How to Make a Natural Limestone Rock Walkway

Lay two runs of rope on the ground and curve and widen them as desired to represent the edges of the walkway. When satisfied with the look and width of the walkway, spray a line of spray paint on the ground just inside both of the rope lines. Remove the ropes.

Cut through sod using a spade and move it along the outer edge of the spray paint line on both sides of the walkway. Lift the sod, and roll it up like carpeting for removal. Periodically cut the sod rolls with the spade before they become too heavy.

Remove soil from the walkway area to a depth of 7 inches using a shovel. Get the walkway as level as possible by checking the depth periodically with a tape measure or ruler.

Pour pea gravel into the walkway trench and spread it with a metal rake. Use a tamping tool or scrap of lumber to tamp the gravel down and compact it evenly. Spray a light coating of water with a garden hose to help the gravel compact even further.

Unroll landscaping fabric over the pea gravel, cut it to link with scissors, and tuck the edges down along the sides of the walkway. For areas wider than a single roll, overlap them to thoroughly cover the area.

Lay a 2-inch layer of coarse sand over the fabric. Spread the sand out evenly with the rake and level it using a scrap of two-by-four dragged over the surface. Tamp the sand layer down and lightly coat it with mist from a garden hose.

Place the limestone rocks on the sand for stepping stones. Randomize the rock pieces for a natural look, and break with a hammer or chisel any pieces that are too big for the walkway. Position them close enough together to allow for easy stepping from rock to rock but not so close that they are touching.

Strike the rocks with a rubber mallet to help settle them into the sand and then walk back and forth over them a few times to ensure proper positioning. Give the entire walkway a final spray with the garden hose to help compact the sand and limestone rocks.