Garden stepping stones offer a unique touch to your outdoor sanctuary. Not only do they pave a charming trail through your blooms and greens, but they also add an artistic flair. Available in a plethora of shapes, sizes, and hues, and crafted from diverse materials, these stones are captivating additions to any garden. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they're perfect tokens of appreciation for loved ones. With an array of options in the market, each with distinct features and designs, selecting the ideal one that resonates with your style and requirements might seem daunting. To assist you in this endeavor, we've curated a list of the best garden stepping stones of 2024, shining a light on our top pick — the Spoontiques Butterfly Garden Stepping Stone. Dive into our guide to discover your perfect match.
Our Top Picks For Garden Stepping Stones
The Best Garden Stepping Stones
Best Overall
The Spoontiques 13262 Butterfly hand-sculpted and hand-painted stepping stone or wall plaque is made from durable resin and is built to withstand outdoor elements, with the resin preventing water damage and splitting. It is an ideal fit for your garden or walkway. It has a keyhole on the back for easy hanging for use as a wall plaque. The Spoontiques Butterfly Stepping Stone measures 9.5 × 9.5 x 0.5 inches and weighs 2.25 pounds.
Pros
- Works as a stepping stone and a wall plaque
- Durable resin construction
- Colorful butterfly-themed design
- Beautifully and carefully handpainted
Cons
- A bit small for some
Most Durable
The Upper Deck Cast Iron Frog Stepping Stone is very well designed and impressively detailed, featuring classic features like the webbed hands and feet and bulging eyes. It has an attractive, antiqued verdigris finish. It is made from cast iron and so, it is very durable. Its unique design makes it easily noticeable. It has dimensions of 1.5 x 10 x 11 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds.
Pros
- A fun piece of yard decor
- Unique, impressively detailed frog design
- Durable cast iron construction
- Feels heavy and sturdy
Cons
- Susceptible to rust
Best for Kids
Explore the fun of outdoor and indoor games with these best overall garden stepping stones by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. These 10 durable, non-slip stones promote your toddler’s balance and core strength while keeping the game exciting. Just like setting up an obstacle course, these stepping stones add an adventurous twist to playtime, making them ideal toys for both indoor and outdoor use.
Designed with toddlers in mind, these stepping stones encourage gross motor skills development, creating an engaging and fun-filled environment for your child. Whether it’s raining or shining, these stones prove their worth and durability while maintaining the safety of your little one. These stepping stones also serve as unique garden decorations. By adding these stepping stones, you can spruce up your garden while giving your child a fun, safe place to play and develop their physical skills. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC garden stepping stones are a brilliant combination of fun, safety, and decoration for any home.
Pros
- A fun toy for younger kids
- Enhances balance and core strength
- Non-slip design is safe for all floors
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Not for adults or older kids
Most Stylish
The BIRDROCK HOME Stepping Stones are made from durable, high-quality and heavy-duty recycled rubber. They are sturdy, solid and are built to last. It has a beautiful modern design that adds a unique and modern touch to your garden, flowerbed or outdoor landscape. Each package includes 3 stepping stones. The stepping stones come in 2 size options, 12 x 12 inches or 15 x 15 inches. BIRDROCK HOME Stepping Stones can come in black or copper.
Pros
- Sturdy yet lightweight
- Elegant, stylish appearance
- Weather-resistant rubber build
Cons
- A little too lightweight
Most Meaningful
The Carson Home Accents Memory Stepping Stone/Plaque creates a space of remembrance in your garden or by a cemetery marker. On the stepping stone “In memory of a life so beautifully lived, a heart so deeply loved.” is inscribed. The unit has delicate floral decorations that glow in the dark along its edges. The stone is made from durable weather-resistant resin that holds up great to outdoor conditions. It has a realistic stone appearance and is built to last. The stepping stone measures 10 x 10 x 5 inches and weighs 1 pound.
Pros
- An excellent remembrance gift
- Also functions as a wall plaque
- Glow-in-the-dark floral accents
Cons
- Resin may chip
Cutest Design
The Spoontiques Sunflower Stepping Stone is a vibrant piece of garden décor and is perfect for any indoor or outdoor space in your home. It is brightly colored and made from durable resin that prevents water damage and splitting. It is made to be weather resistant and can withstand outdoor elements. It features hardware on the back for easy hanging and so, can also be used as a wall plaque. Spoontique Sunflower stepping stones are hand-painted and brilliantly colored. They measure 9.8 x 1 x 9.6 inches and weigh 1.8 pounds.
Pros
- Bright and cute sunflower design
- Weather-resistant resin construction
- Brings a cheerful atmosphere to any space
Cons
- Some felt it was too small
Most Unique
The Spoontiques In 13330 Drop a House on You Stepping Stone is made from durable, weather-resistant resin. It is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. It is a versatile product and can function as a stepping stone and as a wall plaque. It is The Wizard of Oz themed and features green text that reads “DON’T MAKE ME DROP A HOUSE ON YOU!” on its surface. The stepping stone/wall plaque has dimensions of 9.3 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches and weighs 3 pounds.
Pros
- Fun and unique Wizard of Oz-themed design
- Can be used as a wall plaque
- Resin build suits indoor or outdoor use
Cons
- Thinner than expected
Creative Option
The Creative Roots Paint Your Own Turtle Stepping Stone gives you some creative control over the look of your stepping stone. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is for decorative purposes only. The stepping stone is basically a white, turtle-shaped canvas for you to color as you please. The package includes 6 paint pots (brown, white, blue, green, yellow and red) and a brush. With this stepping stone, you can add a touch of excitement and personality to your garden space. The product measures 8 x 2.5 x 8 inches and weighs 1.12 pounds.
Pros
- Adorable turtle design
- Fun to color and customize
- A good gift for people with children
Cons
- Purely decorative, not a functional stepping stone
Buying Guide: Garden Stepping Stones
Garden stepping stones are an interesting addition to your garden space; they bring a bit of spice and magic to any space, come in many different forms, and are excellent decorative options for your garden. But that’s not it. You can even go for personalized garden stepping stones to add a bit of character to your yard. With so many options available on the market, you’re sure to find one that meets your functional and aesthetic needs if you know how to look. To help you out, we’ve put together this buying guide that’ll break down everything you should know about stepping stones. Let’s take a look!
What Is a Garden Stepping Stone?
A garden stepping stone is a raised stone or other material used singly or in a series as a place on which to step when crossing a garden. They are a wonderful way of creating pathways through your garden, or any unpaved areas around your home. They can also be used to create small paved areas in any space. Garden stepping stones also serve an aesthetic function. They can be decorative pieces for spicing up your garden space.
Why Should I Buy Garden Stepping Stones?
Stepping stones in a garden are more than just practical; they’re a stroke of aesthetic genius. As you place each stone, you create a path that invites exploration and adds a touch of nature’s whimsy to your outdoor space. They’re not only functional, guiding your steps across the lawn, but also serve as charming decor that complements the garden’s beauty.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Garden Stepping Stone
It has been well established that garden stepping stones come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, with each configuration offering a unique set of features that serve particular functions and cater to a specific subset of customers. And so, choosing one of the many available options is usually tricky. We recognize that even with the list of the best garden stepping stones we have already provided, you are likely to need further details before you can make a properly informed choice. To help with this, we will run through those factors you should pay attention to when shopping for garden stepping stones.
Decorative vs. Functional
Stepping stones can be functional or decorative elements in your garden. While some models strike a good balance between both of these, some models tend to prioritize one at the expense of the other. With this in mind, when choosing a stepping stone, you should look for one that offers a blend of function and style that works for you. You can even add a personal touch to your garden by opting for personalized garden stepping stones.
Weight
The weight of the stepping stone is another thing to consider. A stepping stone that is too light may not be as solidly grounded and so may slide around when you walk on it. Meanwhile, stepping stones that are too heavy may be harder to install or move and may sink into soft soil.
Build material
Stepping stones can be made of many different materials, from concrete to metal to resins to heavy-duty leather. All of these materials offer unique features that you should consider when making a choice. Concrete stepping stones have an authentic and classic look and feel, but stepping stones made out of concrete tend to be more expensive and heavy. They are also susceptible to breakage. Metal stepping stones are unlikely to break, but they must be specifically treated for rust resistance to be any good.
You can even opt for a concrete stepping stones kit that mostly comes with cement mix, mosaic pieces, a mixing paddle, a writing tool and an easy-to-follow instruction booklet.
Surface
Stepping stones are primarily for walking, so you need one with a surface flat enough to walk on. You also need your stepping stone that has a surface that provides enough grip to your feet and footwear to prevent slipping and falling, even when wet.
Weather resistance
Stepping stones are typically for outdoor use, and so, they have to be able to cope with the outdoor elements like rain, snow, and sunlight, all year round. You want a water-resistant stepping stone, rust-resistant (for metal models), and holds up well under intense and consistent sunlight.
Concrete pavers are also a favorite among gardeners as pavers can last up to 50 years if properly installed using cement mix and maintained. The pavers absorb water just as grass, or dirt. Because of this, water on concrete pavers easily drains to the soil below.
Aesthetics
Such metal, resin, or concrete stepping stones come in a variety of styles, from rectangular blocks to animal-themed models with inscriptions and/or images. You should choose a model that caters to your aesthetic as well as your functional needs.
For more tips and tricks about garden stepping stones, check the video below.
How Much Do Garden Stones Cost?
The price of a garden stepping stone depends on features like its build material, its size, weight, and aesthetic features. Garden stepping stones can cost anything between $6 to about $200.
People Also Asked
Do garden stepping stones have to be actual stones?
Garden stepping stones don't need to be limited to natural stones; alternatives like resin, leather, concrete, or metal provide versatility and can complement various outdoor themes.
What material is best for making garden stepping stones?
Garden stepping stones can be crafted from a variety of materials, each offering excellent functionality. The choice largely hinges on individual taste.
How long do garden stepping stones last?
This depends on the material. The best garden stepping stones can last for years and years.
Are garden stepping stones safe to use?
Yes, garden stepping stones are the perfect solution for slip-free walkways outdoors. Their naturally textured stone surface ensures you keep your footing, even on rainy days. They're great for creating pathways in your yard or garden, providing a secure walkway that's suitable for everyone.
Does installing garden stepping stones take a long time?
Fortunately, installing stepping stones is a relatively easy project that most homeowners can tackle in a few hours.
