How to Make a Rock Path

Draw out the plan for your rock path. The path should be at least three feet from large trees with roots that can interfere with the digging of the path and from growing up through the path in later years.

Measure the length and width of the path you plan to make so that you have some idea of the amount of materials you need to complete the job. Add 4 inches to each side over the intended width to allow for the edging and border stones. Mark out this area using wooden stakes placed along the path.

Use a shovel and dig through this marked path so that the depth is at least 3 inches deeper than the thickness of the stone material you chose.

Level out this pathway as much as is possible and check it with a level every three feet.

Soak the exposed pathway with a mix of 4 ounces Triazicide per gallon of water. This will kill the grubs, termites and ants that could compromise the ground beneath the rock path you are building and will prevent ant hills from forming in between the stones. Let the insecticide dry overnight.

Mark the additional 4 inches on each side of the path and hammer the edging borders into place where the first rock will be placed. These areas on either side will be the “margins” of your rock path.

Pour a two inch layer of small gravel into the pathway and margins spreading outward so that it is level. Tamp it down with a tamping tool. The gravel allows water to drain downward instead of collecting directly underneath the individual rocks which would compromise the integrity of the path. It also helps in preventing weeds from growing up through the spaces in the rock.

Pour a one inch layer of concrete filling sand on top of the gravel. Tamp the sand flat so that the path is as level as you can get it. This will help increase the stability of the path and add to the weed prevention capabilities of the gravel.

Place the border rocks or pieces in the margin area. Place a three-quarter inch stake in between each rock to act as a spacer to give you the space to place the next rock. Remove the spacer and repeat until the rocks on each border are complete.

Repeat the above step for the rocks in the pathway until the path is completed. There should be a three quarter inch space in between each rock on all sides.

Pour a layer of concrete filling sand on top of the rock path and margins. Use a broom to sweep the sand into the crevices between rocks. The sand should fill each space up to the level of the rocks.

Lightly spray the surface of the pathway so that the sand gets wet but isn’t jettisoned out from between the rocks. Let the surface dry for a few hours.

Spray the top of the path with a water sealant. This will help the rocks maintain their appearance and will aid in preventing water from penetrating the spaces between rocks.