Instructions on Building a Stone Walkway

Excavate the area of the path to a depth of three inches, including the width of the stone border that you intend to install. Use a framing level to ensure that the path has a slight downhill angle to it. This will prevent standing water from remaining in the path. The base of the path should be as flat as you can make it. If necessary, use a mechanical compactor to obtain a truly flat surface.

Unroll the weed mat in the excavated area, then place the stone borders along the sides of the path. These will hold the weed mat down until you place the stones.

Dump sand into the base of the path to a minimum depth of one inch. Do not pack the sand down, but smooth it so that it provides a flat surface on which to place the flagstone.

Place the flagstone in irregular positions along the path, but close enough to one another that it is natural to walk from one to another. Ensure that the flatter side of the flagstone is facing up, then press it firmly into the sand base. This will help prevent the flagstone from shifting.

Dump the pea gravel onto the path, then use a shovel or heavy push broom to work it into the crevices between the flagstones, smoothing it and gently packing it into place to hold the flagstones in position.