylish and durable stepping stone walkway. It is available as sawn cut in various colors and finishes, such as Salem Gold, Azure, and even as hammered pavers of different sizes and thicknesses.
One of the benefits of limestone is that it can be easily cut into various custom shapes and sizes to suit your unique landscape design preferences, and it’s a long-lasting and low-maintenance material. You should keep in mind, though, that this premium natural stone is one of the more expensive options compared to some of the other materials on this list.
Idea 2: Flagstone Stepping Stones for a Rustic Feel
Flagstones are natural sheets of stones that can be used to create a rustic or more natural-looking stepping stone walkway. It is available in various colors and finishes and can be either snapped or cut into various shapes and sizes. One of our favorite flagstones for stepping stone walkways is the beautiful Connecticut Bluestone, a classic East Coast paving stone that’s been used for centuries, dating back to the 1800s. Another popular choice is Arizona Flagstone in Buff. This standup select-grade flagstone is available in large sheets of random shapes. For a bit more glamor, Quartzite is an attractive option. Although flagstone is more expensive than other materials, it is durable, long-lasting, and can find multiple other landscaping uses, such as in patios.
Idea 3: Concrete Pavers as a Durable and Inexpensive Alternative
Pre-made concrete stepping stones such as Calstone or StepStone products can be another excellent option for a stepping stone walkway. They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors and are very durable and relatively inexpensive. On the flip side, they may not be as visually appealing as some more premium natural materials, such as flagstone or sawn cut stone.
Idea 4: DIY Stepping Stones for a Personal Touch
DIY stepping stones are great if you want to add a personal touch to your walkway. Because you can make your own stepping stones using a variety of materials such as concrete, plaster, or even recycled materials like broken pottery, this can be a fun and creative way to add interest to your landscape without breaking the bank.
Where to Buy Beautiful Stepping Stone Walkway Materials
A stepping stone walkway is a sure way to enhance the look and functionality of any outdoor space. With a variety of different materials and tools available by Lyngso, you can create the perfect stepping stone walkway for your style and budget. Visit our large showroom and landscaping yard in San Carlos for more ideas, and contact us today to learn about delivery options for your SF Bay area home.
