Lay a Flagstone Path

A flagstone walkway protects lawn areas and leads the eye (and feet) toward garden focal points. Definitely choose durable stone, like granite or bluestone, if winters are harsh. Softer limestones are okay in warmer zones.

STEP 1

Mark straight pathways with stakes and twine pulled taut on both sides. For curved pathways, lay a garden hose to create the undulating shape and then mark with spray paint. Repeat on the other side of the proposed path, mirroring curves. Curved or straight, check that measurements match at both ends and along the middle of the path. With a spade, cut the sod along marked lines, remove it, and dig the pathway. Most flagstones are 3" thick, so excavate to 5" depth. (Adjust for your stones.) Using a hand tamper, flatten soil.

STEP 2

To prevent weeds, lay landscape fabric. Weigh the fabric down with rocks or spare tools while you work. Lay a 2" base of fine-packing (¼ minus) gravel over the fabric. Start at the far end of the path and spread it out with the back of a straight rake. Lightly dampen gravel with a hose; don’t create pools of water. Using a hand tamper, compact the gravel. Check the path for level.

STEP 3

Wearing kneepads and work gloves, wiggle the stones in to embed them. Work in small sections, assessing the arrangement as you go. The width of the gap between the flagstones is by preference: 2–3" gaps create a rustic look, while closely abutted joints lend formality. Lay a 6' level across three or four stones and raise or lower the stones as needed to level. To raise a stone, spread gravel underneath with a dip in the middle, not a mound, to keep it stable. Check for level again across width and length. Too high? Shimmy the stone back and forth to lower it, or remove some gravel. Tap on all sides with a rubber mallet to embed it. Fill gaps along the edges of each stone by tamping gravel in using the mallet handle. Walk on all sides of each stone to check for rocking, and adjust. Continue with the next section. Finally, sweep stones, then spread topsoil with a broom into the joints between stones. Tamp the soil by hand so that it is slightly lower than the stones, allowing rain runoff. Plant ground cover, or spread gravel or wood chips as desired.