Log Out 
How to prepare the ground for decorative stone
Decorative stone is fantastic for landscaping any garden, no matter if it’s big or small
Decorative stone is fantastic for landscaping any garden, no matter if it’s big or small.
It can be used in many different ways; as an eye-catching border between grass and plants, for the creation of a beautiful rockery feature; or as the basis for a low-maintenance garden.
However, for it to be successful, the ground has to be correctly prepared.
Here, the experts at Forward Builders’ Supplies show you explain how to prepare ground for decorative stone.
How to prepare ground for decorative stone
Clear everything
The removal of all loose material, weeds, grass and other debris is the first step to creating a long lasting and beautiful decorative stone feature.
Level up
You want the surface to be as even as possible before you begin, so you need to rake the soil until it is level. This will help your gravel or stone stay in place.
Tamp down the soil
Use a tamper to firm up the soil to prevent it from sinking down or moving.
Install a landscaping membrane
Whether you’re placing the decorative stones directly on top of soil or not, a landscaping membrane will ensure that weeds don’t start popping up through your stones.
Add a base layer
Place a thin layer of sand on top of the weed barrier fabric. This will help to secure the stones further.
Lay the decorative stone
Depth depends upon the type of stone you are installing but rule of thumb is around 40–50 mm of stone should be sufficient.
Install edging
Edging is the best way to contain your stones within the area you wish to place them. You can map out your design – for example, you might want a wavy path of gravel, or a circular area filled with stones around a group of plants – then secure the edging with pins or stakes.
Can you put decorative stones on top of soil?
Of course you can, as long as you prepare the area as we have described above.
It’s necessary to use a landscape fabric because this will prevent weeds from growing through the stones.
It’s also essential to compact the gravel once it’s laid to create a surface that’s firm and will not move about. Install one layer of gravel, tamp down and then repeat until you’ve reached the depth you want.
What do you put under decorative stones?
If you want to know how to prepare garden for stones so that they will be even more robust, read on…
For most garden stone projects, it’s recommended to use a sub-base as this will prevent your decorative aggregates from shifting about.
Crushed limestone or MOT Type 1 - a kind of limestone that has met the requirements of the Department of Transport's specification for highway works - will provide the ideal sub-base for garden projects such as patios, paths and driveways.
It’s these solid foundations that will contribute to the success of your project.
And that’s the basis of how to prepare ground for decorative stone.
Should you have any further questions, then our team is always ready to help.
Why not browse our range of decorative aggregates first?
The information below is required for social login
Login
Register
Fill in the form below to create your new account