- 1). Determine the shape and width of your path. To lay a straight path, place stakes at the starting and ending points on either side of the path and tie a line between. Use inverted marking paint or flour to transfer the line to the ground. For a curving path, use a garden hose to establish your boundaries and mark the edges on the ground.
- 2). Stake the path. Drive wooden stakes at various points along either side of the path. Measure and mark a point ¼-inch above the ground on each stake to mark the path’s final height. Tie masonry string to around each stake at the mark, using a line level to ensure the string remains level.
- 3). Prepare the foundation. Install edging, then dig out and remove sod and soil between strings to a constant depth of 2 1/2 inches from the base of the path to the string line. Rake ground to smooth and tamp flat. Evenly spread 1 ½ inches of sand over the area. Drag a 2 by 4 across the sand to smooth surface, then tamp flat.
- 4). Lay flagstones atop compacted sand, using a carpenter’s level to ensure a level surface. Piece stones together the way you would a puzzle, allowing gaps of ½- to 1-inch between stones for sand or planting. Add or remove sand beneath individual stones as necessary to maintain level. Seat each stone by covering with the 2 by 4 and tamping with a rubber mallet.
- 5). Fill in the gaps. Sprinkle a generous layer of sand over the pathway and sweep into cracks. Use garden hose to lightly spray walkway. Continue to sprinkle sand, sweep and spray until gaps are filled. For a softer look, plant gaps with sod or other high-traffic ground cover.
SHARE
