How to Replace Stone Slab Sidewalks

Remove the edge restraints along the sides of the sidewalk if there are any. Use the claw of the hammer opposite the head to pry nail spikes from the edging slots. Lift edging strips from the ground and place in a safe area with the spikes so you can reuse them.

Remove as much of the sand joints between the stones as possible. Use a wire brush or the tip of a flat screwdriver to loosen and brush out the joint material. Use a power washer to dislodge compacted sand, if necessary.

Pry around the edges of the stone slabs with a flat shovel. Set a 2-by-4 inch board on the ground beside the stone and set the bottom of the shovel over the board for leverage. Position the shovel as far beneath the stone as you can get it and pry the stone from the sand bed beneath by pushing down on the handle of the fence.

Push the stone from the sand base to the lawn or have a helper grab it while you have it lifted in the air. Remove all stone slabs one at a time.

Scoop off the top 2 inches of sand with a shovel. Dump the old sand in a bucket to use in other landscaping projects.

Add a new 2-inch layer of course grit sand over the base and rake it even. Replacing the sand bedding removes any dirt that may have seeped under the stones and improves the site's drainage.

Set the replacement stones, bricks, pavers or other material onto the bed of sand, starting at one end. Place the materials flush against each other. Adjust them in the sand so the adjacent pieces are even.

Pour fine sand over the new sidewalk and sweep it into the joints with a broom to cushion the material and block debris buildup.

Re-position the edging against the sides of the sidewalk and hammer the spikes back into place.