How to Lay a Paving Stone Path

Lay a stone path to beautify your home.

A paving stone path in your front or back yard will bring new beauty to your home. Planning and installing the stone path will typically take just a few days, depending on your design. The steps for this project are not too challenging and you probably already have many of the tools needed. Other tools can be rented or possibly borrowed from friends.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk line
• Shovel
• Tamper
• Landscape fabric
• Scissors
• Sand
• Wheelbarrow
• Stones
• Rubber Mallet
• Level
• Broom
• Hose

Instructions

1. 

   Dig out the path with a shovel.

   Define the borders for your path with a chalk line. Dig out the paver path two inches deeper than the depth of your stone. Use a tamper to make the path level. Cut landscape fabric to fit with scissors and lay it on the path. Add a layer of sand to the path.

2. 

   Lay the pavers.

   Place pavers in the wheelbarrow and transfer them to the path. Lay the pavers on the sand starting along the edge and position them to fit. Tap the pavers with a rubber mallet to set them firmly into the sand. Use a level tool to check the stones. If necessary, remove some of the sand to level the stones. Continue transferring and positioning the stones until the path is complete.

3. 

   Fill the crevices with sand and water.

   Drop another layer of sand over the stones and use a broom to pack the sand between the crevices. Spray the path with a water hose. Continue the pattern of packing with sand and spraying with water until the crevices are completely filled.

References

• Move: Installing Stone Pavers
• Oregonlive: Home and Garden Updates: How to Build a Stone Path

Resources

• Reader's Digest: How to Build a Stone Path