| Steppingstone Path |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-308 |
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Q: I'm tired of slogging through the mud to take out the garbage. What's the easiest way to build a walkway? A: (from Brad Staggs, Ask DIY Home Repair expert) Basic concrete pavers or steppingstones provide an easy and affordable way to construct an attractive walkway or path. A common problem with steppingstones, however, is a slight -- or not so slight -- tilt to one side when someone steps on them (figure A). Though a seemingly minor problem, this could possibly lead to a twisted ankle or worse if someone lost his balance as a result of the instability. Fortunately, proper installation will prevent this problem, and it's an easy process. Just follow the simple steps outlined below. Materials: Concrete pavers in the desired shape and color (enough to space evenly along the designated path)
Edging tool or small spade
Shovel
Sand (playground sand works well for this project)
Decorative gravel (optional)
- First, you'll want to select a style of paver that complements your house and landscape. Check out the variety available at your local home-improvement centers and landscape-supply companies.
- Once you've made your choice and brought the pavers home, lay them along the area of the pathway. To determine a comfortable distance between stones, walk back and forth on the stones several times (figure B), repositioning them as necessary.
- Next, use an edging tool, as shown in figure C, or a small spade to mark an outline around each paver (figure D). Press the outline into the dirt so that it's about 1-1/2" deep.
- Once you've outlined each paver, lift it out of place and dig out the marked area with a shovel (figure E). Replace the stone and make sure it's level in the space. (If not, use the shovel to further level out the bottom until the stone lies flat.)
- Now remove the paver once more and line the bottom of each space with sand (figure F), pouring in just enough to further level the dirt bottom.
- Set the stone back in the space and stand on it to check it for stability (figure G). Continue until all pavers are level.
- To further define and enhance the path, lay landscape timbers along the sides of the pathway once the pavers are in place. Then fill in between with decorative gravel (figure H), working around each stone.
To keep the gravel level with the surface of the pavers, you'll need to dig out the surrounding area to the same depth as the pavers themselves. Now that muddy trek across the yard will be a thing of the past!
RESOURCES :
Outdoor Wood Furnishings: 35 Easy Projects for Your Yard
Model: 0865736332
Author: Creative Publishing International
Garden Ornaments: 30 Beautiful Projects for Decorating Your Garden
Model: 1564967891
Author: Moria and Nicholas Hankinson
(April, 2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Rockport Publishers, Inc.
Website: www.rockpub.com
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