How to Create a Natural Stone Walkway

Natural stone brings a rustic element to a landscape. Fieldstone, flagstone, slate or another type of stone will create a low-maintenance, all-weather surface that will last for years. Laying natural stone is a basic process of building a solid gravel foundation and then placing the stones so they are even. Paving stones are split so the surfaces are flat. The thickness of stones will vary, but the surface height can be leveled by adjusting the sand bedding as necessary.

2 ropes
Shovel
Tamper
Gravel
Wood edge restraints
12-inch spikes
Sand
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on the path for you walkway. Lay two ropes parallel from beginning to end to form an outline of the course. Space them 4 feet 6 inches apart so you have enough room for the edge restraints and a wide enough surface for two people.
- 2
  Press the end of a shovel down along the perimeter of the borders. Dig the site down to 6 inches deep. Flatten the bottom by pressing a hand tamper over the surface until the dirt feels compact.
- 3
  Pour 4 inches of gravel over the dirt and tamp it down. The rock base will keep the stone surface from sinking and facilitate drainage.
- 4
  Place wood edge restraints along the inside borders of the expense. Use 12-inch spikes to attach the restraints to the ground.
- 5
  Pour about an inch of sand over the gravel to level the surface and provide traction so the stones don't slide.
- 6
  Set natural stones on the sand bedding, starting at one corner. Keep even spacing between the stones. Walk across each section and add more sand beneath any stones that wobble.
- 7
  Pour a slight amount of mulch or sand between the stones to hold them in place and deter weeds from developing in between them. Continue adding mulch or sand until the spaces are filled and compact.

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