Build a walkway that transports you in style with our three DIY projects, complete with step-by-step instructions.
Each is a DIY project you’re able to complete in a weekend.
Our how-tos guide you through the installation process.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Use a hammer and chisel to gently break away the unwanted section of stone.
When moving rock, be careful to watch your back.
Remember to bend at the knees.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Also, safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy shoes are a must when building a stone walkway.
Excavate the area (depth will depend on height of the pavers) and level the surface.
Bend plastic edging to conform to the shape of the garden walkway and secure with rods.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
You’ll place the stones over the sand, so this ensures that your DIY walkway is flat.
Wiggle stones into the sand so they are at the same height.
Many rocks have a dull side as well as an interesting one.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Be sure to show off the best face of each of your walkway pavers.
Use graduated sizes (to ensure they fit together well) that are 1 inch or smaller in diameter.
Use a large broom to help spread the rocks around your simple flagstone walkway.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Use a garden hose to create the shape of your walkway incorporating straight lines as well as gentle curves.
make a run at keep the width of the path consistent for a clean look.
Gravel walkways are best suited to low-traffic areas and flat ground, where the gravel won’t migrate downhill.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
A deep layer of gravel preventsweed seedsfrom getting any sunlight and germinating.
Step 2: Place Edge Stones
Place large stones single file along both edges.
Underlaying the gravel with porous landscaping fabric ensures that the walkway will stay weed-free and mud-free.
Credit: William N. Hopkins
Both will help keep the fabric secured.
Fill the stone walkway with gravel and smooth.
Now your rustic garden path is ready to be used!
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Instead of a light-colored gravel, opt for dark gravel which hides imperfections and other natural debris.
Choose a layout that requires minimal cutting.
Your path should be at least 3 feet wide.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Keep the path at least 2 feet away from trees, large bushes, and hedges.
ThisDIY paver walkwayprovides a clean and attractive route through the yard.
Interlocking paver blocks are also available, making the process of laying paver patios and paths even easier.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Divide by 27 to determine cubic yards.
Mark the borders of the stone walkway directly onto the ground with chalk or spray paint.
With a shovel, dig a level trough approximately 6 inches deep.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Spread landscape fabric across the trench and up the sides.
Add a 2-inch layer of gravel and tamp.
Level across the walkway to see to it the edges line up and lie flat.
Credit: Bryan E. McCay
Add sand to low spots and remove sand that builds up.
Tamp the soil firm, removing any roots 1/2 inch or more in diameter.
If desired, set up the weed barrier.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Make a screed from a 26, notching it equal to the thickness of the pavers.
Add enough sand to form a 2-inch layer.
Screed the sand to form a level bed.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Moisten and tamp the sand until it is well-packed and smooth.
Use a rubber mallet to tap the pavers into place.
Every few feet, use a level to check that the pavers are set at the same height.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
see to it paver edges and joints are aligned.
Or,cut the paversmanually by first scoring and then cutting them with a baby sledge and a brickset.
Use a framing square to true up the courses every few feet.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Always use safety glasses, earplugs, and a face mask when operating a masonry saw.
Step 7: Fill in With Fine Sand
Finally, spread sand on the paver walkway.
Pour fine silicate sand in the joints and more on top of the pavers.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Use a broom to sweep sand into joints.
Repeat this process until the joints between the pavers are filled.
Tamp the surface periodically.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
When the joints are nearly full, sweep off excess sand and dampen the filled joints.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
