How to Make a Slate Rock Walkway

Mark the border of your path on the ground. Use a shovel to scrape a groove into the dirt, clearly delineating the intended edge of the walkway.

Remove any grass, weeds, rocks or other debris from the walkway area.

Smooth the grade of the ground with a rake. Ensure that the ground is even across the walkway's width. If the walkway leads toward a house or other structure, create a slight downward grade. This will prevent rainwater from funneling and pooling along the base of the structure.

Lay a sheet of gardening fabric along the base of the walkway. This fabric will help prevent weed growth and help keep your slate pathway stones from shifting due to erosion.

Lay a strip of plastic or steel garden edging along each edge of the path.

Spread a 2-inch layer of fine construction sand across the base of the path. Smooth and level the sand with a rake.

Lay flat-edged pieces of slate along the edges of the path. Begin with larger pieces and fill in with smaller ones to complete the edge.

Fill in the interior of the pathway with slate pieces. As before, begin with larger pieces and fill in with small ones as necessary. Use a hammer and chisel to shape pieces to fit oddly-sized openings. The gaps between each slate piece should be approximately 2 inches.

Secure each stone in place by pressing it down, and vigorously twisting it back and forth.

Fill gaps between the stones with a medium-grit sand or grout.