laying stepping stones surrounded by gravel
#1
10-26-20, 12:20 AM
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?
#3
10-26-20, 05:00 AM
Group Moderator
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.
#4
10-26-20, 11:18 AM
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?
#5
10-26-20, 12:14 PM
Group Moderator
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.
Marq1
voted this post useful.
