What height for stepping stone path next to house?

[JesseS6]

Hello,

I am looking to put a stepping stone path down the side of the house instead of concrete. I plan to lay 50mm of road base, compact it. Then lay the stepping stones on 20-30mm of mortar. The stepping stones are 20mm thick. So I know I need to dig out 100-120mm from where I want it to finish. 

I am unsure how high up the brick work I can go? is it just to the bottom of the first layer of bricks?

Feel free to highlight any other issues you see with my plan.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @JesseS6,

You're on the right track with your base preparation, but when it comes to height, it's best practice not to raise the ground level above the bottom course of bricks. Ideally, your finished height (including road base, mortar, and stepping stones) should sit just below the first brick course. This helps avoid moisture problems and ensures proper drainage away from your home.

If your wall has weep holes (also called weeper vents)—which are small gaps in the mortar at the base of the brickwork to let moisture escape—you must ensure these remain completely unobstructed. Building up to or above the level of the weep holes can trap moisture in the wall cavity, leading to damp issues or even structural damage over time. Most building codes recommend a minimum of 75mm clearance between ground level (solid paths, gravel, paving etc.) and any weep holes.

Also, make sure that the finished surface of your path is graded slightly away from the house to help direct water runoff. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[JesseS6]

Thanks @MitchellMc , Should I being put sand down on top of the road base?

[MitchellMc]

Yes, adding sand over the compacted road base aids in levelling the pavers @JesseS6. A 40mm layer is typically sufficient.

Mitchell

[JesseS6]

Thanks @MitchellMc , would this still require mortar?

[MitchellMc]

Sorry, I've confused the issue @JesseS6. You can bed traditional pavers (40-50mm thick) on sand. 20-30mm pavers are only slightly thicker than tiles, and most manufacturers recommend laying them on a mortar bed. You do not need to use both sand and mortar. As long as your roadbase is fairly level you can then add mortar and lay your pavers.

Mitchell

[JesseS6]

Awesome, thanks for the clarification! 

[EricL]

Hello @JesseS6 

Please don't forget to post a photo update. We look forward to seeing your stepping stone path complete.

Eric