Stepping stones installation in Ottery St Mary

### 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.

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### 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 |

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### 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 |

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### 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

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### 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.

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### 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.*

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### 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