Walkway Design Ideas Using Flagstone

Meandering Path

• For an informal natural look, create a curved path that leads to a forest or flower garden. Lay out the design with a garden hose first, so you'll have an idea of how the path should be shaped. For shorter paths leading to a cottage entrance or a quaint front yard gate, opt for smaller flagstones in order to create noticeable bends in the walkway. Two bends are enough to create a winding appearance. Three to five bends are suited for longer walkways of more than 20 feet.

Flagstone Hedged Walkway

• For an affordable walkway with artistic appeal, clear a straight dirt pathway and use the flat edges of flagstones to act as borders for the path. Dig two narrow trenches, 9 to 10 inches deep and 4 feet apart, for a path that accommodates two people walking side-by-side. Set flagstones in the trenches with pointed angles down, and flat or curved edges facing up. Back-fill the trenches and firmly tamp in the flagstones along the length of the path. Lay pea gravel on the pathway and use landscaping fabric to block weeds and prevent the pea gravel from eroding.

Expanding Walkway

• A formal accent to a home's front door or gated entry calls for a walkway that starts out narrow and expands to an inviting entrance. Use large, thick flagstones and have them set with mortar for an elegant, streamlined appearance. Begin the walkway with a narrow entrance no wider than 5 feet. As the walkway lengthens, add 4 to 6 inches to both sides until the walkway measures the width of your chosen entry -- such as a front porch, pool house or outdoor kitchen. While this design option is more expensive, it lends an upscale appearance to larger homes featuring classic architectural elements.