How to Build a Gravel Flagstone Walk

Lay the garden hose or thick twine on the ground to outline the location for the flagstone walk. The walkway should be a minimum of three feet wide to comfortably accommodate two people. If the space available can't accommodate a double walkway, it's acceptable to make the path more narrow for single use.

Dig alongside the hose or twine to make the outline for the flagstone walk. A flat-edged shovel or a landscape edging tool are both good choices since they dig straight lines. After the entire pattern is marked for the walk, move the garden hose.

Dig four inches deep the entire length and width of the walk, keeping the sides as straight as you can. Remove all sod, soil, stones and roots to make the bottom of the path as evenly flat and smooth as possible. If necessary, use the pruning loppers to cut away any roots from nearby shrubs and trees. Large tree roots should not be pruned as this can damage or kill the tree. Work around these roots if possible or move the path over slightly to accommodate the tree roots.

Place the landscape edging along each side of the walk. Make sure the top lip of the landscape edging is above the level of lawn to ensure the gravel stays in place and doesn't creep into the lawn. Some landscape edging is self-anchoring while others have separate anchors, but both types must be pounded into the ground with the rubber mallet to secure in place.

Roll the landscape fabric along the entire base of the walk. This will help prevent weeds from growing up through the gravel base of the flagstone walk. Anchor the landscape fabric along the edges approximately every 12 inches. This doesn't have to be exact, but use enough to help hold the fabric in place.

Spread the gravel evenly on top of the landscape fabric using the steel rake. Pea gravel or crushed stone can be used as the base to either contrast with or match the color of the flagstone that will be added.

Lay the flagstones in a desired pattern. Settle each flagstone into the gravel by twisting and turning the stone, using the level on each stone as you go. Pound each stone with the rubber mallet to further settle the stones to where the sides are even with the gravel base. Continue checking each stone for levelness as it's placed, making any adjustments as necessary.

Walk on the flagstones. This is the best way to test the flagstones for ease of use. Each flagstone should be set far enough into the gravel base that the stone's edge doesn't shift or cause tripping. The stones should also not wobble. Make adjustments with extra gravel as needed or by removing gravel from under the flagstones.