Having a backyard in cities that are becoming denser by the minute is a wonderful thing. But if it isn’t inviting, then it’s just wasted space. Charlie and Adam have found just such a yard, so they’re transforming a dank and wasted corner into a place to be immersed in and enjoyed. While Charlie greens up the area with a variety of plants and lays a pebble path with some feature steppingstones, Adam builds a bench seat for the end of the path, giving the owners a spot to retreat to and relax.
WATCH: How to make a pebble path and bench seat
Follow the step by step instructions below to make the pebble path shown in the video above.
But first, if you want to make a pebble feature pad (like in the video above), here are the instructions.
Easy steps to a pebble feature pad
Gather your supplies
- 600 x 600mm floor tile
- External perforated corner bead 2.4m
- Paper packing tape
- Quick-set mortar mix 20kg (6)
- Black glass pebbles 30-50mm 15kg (9)
- Davco Sanitized Colorgrout in Black 1.5kg (2)
You’ll also need:
- Tape measure
- Aviation snips
- Buckets
- Drill and rotary mixer bit
- Pointing and rendering trowels
- Gloves
- Sponge
- Scrubbing brush
- Shovel
- Level
- Mallet
STEP 1
To create a mould for your tiles, use snips to cut corner bead into 4 x 600mm pieces. Cut all corner bead edges into a 45-degree mitre, then assemble along the edges of the tile into a frame shape. Apply tape around corner bead frame to secure.
STEP 2
In a bucket, mix quick-set mortar mix with water, drill and rotary mixer bit according to instructions on bag. Use pointing and rendering trowels to apply mortar mix into tile mould, around 15mm depth. When mould is a quarter filled, push pebbles into mix so they’re densely packed and half exposed. Work quickly, one section at a time, until mould is full. Allow mortar to set.
STEP 3
Mix up grout in a bucket with water according to instructions on bag. Put on gloves. Scoop and apply mix to top of the pebbles. Ensure all corners are filled, then smooth out with your hand.
STEP 4
Use a damp sponge to polish and even out grout around the pebbles. Allow to set. With a scrubbing brush and water, scrub away excess grout to create a shiny pebble tile. Remove from mould, then repeat Steps 2-4 for 3 pebble tiles in total.
STEP 5
To prepare the area for the pebble pad, use a shovel and level to clear, dig and level out to 30mm depth. Mix mortar mix then apply
to area. Lay 3 pebble tiles over mortar to create a pebble pad. Use a mallet and level to adjust tiles until they’re level and square.
How to lay a curved pebble path
Gather your supplies:
- Landscape chalk
- 50mm curved aluminium garden edging, spikes and connectors
- Road base
- River pebbles 20-40mm
You’ll also need:
- Pickaxe
- Shovel
- Tape measure
- Mallet
- Level
- Metal rake
- Scissors or craft knife
Here’s how:
STEP 1
Measure and mark a 950mm-wide path to your desired length with tape measure and chalk. Use pickaxe to remove lawn.
STEP 2
Install edging along chalk line with mallet and spikes.
STEP 3
Excavate down 70mm from edge height with shovel, then rake until level.
STEP 4
Spread an even 40mm layer of road base to path with shovel, then tamp down and level with rake head.
STEP 5
Lay shade cloth over road base. Trim to fit.
STEP 6
Cover shade cloth with pebbles, spread with rake so pebbles are flush with edging.
You might also like:
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
