I’m building a stepping stone walkway (600×600 porcelain slabs) leading up a gentle incline toward my garden gate.

Build-up is:

• Geotextile membrane
• MOT Type 1 sub-base (~50mm, compacted)
• ~30mm full mortar bed
• Porcelain slabs (20mm)
• Gravel/pebbles between slabs for finish

The path rises gradually as it approaches the gate.

My question is about installation method:

Option 1: “Stepped” method

Each slab is set perfectly level front-to-back and side-to-side, and the height increases between slabs (so the mortar beds vary slightly in depth). Pebbles hide the level changes.

Option 2: “Sloped” method

Each slab follows the natural incline, so it is level side-to-side but slightly tilted front-to-back with the gradient.

My concerns / thoughts:

• I’ve read sloped slabs might feel awkward or unsafe when wet (porcelain)
• But stepped slabs mean varying mortar thickness / “mini risers”
• This is a stepping stone path, not a full patio

What I’m trying to achieve:

• Long-term stability (no movement or rocking)
• Natural looking path up a gentle incline
• Safe underfoot in wet conditions
• Clean aesthetic with gravel infill

Question:

For experienced landscapers – which method do you prefer in practice for this type of install, and why?

Is one clearly better long-term for porcelain stepping stones on a gentle slope, or is it down to preference?