How to Repair a Slate Walkway

Although a slate walkway is naturally beautiful and low maintenance, it may require repair over time as it is exposed to wear and weather. Slate walkways are often laid in a leveled bed of sand. Although the ground is leveled with this type of walkway, slate pieces within the walkway will shift over time and require re-leveling. It is important to make these adjustments to individual sections within the walkway as they develop to keep it even and in safe condition.

Trowel
Flat bar
Sand
Replacement slates
Rubber mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the walkway and identify any uneven slate sections. Also look for cracked or split slates that will need to be replaced.
- 2
  Dig around the uneven sections or damaged slate slates with a trowel enough to allow a flat bar underneath the slate. Set the removed soil aside to refill later.
- 3
  Slide a flat bar underneath the slate sections that require leveling or replacement. Lift up and remove the slate.
- 4
  Set aside any slate that is cracked, split or otherwise structurally damaged. Lay and level the replacement slates in place of the damaged slates. Slate comes in a variety of colors. Some weather over time and some retain their original color. Bring the damaged slate with you when you purchase the replacement so that you can get a good match for your walkway.
- 5
  Fill in the area underneath the removed slates that require leveling or replacement with sand. Lay the slates back into place.
- 6
  Tap the top surface with a rubber mallet to seat the slate back in place. Adjust the amount of sand as necessary to create a level surface.

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