Steppers offer a simple yet elegant way to navigate outdoor spaces. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, creating pathways that guide movement while enhancing the garden’s overall design. Whether used in expansive lawns or compact courtyard gardens, steppers are an excellent way to add texture, structure, and charm to your landscape.
Steppers can be flat stones, pavers, or large slabs placed strategically in a garden to form a pathway. Unlike traditional paved walkways, steppers are set apart, creating gaps that allow for grass, gravel, or groundcovers to be installed between them. This means steppers have a more natural and integrated look, making them an important element for gardeners and landscape designers.
Steppers make it easier to navigate through a garden, especially in areas prone to dampness or uneven ground. They provide a stable surface while maintaining the garden’s natural feel. Compared to fully paved walkways, steppers require less maintenance. The gaps between the stones allow for better drainage, reducing the risk of pooling water or erosion.
Steppers can be crafted from a variety of materials, including natural stone, concrete and timber and can be installed in a range of sizes from small, single-step pieces to large-format steppers. They can be laid out symmetrically to introduce a sense of formality to a garden or arranged asymmetrically in more informal settings to create a feeling of spontaneity and natural flow. By choosing materials and layouts that harmonise with the garden’s design, steppers can become a subtle yet striking feature.
For a classic look, embed steppers in a manicured lawn. This approach creates a clean, timeless appearance while ensuring the pathway remains soft and inviting. Alternatively, pairing steppers with gravel is a practical choice for low-maintenance gardens. The gravel fills the gaps, preventing weeds while adding texture and contrast to the design. Or consider planting low-growing ground covers like creeping thyme, Mondo grass, or Dichondra repens between steppers. These plants soften the edges, adding greenery and a lush, natural feel to the pathway.
Steppers should be spaced comfortably to match a natural walking stride, typically 60-80 cm apart. Test the spacing before final placement to ensure ease of use. Place steppers on a firm base of sand and compacted roadbase to prevent shifting and ensure durability. For heavier materials like stone, a concrete sub base is essential.
Choose materials and colours that harmonize with the garden’s overall design such as sandstone steppers in a native garden or sleek concrete for a modern courtyard. Position steppers strategically to connect key areas of the garden, such as from a terrace to a seating area, or through a vegetable patch. Ensure they lead naturally to focal points or destinations.
Steppers are more than just a functional element; they can be a statement piece in your garden. They offer a practical solution for navigating outdoor spaces while enhancing the landscape’s aesthetic appeal. With countless design possibilities, steppers can be tailored to suit any garden style, making them a valuable tool for creating beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance pathways.
Photography by Nicholas Watt
