Step Aside

Find inspiration here to help you turn your yard into a welcoming path.

Photography by Brian Francis

These homeowners leveled the ground of their side yard and punctuated the new design with a metal gate, plants, and creative stepping-stones. The affordable project transformed the space into a lush greenway that encourages daily use.

"We chose materials that would allow water to seep into the ground. Now we have a level path without runoff problems."

Good to Know

Be sure your utility company can read the meter. If you’re unsure, call the utility company and ask your meter reader to approve the screen.

Step-by-Step: Garden Stones

Measure and mark a line every 2 inches along the length of the concrete form tube. (We used 8- and 12-inch-diameter tubes to vary the design.)
Cut out the 2-inch rounds using a jigsaw. You may need to puncture the tube with a utility knife to start your cuts.
Mix mortar per the manufacturer’s instructions. TIP: The consistency is perfect if some mortar remains on the trowel when it is turned sideways. Use the trowel to fill the first 2-inch concrete form tube with mortar. Press to eliminate air pockets; use a float to level and smooth.
Wash polished stones to remove dirt. Press the stones into the mortar while it is still wet, following the design of your choice. The stones should be pressed in so that they are level with the top surface. (Work on one stepping-stone at a time so that the mortar does not set.)
Repeat the process of filling with mortar and pressing in stones for each stepping-stone.
Allow to set for 48 hours before removing the concrete form tubes.
On a level path, arrange the stepping-stones. Fill the surrounding area with polished stones.

Good to Know

We used a drop cloth when making the stepping-stones, but you also could use an inexpensive shower curtain.

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