How to Landscape With Flagstone Stepping Stones

Flagstone is a relatively flat, smooth rock that has been traditionally used in gardens and walkways. Flagstone provides stepping stones in low traffic areas where solid footing amidst uneven ground cover is required. A flagstone walk through a garden affords a close-up view of the plants growing there and an opportunity to stop and smell the roses.

Flagstone has other applications in landscaping as well. When different sizes and shapes of flagstone pieced together in a random design, the result is often termed "crazy paving" reminiscent of free-form quilts. Beautiful pathways and patios can be created this way.

Wheelbarrow
Spade
Chisel
Masonry sand
Steel edging
Steel stakes
Rubber mallet
Push broom
Line level or 4-foot level
Compactor
Masonry saw

Instructions

- 1
  Dig an area 4 to 5 inches deep where you are creating your path or patio. A spade is the preferred tool for this type of digging.
- 2
  Use a line level or 4-foot level to make certain that your patio or walk has a grade or fall so that any water that falls on the paving will drain away from your home.
- 3
  Inset steel edging around the dug out area an inch below your 4- or 5-inch depth. Hammer in the accompanying steel stakes that will hold the edging and the masonry sand in place.
- 4
  Add masonry sand inside the steel edging and compact it to a base of at least 3 inches. A compactor can be acquired at many tool rental locations.
- 5
  Add the flagstone piece by piece placing the stones closely together at the joints for better stability and less maintenance. Use a chisel or a rented masonry saw to cut the stone when necessary.
- 6
  Add masonry sand to the flagstone surface and sweep it into the joints using the push broom. Allow the sand to settle in the cracks and repeat three or four times until the sand no longer disappears between the stones.
- 7
  Maintain the pathway or patio by sweeping more masonry sand into the joints once every three or four years.

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