How to Build a Path Through the Yard Using Paver Stones

Map your yard on graph paper, along with locations of permanent features such as plants, fixtures and underground utility lines. Determine where on the yard you want to build the path, along with its shape and width. While a meandering path blends with a large yard, consider a straight path if your yard is small. Keep the stone paver path 3 to 5 feet wide.

Plot the path on the yard using stakes and string in your desired shape and width. Excavate the area within the string boundaries to a depth of 6 inches. Tamp the base of the trench to firm the soil before removing the string and stakes.

Place lengths of 2-by-6-inch boards against the walls of the trench to serve as frames for a straight pathway. Turn each board on its narrow edge and push it against the wall. Alternatively, stand lengths of plastic edging against the walls for a curved pathway.

Lay stone pavers inside the trench, within the wood frames. Space adjacent pavers 1/2 inch apart. Draw lines on each paver to serve as a cutting guide to cut excess stone. Remove the paver stones from the trench and place them in the same pattern near the excavation. Cut along the marked lines on the stone pavers using a circular saw and masonry blade.

Measure and cut lengths of landscape fabric to fit over the base of the excavation. Lay the fabric over the bare ground and anchor it with fabric stakes inserted along its edges. Overlap the ends of adjacent lengths of fabric by 4 inches to prevent weeds from popping up through the gaps in between.

Spread 2 inches of fine sand over the landscape fabric and level using a length of scrap board. Check that the sand is level and even throughout, and add or remove sand, if necessary.

Lay stone pavers over the prepared ground, starting at an end of the trench. Place each stone as the same pattern as you planned, and tap with a rubber mallet to set it in place. Work in small sections and keep checking your work to ensure the stones are level. Add or remove sand from under each paver, if necessary, to increase or decrease its height.

Spread sand over the pathway and brush it into the cracks between adjacent pavers. Add enough sand to fill the cracks completely.

Hose down the newly installed pavers lightly to help the sand harden, thereby securing the walkway. Add additional sand into the cracks, if necessary, until flush with the surrounding surface, and lightly moisten so it sets in place.