How to Install Side Cobblestone for Driveways

Measure the width of the cobblestones with a measuring tape. Lay ropes on the ground parallel to the sides of the driveway. Space them wide enough to fit the cobblestones plus 2 inches.

Remove grass and soil from between the driveway edge and rope, using a hoe and shovel, and dump the grass and soil on a tarp to use in low areas. Remove 4 inches of soil plus half the depth of the cobblestones. Press the flat side of a hand tamper over the topsoil.

Pour 3 inches of crushed rock into the expanse and level it out with the hoe. Tamp it down with the tamper until the rocks don’t shift under pressure. The gravel base allows moisture to escape from beneath the driveway and supports the stones so they don’t sink.

Pour coarse sand over the rock base. Smooth the top with a narrow board so the cobblestones will sit evenly.

Set the cobblestones in the sand flush against the edge of the driveway. Adjust the stones as necessary to sit about an inch above the driveway. Butt adjacent stones together and strike them gently with a mallet to align them.

Backfill spaces between the cobblestones and yard with small, angular gravel. Tamp the gravel down to keep the cobblestones from shifting.

Fill joints between the cobblestones and driveway with fine sand. Pack the sand down with a hand broom and moisten it slightly with a hose to weigh it down.