How to Make a Walkway on a Hill

A flagstone pathway on a hill makes the climb much easier.

A walkway on a hill makes for an easier path up the hillside than simply moving through the grass or over rough ground when climbing. Using flagstones for the walkway gives a smoother surface for walking, although keeping the grade flat wherever possible is important for the easiest possible ascent. A flagstone path will last for many years. By increasing access, it will help people appreciate the beauty of the area.

Things You'll Need

• Stakes
• Twine
• Tape measure
• Shovel
• Level
• Weed fabric
• 6-inch by 1-inch treated lumber
• Crushed rock
• Tamping tool
• Sand
• Flagstones
• Rubber mallet
• Broom

Instructions

Preparing The Walkway

1. Calculate the width of the walkway, generally between 2 and 3 feet. Drive in stakes along one edge of the walkway route, and tie twine between them. Repeat on the other side, checking the width at each stake with a tape measure. Stake out the entire route of the path.

2. Dig the path to a depth of 6 inches (depending on the length of the path, you might want to rent a small mechanical digger for the job). Check with a level across the width of the path to ensure it's even. Dig through any small hillocks in the path to keep it level.

3. Lay weed fabric along the length of the pathway to cut down on later maintenance by preventing weeds and grass from poking up between the flagstones. Edge along the path with treated lumber if you wish, using wood measuring 1 by 6 inches.

4. Lay a bed of crushed rock over the weed fabric, keeping it about 3 inches deep, for seating the flagstones and giving adequate drainage. Tamp the rock down with a tamping tool.

Completing The Pathway

1. Pour a layer of soft sand on top of the crushed rock, making a layer about 2 inches deep. Smooth and tamp this layer, then check it with a level across the width of the path.

2. Put the flagstones in place. Play with the design to cover as much of the path with stone as possible. Seat each stone by tapping it with a rubber mallet, and check its level with its neighbor. Use the natural shape of the flagstones to help create a pattern that will seem more natural in the landscape.

3. Check the position of all the flagstones. Once happy with them, pour sand on top and brush it gently between the stones with a broom until it's level with the surface. Continue along the length of the path; the sand will improve the look of the pathway and help keep the stones in place. Complete your path by brushing any remaining sand off the stones.

References

• Green Garden Paving: Laying Paving Slabs And Flagstones
• A. J. MacCormack and Son: Laying Flags And Slabs