Stepping stones installation in Exeter
Professional stepping stones installation services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-210
Typical Duration
2-4 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Stepping stones installed properly across lawns and beds - I set each one on a solid base, perfectly flush with grass level, and spaced to your natural walking stride for comfortable, lasting garden paths.
Clean Routes Without Solid Paths
Want a dry route to the shed without churning up the lawn? Need to cross that flower bed without trampling plants? Stepping stones are the answer.
They're more subtle than a full path, blend into the garden naturally, and you can still mow over them. Plus they're much cheaper than laying a complete paved path.
But here's the thing: stepping stones only work if they're installed right. Chuck them on the grass and they'll sink, wobble, and be more annoying than helpful within six months.
💡 Pro tip: Stepping stones should be completely flush with lawn level - not sticking up (catches mower) and not sunk down (puddles form on top). Getting this right is what separates proper installation from DIY attempts.
Why Proper Installation Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Each stone excavated and bedded properly | Just laid on grass surface |
| Flush with lawn - mower goes straight over | Proud of grass - catches mower, trips people |
| Solid base - won't sink or wobble | Sinks into mud first winter |
| Spaced to natural stride | Random spacing, awkward to walk on |
| Still perfect 5 years later | Wonky and sunk within months |
The Installation Process
🔧 How It's Done Properly
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Layout | Mark positions, check spacing suits your stride |
| Excavate | Cut out turf for each stone, dig down 100mm |
| Base | Add hardcore, compact firmly |
| Bedding | Layer of sharp sand, screed level |
| Set stones | Tap each one flush with lawn level |
| Fill edges | Backfill with soil, re-seed or turf edges |
Pricing Guide
| Path Length | Number of Stones | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short route | 5-8 stones | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Medium path | 8-12 stones | 3 hrs | £160 |
| Long path | 12-15 stones | 4 hrs | £210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes bedding materials. Stepping stones themselves charged separately.
Stone costs (approximate):
- Concrete rounds (450mm): £10-15 each
- Natural stone rounds: £20-30 each
- Square slabs (600x600mm): £15-25 each
Popular Stone Options
What works well:
🪨 Natural stone rounds - Beautiful, organic look, blends into planting. Pricey but lovely.
⭕ Concrete rounds - Cost-effective, clean look, various colours available. Most popular choice.
⬛ Square slabs - More surface area, good for main routes, easier to cut around if needed.
🌿 Reclaimed stones - Period gardens, aged character, unique. Worth checking salvage yards.
Size guide: Minimum 450mm diameter or 600x600mm square. Anything smaller looks weedy and is awkward to walk on.
Spacing Guidelines
Getting the stride right:
| User | Typical Spacing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 550-600mm | Most comfortable walking |
| Children | 400-450mm | Shorter stride, closer spacing |
| Elderly/mobility | 450-500mm | Slightly closer for confidence |
| Carrying things | 500-550mm | Bit closer for stability |
I'll pace it out with you on site to get it spot-on for your household.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Lawn access - route to shed, greenhouse, bins worn into mud
✅ Through planting - path through flower beds without trampling
✅ Side access - narrow passage where full path is overkill
✅ Natural look - want paths that blend into garden informally
✅ Budget project - cheaper than full paving, still very effective
Why Choose Us for Stepping stones installation in Exeter?
Set flush with lawn for easy mowing
Spaced to natural walking stride
Proper bedding so they don't sink
Clean routes across grass and beds
What to Expect
Step 1: Layout & Spacing
We walk the route together, I mark where stones will go, and you walk it to check spacing feels right. Adjust until it's comfortable for your stride.
Step 2: Install Each Stone
I excavate each position, put in proper base, bed the stone perfectly flush with lawn. Work methodically along the route - takes longer than you'd think to do properly.
Step 3: Finish Edges
Backfill around edges with soil, firm it in, sprinkle grass seed or patch with turf. Within weeks you can barely see the edges - just looks like the stones have always been there.
🔧 DIY Tips
Installing stepping stones yourself is very doable - just time-consuming. Here's how to get good results:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Spade and half-moon turf cutter
- Club hammer and hand tamper
- Spirit level
- String line and pegs (for straight paths)
- Wheelbarrow
- Hardcore (MOT Type 1)
- Sharp sand
- Grass seed or turf offcuts
📐 Planning the route
- Walk the route naturally, note where you step
- Mark positions with canes or spray paint
- Walk it again - does spacing feel right?
- Adjust marks until comfortable
- For curved paths, eye it naturally - don't force straight lines
- For straight paths, use string line as guide
🪨 Installing each stone
- Place stone in position, mark around it in turf
- Cut turf out with half-moon cutter
- Dig out 100mm deep (stone thickness + base)
- Add 50mm hardcore, compact thoroughly
- Add 40-50mm sharp sand
- Lower stone in, tap with club hammer to level
- Check it's flush with lawn - this is crucial
- Check it's level - doesn't rock
- Backfill edges, firm soil against stone
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not excavating deep enough - stones sink
- Skipping the hardcore - no support, sinks
- Stones too high - catches mower, trips people
- Stones too low - water pools, muddy
- Not compacting base - settles later
- Random spacing - awkward to walk on
- Too small stones - look weedy, wobble underfoot
💡 Pro trick: Set stones very slightly (5mm) below lawn level rather than perfectly flush. This accounts for grass growing and means mower definitely won't catch. Also, work backwards along the path - install furthest stone first, then work back towards start. Means you're not walking on finished work.
Curved vs straight paths:
- Curved paths look more natural through gardens
- Straight paths work for side access or formal gardens
- Don't mix - commit to one or the other
- Curved paths should follow natural walking line, not random wiggles
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌱 Lawn recovery: The grass around stones will look rough initially but recovers quickly if you backfill properly and seed/turf edges. Within 4-6 weeks it knits back together and looks established.
Mowing over stones: This only works if they're truly flush. Mower wheels roll straight over and blades pass harmlessly above. If stones are even slightly high, you'll catch them every time. Get the level right first time.
Winter frost: Properly bedded stones won't heave in frost because they're on compacted hardcore. DIY ones just laid on soil often lift in winter and need resetting every spring.
Through planted areas: I can install stepping stones through established beds without wrecking your planting. Just needs care and working around plants. Much easier than trying to retrofit a full path later.
Matching existing patio: If you want stepping stones to match your patio, I can use the same slabs - creates a nice visual connection from patio through garden.
Old Exeter gardens: Narrow Victorian side passages and sloping cottage gardens are perfect for stepping stones. Less formal than full paths, suits the character better, and way easier to install in tight awkward spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are stepping stones and why would I want them?
Individual slabs or pavers laid across a lawn or through planted areas to create a path without full paving. They're perfect for routes you use regularly but don't want a solid path - side access, across lawn to shed, through flower beds. Looks more natural than concrete and you can still mow over them.
How far apart should stepping stones be?
Usually 450-600mm (18-24 inches) centre to centre for comfortable walking. I'll pace it out with you to match your natural stride - everyone's different. Kids need them closer together than adults. If it's a route used while carrying things, I might suggest closer spacing.
How much does stepping stone installation cost?
Depends on how many stones and how far. As a guide: £110 for a short run (5-8 stones, 2hrs), up to £210 for a longer path (12-15 stones, 4hrs). Price includes labour and bedding. The stones themselves are separate - budget £10-30 each depending on what you choose.
Do I need to provide the stepping stones?
Either way works. If you've bought them already, brilliant. If not, I can advise on suitable sizes and styles, then pick them up from the merchant. Most people go for 450mm rounds or 600x600mm squares - big enough for two feet together.
Will they sink into my lawn over time?
Not if they're installed properly - which is what I do. Each stone gets a proper base (excavate turf, add hardcore, compact, then sand). Set flush with lawn level so mower goes straight over. DIY ones often just sit on grass and sink within months.
Stepping stones installation Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your stepping stones installation job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Stepping stones installation in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your stepping stones installation job in Exeter today.