How to Make a Walkway

Stepping stones can be added to gravel paths.

Walkways and garden paths not only add a place to stroll around a property, they also add interest to the landscaping. Walkways entice visitors to enter and explore garden areas. Large expanses of lawn divided by walkways provide a property with distinct areas for entertaining, play and gardening. Installing a walkway is a good project for a do-it-yourselfer. A simple stone-lined path of gravel adds a casual air to your landscape.

Things You'll Need

• Flour
• Stakes and twine
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Rake
• Porous weed mat
• Large stones, pavers or bricks
• Gravel
• Sand

Instructions

1. Mark a curving or winding pathway with flour to outline the basic area. Drive stakes into the ground and tie twine to them to mark straight walkways.

2. Dig out the path area with a shovel. Excavate the soil 6 to 8 inches deep.

3. Lay a base of 4 inches of gravel on the excavated area. Smooth the gravel with a rake.

4. Add 2 inches of sand on top of the gravel. Smooth it with a rake.

5. Lay a porous weed mat on top of the sand. Cut it to fit as necessary.

6. Line the path with large stones, pavers or bricks to cover the edge of the weed mat.

7. Fill the path completely with a 2-inch-deep layer of gravel. Smooth the surface with the rake.

8. Backfill along the outside edge of the path with the excavated soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep paths at least 3 feet wide. This allows two people to walk side by side.

• Do not substitute black plastic sheeting for the weed mat. It will not drain properly.

References

• "Garden Decorating;" Julie A. Martens; 2003