How to Make a Walkway of Pebbles in the Backyard

Adding a pathway can create charm and add personality to a dull backyard. Walkways can lead you to a bench underneath a shade tree, or on a meandering walk through a flower garden. Highlight your path with border lights to make it stand out in the night. Curved pathways are generally more visually interesting than a straight pathway.

Tape measure
Kite string
Stake
Spade
Rake
Hand tamper
Landscaping plastic
U-pins
Edging
Rubber mallet
Pebbles

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the path for width and curvature, using a tape measure and kite string. Secure the string around a pointed stake and pound the stake into the ground. The string works as a guideline while you're digging.
- 2
  Dig the path to a depth of 2 inches. Cut the edges with a flat spade, and cut straight down rather than at an angle. A straight side makes installing the edging easier. Level the area with a rake and pack the soil, using a hand tamper.
- 3
  Spread landscaping plastic along the entire width and length of the dirt path. Secure the plastic in place with metal pins. U-shaped pins are available at garden centers for this purpose. The pins push through the plastic and into the soil to secure the plastic. Plastic stops weeds from growing and keeps the pebbles from being pushed into the dirt.
- 4
  Line the edge of the pathway with steel edging. Press the edging firmly in place until the top is at ground level. Pound the edging in place with a rubber mallet. Secure the edging with metal pins.
- 5
  Fill the pathway with pebbles 1 inch below the top of the edging.

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