Stepping Stones

Stepping stones create charming, informal pathways through gardens, lawns, and ground covers by providing individual foot-placement points at comfortable walking intervals. Unlike continuous paths, stepping stones preserve the visual continuity of the surrounding plantings, allowing ground covers, moss, and low-growing herbs to fill the spaces between stones and creating a naturalistic effect that feels discovered rather than constructed. The art of stepping stone placement lies in achieving a natural rhythm that matches the average human stride—typically 18 to 24 inches from center to center. Stones should be large enough that each provides a stable, secure foothold, generally at least 18 inches in diameter. Flat-topped stones with a minimum thickness of 2 inches provide the most comfortable and stable walking surface. Popular materials include natural flagstone with its organic irregular shapes, cast concrete rounds in various textures, and cut stone circles for a more formal appearance. Setting stones flush with the surrounding lawn allows mowers to pass over them without obstruction, integrating them seamlessly into maintained turf areas.