Garden Stepping Stones

Looking to buy Garden Stepping Stones?

For a natural-looking yet practical addition to your garden, look no further than OnBuy's exciting selection of garden and stepping stones. From decorative, multi-coloured aggregates to chunky stepping stones and slate, there's a variety of garden stones that can bring your back (or front!) garden to life.

How to use garden stones

Garden stones can come in handy for all kinds of outdoor decorative purposes. From filling sparse areas in your backyard to finishing off the base of artificial plants, garden stones have all kinds of brilliant applications. Pebbles, slate, and stones are a fantastic way to highlight and decorate pathways to prevent them from being cold hard concrete or unattractive tarmac. Garden stones can also deter pesky weeds from popping up, so they're a great choice if you're tired of using your garden hoe every few days!

How to install stepping stones

For stepping stones that stand the test of time without sinking it's paramount you prepare a solids base that allows for plenty of drainage. Popular options to achieve this is to use either a base of compacted aggregate or concrete. Thankfully, almost any kind of garden could stand to benefit from stepping stones as they can be easily introduced to both grassy areas and gravel. For gravel-filled gardens, both concrete and stone stepping stones (regardless of the shape or size), make great additions.

For stability, the topsoil should always be removed as well as extra dirt to create a stable and even base. If you're having trouble getting your stepping stones to lay flat, try evening out the base with builder's sand. You can also use this material to allow them to sit just above the surface for a more 3D look or press them down flush for a seamless garden pathway appearance.

How far apart should garden stepping stones be?

Iin general, garden stepping stones should have around 24 inches between them to create a comfortable walkway for both your family and any guests. The distance of 24 inches is designed to mimic the average human's stride. Placing them too far apart or too close together may feel unnatural and stilted. However, if you're particularly tall or short, you may want to measure you're own average stride to create the perfect garden pathway.

If you're creating an outdoor space specifically for your kids, then try spacing them out with a slightly shorter distance between each stepping stone depending on their age. The steps should allow them to comfortably walk from A to B without muddying their shoes!

Garden stones FAQs

What are garden rocks used for?

Rocks are used for decorative purposes or for ground covering. They offer a low-maintenance way to tackle weeds while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Plus, they're naturally durable and their colour won't fade easily, so you can enjoy them for years and years to come.

Which decorative stone should I choose for my garden?

This depends on the aesthetic you're trying to achieve. There are plenty of different decorative stones out there, from gravel to slate chippings, pebbles to cobbles, so choose the ones that you think will suit your space the best. If your garden is particularly prone to weeds, slate chippings are a fabulously low-maintenance way to keep them under control. 

Do I need to buy stones that match the rest of my garden?

When choosing decorative stones for your garden, it's a good idea to look for ones that complement your existing theme. If you're wanting to add garden stones to multiple areas, we recommend choosing the same type for each. That way, you can create a chic, stylish, and consistent look throughout. 

What garden stones should I choose for landscaping?

When it comes to landscaping, you need to consider the style you're hoping to achieve, and choose the most suitable stones. White marbles are ideal for brightening up a dark or shady spot, black lava rocks beautifully complement a contemporary garden, river rocks and/or beach pebbles add warmth, and terracotta stones create a sumptuous, Mediterranean vibe.

What is the best gravel for gardens?

Loose gravel is a great option, as it's very easy to handle, water-permeable, and affordable.

What do you put under stepping stones?

To level your stepping stones in the ground, it's a good idea to cover the surface in sand first. The stones need to sit above the surface, so take that into consideration and ensure that the sand coverage isn't too thick.