Binding decorative stone on pathway

[Blackfish]

I recently put in a backyard fire pit and had had success using off-white cement (and a couple of hours with a plate compactor) to bind the screened deco.

I'm now wondering if I  could do something similar to help bind "salt and pepper" decorative stone on a pathway. I'm tired of trying to tidy up the stones week after week after the dog messes them up when she runs down the path for breakfast and dinner!

I was thinking of topping up the stones where needed and getting them exactly where I want them. My plan is to then spread the cement over the top of the stones before lightly watering the area to set the cement. 

Do you think this would be successful? Has anyone tried something like this before?

Appreciate the advice. 🙏

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Blackfish,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

While cement would likely work, there is an easier option: Landscape Lock 2L Concentrated Garden Glue.

You simply mix 1 part of your Landscape Lock with 4 parts water, then spray it over the stones using a garden sprayer. The glue will then bind the stones together and prevent them from moving when your dog runs through.

Make sure you follow the application rate closely to ensure you use enough for the size of your area. You can always top up the glue if you need more in future.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Remarka6le]

Hey @Blackfish ,

I wouldn’t recommend using concrete for this. While it can work short-term, it often discolours decorative stone, looks patchy once it sets, and cracks over time. If that happens, you are stuck ripping it all up and starting again. It also removes any flexibility in the base, which is not ideal for a pathway that sees regular foot traffic and a dog running through it daily.

As @JacobZ mentioned, a far better option is Landscape Lock 2L Concentrated Garden Glue, which is designed specifically for binding decorative stone while still allowing proper drainage. It keeps the natural look of the stone rather than making it appear cemented in place.

I’ve used it recently to lock in the rocks around my own fire pit, applied with a Ryobi 3.5L sprayer, and the results have been excellent. The surface is now rock solid under foot. My child regularly sits there trying to pick up the stones and simply cannot move them, which says a lot about how well it bonds once cured.

From experience, I found using a stronger mix than the standard recommendation (around double the concentration) gave a much better result for stones similar in size to your salt and pepper, particularly in areas that see regular movement. Prep is key. Get the stones exactly where you want them, top up any low spots, and thoroughly remove leaves, dirt and debris beforehand (blowers work well here. Anything left behind will be locked in permanently. Apply the glue evenly, avoid pooling, and allow it to cure properly (24 hours worked for me, do it on a day you're not expecting rain).

Don’t be concerned if it looks milky or white when first applied. It dries clear fairly quickly and won’t affect the final appearance.

Done properly, this will significantly reduce stone movement, keep the pathway looking neat, and save you from having to tidy it up every week.

[Blackfish]

Thanks for the suggestion, @JacobZ.  I had thought about Landscape Lock but the reviews on the Bunnings website weren't that impressive. However, it might be worth reconsidering, especially with the suggestions from @Remarka6le .

[Blackfish]

Hi @Remarka6le . Thanks so much for the advice. I think applying it at double concentration might be the way to go. Worth a try anyways! 

I'll make sure I get it just right before applying, too. 

Thanks again. Hopefully, I'll get that job done in the next few weeks (weather permitting).