Everyone wants a garden that looks the part for those warm months when the family and friends visit and spend time together in the sunshine.

You have got it all; flowering shrubbery, a freshly-mowed lawn and high-tech sprinklers to keep it everything healthy and vibrant.

But there is one thing missing; stepping stones, of course!

Below we’ll answer a few commonly asked questions about them to help you decide whether they’re right for you and how you’d go about adding a path to your garden.

What are stepping stones used for?

• Stepping stones are singular, flat stones placed in a line to create a pathway.
• They are often used as a bridge over a small body of water like a stream.
• However, they are increasingly becoming a feature in gardens because of their attractive alternative look.
• When your garden grows out slightly, and grass surrounds the stones, they can appear more natural than a traditional path – contributing to a rustic theme.
• Having said as much, there is no end to the possibilities.
• One quick Google search will demonstrate the creative ways that others have incorporated this type of path into their garden.
• For example, wooden tree stumps instead of stones, painted colorful stones and traditional shapes made from pebbles.
• These are just a few of the original ideas you can consider when landscaping your garden.

How many stepping stones do I need?

The answer to this question depends on the style and look that you’re aiming for.

Once you identify how long you want the path to be, and how close to each other you plan to locate the stones, you can more easily work out how many you’re likely to need.

If you’re looking for a simple path to go straight from a pavement to your front door, with a single line of stones positioned a distance apart, you could easily get away with a single-digit number.

However, if your preference is for a more complex path that swirls and twists, that figure will be higher.

How far apart should I place the stones?

Similar to the previous question, it depends on preference and style.

There is no set rule for how far apart the stones should be; if you want them close together, then go for it!

If you have kids with short legs that will find it home difficult to move between the stones if they’re far apart, opt for a more compact arrangement.

An average distance most people compromise on is around 18 to 24 inches between the centre of each stone.

It gives a good balance between being able to take two at a time and not being able to reach the next one without jumping.

How do you lay stepping stones?

Laying stones is a relatively easy process and will only take around two hours to do.

First, mark out where you’re going to put them so you have an outline of what the end result will look like.

Loosen the soil, and remove any stones or roots to prevent a wobbly stone.

Dig a hole two centimetres deeper than your stepping stone and lay a 1.5cm sheet of sharp sand down.

Lie the stone on top, making sure it’s not sticking out of the ground to avoid tripping over it.

Hit them lightly with a rubber mallet to ensure they’re firmly in place and fill in any gaps around the stone with soil.

Water the soil around the stones, checking it’s compact and unlikely to move.

Once that’s done, there’s nothing left to do other than enjoy your freshly-laid path.

Why should I have stepping stones in my garden?

They’re decorative, easy to make and lay, and fun for both kids and adults.

In short, what’s not to love?

Stepping stones can be a simple and inexpensive way to create  market a path through a garden that is vulnerable to becoming muddy and hard to walk over after it has rained.

They can be arranged however you want, and no path is like another.

They are often much more stimulating to look at than an ordinary design, which is why people love them.

It should go without saying that children love jumping from one to another!

If you are interested in refreshing your outdoor space with some stepping stones, you can view our full range here. For more information or advice on our natural stone paving, please do not hesitate to contact our team by calling +84 936 374 398 or sending an email to export1@shcgroup.vn.