River sand is a "behind-the-scenes" hero in landscaping. While it’s not as decorative as pebbles, it is the most important ingredient for a professional, wobble-free path.

1. The Perfect Levelling "Bed": Unlike garden soil, which contains organic matter that breaks down and shifts, river sand is composed of fine aggregates that don't compress further once set. The Benefit: It provides a consistent, flat "bedding layer." Customers can easily add or remove a handful of sand to ensure the stepping stone is perfectly flush with the ground, preventing trip hazards.

2. Maximum Contact and Stability: Stepping stones are often slightly uneven on the bottom. If placed on hard dirt, the stone will only touch a few high points, causing it to rock or even crack. The Benefit: Sand "cradles" the stone. Because it is granular, it flows into the gaps on the underside of the paver, ensuring 100% contact and a rock-solid foundation that won't wobble.

3. Superior Drainage: River sand is "washed," meaning the fine silt and clay have been removed. The Benefit: This allows water to move through the sand quickly. It prevents water from sitting directly under your stepping stones, which protects them from shifting during heavy rain or "heaving" during winter frosts.

4. Easy Adjustments: If a stepping stone settles slightly over the first few months, sand makes the "fix" easy. The Benefit: You can simply lift the stone, add a small amount of sand to the low spot, and drop the stone back in. It’s much cleaner and easier than working with muddy soil.

"The 25mm Rule:" For the best results,lay a 25mm to 50mm layer of river sand over their weed shield before placing stepping stones. This provides enough "give" to level the stone perfectly while remaining firm enough for heavy foot traffic.