How to Build a Flagstone Path

Use a flagstone path for a simple, beautiful walkway in your garden. A flagstone path uses just sand and water. It's more durable than concrete or paved paths, and resists weeds. A sand-set path resists cracking and shifting, and allows you to easily replace any damaged stones. Use the following instructions to install a flagstone path.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rake
• Rubber tubing or hose
• Shovel
• Level
• 2-by-4 scrap
• Rough sand
• Hose for watering
• Hand tamper or mallet
• Flagstone pavers (see Tips)
• Chisel
• Mallet
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Broom

Prepare the Path Location

1. Rake out the entire length of your path location. Aim to get the ground as flat and level as possible.

2. Mark the outline of your path with rubber tubing, twine or a garden hose. For paths with a permanent border (available at hardware stores), install the border first.

3. Dig approximately 2 to 3 inches deep in your path location and discard the soil, depending on the thickness of your flagstone pavers. Use a level and a 2-by-4 piece of wood to even out the surface.

4. Pour sand into the path, approximately 1 inch from the top edge, and rake again until smooth. Check the level of the path with the level and 2-by-4 again.

5. Hose down the sand until moistened.

6. Pack the damp sand using a mallet and wooden board or a specialty hand tamper if available.

Lay and Set the Flagstone Path

7. Arrange your flagstones onto the path. Rest them just on the surface of the sand. Refrain from pushing them too far into the sand. Start with the outside edges of the path first, and then fill in the center.

8. Use the larger pieces first, and then fill in the gaps with the smaller pieces. Continuously verify with the level as you place stones.

9. Break larger pieces up to fill in any gaps. Use a chisel and mallet to score and tap open the stone. Use the level again to maintain a flat surface.

10. Lift out the outer marker (hose or rubber tubing) carefully without disturbing the outer layer. If using a permanent border, ensure it's straight and erect.

11. Spread more sand over the flagstones, and sweep the sand off the stone surface and into the cracks with a broom. Gently hose off the patio area to moisten the sand and clean the stones.

12. Repeat Step 5 one more time. Fill in all cracks and clean the sand off the flagstones.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 1- to 2-inch-thick flagstone in 1- to 3-foot sizes. Get approximately 1/3 more than your measured surface area.
• Use larger gaps between stones if you want a creeping ground cover between the stones. Plant tufts of grasses or thyme between stones and allow it to spread gradually.
• Follow manufacturer or retailer instructions and safety precautions on all tools and materials.
• Wear personal protective equipment (safety goggles and gloves) when cutting flagstone pavers.

Resources

• The Home Depot for tools and flagstone path material online sales and store locator.
• Lowes for tools and flagstone path material online sales and store locator.
• KRC Rock for flagstone path pavers and supplies.