How to Replace a Walkway

Remove the old walkway surface and sort the materials that you plan to dispose of or reuse. If the old walkway was laid with gravel and sand instead or mortar, pry the stone loose with a shovel. If mortar or concrete has set the stones, you may need to rent a jackhammer to remove the old walkway surface.

Dig out the foundation of the old walkway with a shovel and jackhammer. If your area is prone to freezing temperatures, continue to dig until the soil surface of the foundation is below the frost line to prevent frost heave damage. Remove all gravel, edging and other debris from the site and dig until surface is at least 8 inches deep and level.

Tamp the surface with a hand tamper to flatten the soil. Lay landscape fabric in the base and secure the fabric to the ground with metal spikes to inhibit weeds.

Spread a 4-inch layer of gravel over the fabric with a 2-by-4-inch piece of lumber and tamp the gravel. Pour another 2 to 3 inches of gravel and compact the surface again to increase the longevity of the walkway. Slope the gravel surface 1 inch for every 4 feet to direct water runoff away from the house.

Insert a flexible edging around the border of the walkway to prevent the pavers or stones from moving. Drive 9-inch nail spikes through the edging slots with a hammer to secure the edging in place.

Pour coarse sand over the gravel surface and smooth it evenly with the 2-by-4.

Set your first stone, paver or other edging material in an outer corner of the walkway. Hit the stone with a rubber mallet to press it into the sand. Place the next stone beside the first according to your pattern. Space the stones evenly, leaving no more than 1/8 inch between each. Work your way across the length of the walkway, setting a level across the stones to ensure they are level with one another.

Add fine-grained sand over the new walkway surface and compact the sand between the 1/8 inch spaces. Continue to add sand until all of the spaces are filled to provide cushioning for the stones as they settle. Use a stiff broom to work the sand into the joints, and then sweep off the excess.

Apply sealant to the surface of the walkway with a paint roller brush to preserve the color and protect the stones or bricks. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions and note the recommended time frame for reapplication.