How to Lay Cobble

Determine the location for the cobblestone installation. For large areas, measure the area carefully with a tape measure and hammer stakes in the ground with a rubber mallet to run string lines between. This shows you the exact area to be paved.

Remove the sod from the area by cutting it with a shovel and pulling it up by hand. Dig out another 6 inches of soil and level the area. Place a 4-foot level at sections along the ground to get it as straight as possible.

Pour a 2-inch layer of crushed stone or pea gravel over the excavated base and compact it using a tamping tool. This provides a sturdy layer under the cobbles that helps support them.

Fill the hole with 3 inches of coarse sand. Smooth the sand with a piece of 2-by-4 lumber and check it for level across the entire area. Tamp the sand down with the tamping tool to compact it.

Place the first cobblestone at one corner and get it square with the edge of the sod. Press down slightly on the stone to embed it and then place the next stone so it just touches the first. Continue this process for each stone in the first row.

Lay subsequent rows up against the first row until all stones are in place. Check the cobblestones for straightness with the large level. Tap any raised bricks with the rubber mallet to settle them into the sand.

Pour fine grain sand over the cobbles and sweep inward from the edges to the center with a broom to force the sand down between the stones. Sweep carefully so that the stones don't shift while spreading the sand.

Spray the cobbles lightly with a garden hose to settle the sand and leave the area undisturbed for approximately 24 hours before walking on it. Apply more sand to any low areas between the cobbles.