How to Use Fieldstone on a Driveway

Outline the shape of the driveway with garden stakes and string. Make the width at least 10 feet for one car and 16 feet for two and add 4 inches to each side for edge restraints.

Unearth the driveway area with a shovel until the foundation is at least 12 inches deep. Dig about 1 inch deeper for every 8 feet of distance toward the street for drainage.

Pour three 3-inch layers of 3/4-inch aggregate into the expanse. Tamp the rocks with a tamper between the layers so the base is firm.

Fit heavy edging material around the inner walls and hammer 9-inch spikes to secure them to the ground. Timbers and metal are a few examples of edging strong enough to support fieldstones.

Rake coarse sand over the aggregate to fill some of the crevices. The sharp particles create a friction against the bottom of the fieldstones that helps keep them in place. Continue adding sand until the bed is an inch thick.

Lay the first section of fieldstones, working from the bottom of the driveway up. Fit the large and medium stones together like pieces of a puzzle and use the small stones to fill gaps. Leave minimal space between each stone. Set a board over the first section and walk on it to press them down evenly.

Continue setting the fieldstones in small sections at a time until the driveway is complete. The thickness of the stones can vary, so add or remove sand as necessary to make each one level with adjacent stones.

Finish the surface by brushing fine masonry sand into the gaps with a shop broom. Once the gaps are filled and compacted, lightly moisten the surface with a hose. The water will weigh the sand down and help it cling to the stones as it dries.