How to Build a Sloped Walkway

Lay out the patch for the walkway with two parallel ropes. Use a tape measure to space them at least 36 inches apart for a secondary path and 4 feet apart for a main walkway. Add 4 inches to the width for the edging.

Dig out earth and grass from the area within the ropes with a shovel. Continue digging down until the path is 8 inches deep. Compact the sub-base with a hand tamper. Go over the dirt several times to force out air pockets and moisture.

Shovel a 5-inch deep layer of gravel into the path and spread it over the dirt. Use the tamper to press the gravel down. The base must be firm to support the walkway stones.

Line the side walls with edge restraints to block encroachment and prevent the pavement from shifting. Fasten the restraints to the base with a hammer and lawn spikes.

Pour grit sand over the rocks until the layer is 1-inch deep. Begin at the base of the slope and use a flat board to make the sand bed smooth. Continue adding sand as some will fall into the rock base. Measure the depth of the bed as you go with a measuring stick to ensure the thickness is uniform.

Lay the flat stones, pavers or bricks on top of the sand bed starting at the bottom of the slope. Butt the sides against each other in your chosen pattern. Tap the materials with a rubber mallet so they sit even.

Fill the spaces between the walkway pavers with fine sand. Brush it into the cracks with a broom and dampen the walkway so the joints harden to the paving materials.