How to Lay a Slate Walkway

Create an outline for the course of the walkway, using landscape paint or two heavy ropes. Measure the dimensions with a tape measure so that the width is at least 4 feet to accommodate outdoor equipment or to people passing by one another.

Excavate the outlined site to a depth of at least 8 inches with a shovel to provide the gravel walkway with a stable foundation.

Add 6 inches of gravel over the excavated sites, using a two-by-four wooden board to spread the gravel even. Slope the gravel 1/4 inch for every foot to prevent water from running toward the house. Compress the surface of the gravel with a hand tamper to improve the site's drainage and stop the slate slabs from shifting.

Even out the gravel surface with a 1-inch layer of coarse sand over the compacted gravel.

Set the first piece of slate in a corner of the walkway and press it into the sand. Position the next piece of slate beside the first so that the space between the gravel is no more than 1 inch. Continue arranging the slate so that the shapes fit together. Place a level on the slate to ensure the walkway is straight and even.

Add crushed limestone or fine sand over the slate surface and compact it into the spaces between the slate to provide cushioning as they settle and prevent each piece from shifting. Sweep off the excess once all of the spaces are completely filled.