laying stepping stones surrounded by gravel


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Old 10-26-20, 12:20 AM
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laying stepping stones surrounded by gravel

I want to lay stepping stones surrounded by gravel. The tutorials that I've seen lay the stepping stones on mortar mix. What is the purpose of the mortar? If I lay the stepping stones without mortar and surround with gravel, would that work?
 
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Old 10-26-20, 02:00 AM
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The main purpose of the mortar is so the stepping stones lay flat - no voids under them. Helps to insure the stepping stones stay solidly in place long term.
 
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Old 10-26-20, 05:00 AM
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How proper are you going to do this project? Do you just want to set the stepping stones on the ground or are you prepared to excavate and install a proper base/foundation? The first is easier but the stones are more prone to move as they are just sitting in dirt. A compacted crushed stone base will provide a solid foundation for the stepping stones even after lots of rain but it's much more work.
 
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Old 10-26-20, 11:18 AM
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I plan on excavating anyway. The soil is higher than the surrounding concrete. But after excavating, I will compact the soil and use a weed fabric. Won't the compacted soil give it a solid foundation?
 
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Old 10-26-20, 12:14 PM
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No, soil is not nowhere as good as compacted, crushed stone. Many soils will can be rock hard when dry but turn into pudding when wet. A proper base will retain it's strength regardless of the water.
 
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