How to Cut In a Flagstone Driveway From an Existing Concrete Driveway

Clean the existing driveway with a hose and scrub brush. Pour stain remover over any grease stains and scrub them. Any remaining debris or stains will weaken the bond with the mortar, which can cause the flagstone to dislodge.

Set flagstone pavers over the driveway in a pattern that is complementary to your house design. Leave 1/2- to 3/4 inches between them. Use chalk to number the bottom of each stone in the direction you plan to lay them in so you can work quickly once the mortar is spread.

Mix 1 part cement with 4 parts fine sand and small amounts of water at a time in a mixing tub. Stir it with a paddle mixer until you achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.

Remove the flagstones from the first section of driveway. Spread 1/2 inch of concrete over an area large enough for about four stones with a trowel. Spread another 1/2 inch over the first flagstone area and reset the stone in the concrete. Set the other adjacent stones using the same method.

Place a bubble level over each section of stones. Hit the stones gently with a mallet until they're even with each other. Note that the existing concrete should have a slight slope toward the street for drainage, but the flagstones must sit even with each other or the driveway will be bumpy.

Go over the set flagstones with a clean moist cloth to remove any concrete that fell on the surface.

Repeat for each section until the driveway is completely repaved with flagstone. Wait at least 36 hours for the new concrete to set.

Mix grout in the mixing tub with equal parts cement and fine sand and then add small amounts of water and stir to make stiff grout.

Pack the grout into gaps between stones using the trowel to push it down and level the surface. Work in small sections at a time so you don’t miss any gaps. If you want to recess the joints slightly, go over them with a concave jointer tool to press a slight dip in the surface.

Clean off any grout spatters with a moist cloth and block off the driveway for at least a week.