How to Make a Sidewalk Without Cement

Lay out the path of your sidewalk by hammering a line of stakes to indicate the direction it will take. Use a measuring tape to ensure you stake out a uniform width throughout the entire path. Hammer in a second line of stakes to indicate the other edge of the walkway. Run string between all the stakes to mark the path.

Dig out the interior of the path to a depth of 8 inches. Measure the pathway at random spots to make sure you're keeping the depth the same. Use a level at the bottom of the finished trench to ensure a flat walkway. Add or subtract dirt to places if needed to make the bottom of the trench level.

Fill in the walkway with 4 inches of medium gravel. Smooth the layer and measure it at random spots to make sure it's the same depth from start to finish.

Add a 2-inch layer of medium sand on top of the gravel layer. Smooth out the sand as much as possible, using a level to get a perfectly flat surface on which to lay the paving stones.

Place the paving stones on top of the sand in your chosen design. Place the pavers close together without actually touching each other. Leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch between each paving stone. Lay the stones on top of the sand but don't push them down into the sand layer.

Pour a layer of sand on top of the paving stones. Sweep the sand into the cracks between all the stones until the cracks are completely filled.

Hose off the sidewalk from beginning to end. This will settle the sand between the paving stones and rinse off any stray sand that remains on top of the walkway.

Pour another layer of sand on top of the sidewalk and repeat the sweeping and hosing to fill in any cracks that may have emptied some by settling.