DIY Flagstone Walkway
Installing your own flagstone walkway is a relatively easy way to increase the beauty and value of your home. With some simple tools that are available at any local hardware store and some patience, you can enhance the natural look and landscaping in your front or back yard. Furthermore, flagstone walkways are superior to wood walkways, because they are sturdy, weatherproof and last for years. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Form boards
- Flagstones
- Safety goggles
- Safety gloves
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Sledgehammer
- Concrete mix
- Chalk
- Rubber Mallet
- Mortar
- Two-by-four inch lumber
- Damp rag
Instructions
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1
Lay out the ideal path of the walkway and, using the shovel, dig out the space until it is six inches deep.
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2
Install form boards (bendable plastic or wood sheets that insulate the path so the concrete will not leak into the ground) to define the path. Make sure the top of the form boards is even with the top of the dug out path.
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3
Cut the flagstone to fit the space, if necessary. Using the chisel and hammer, score the stone and use the sledgehammer to sharply strike the tip you want to break off. The stone should break cleanly along the score.
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4
Mix the concrete according to instructions on the bag, and pour it into the path until it is four inches deep. Run a piece of two-by-four lumber over the concrete to smooth it out and even the surface. Allow the concrete to dry according to the instructions.
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5
Spread an inch of mortar over the dried concrete. Position the stones with the flattest surface facing upwards, and the straightest edge along the form boards.
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6
After the stones are in place, drag a piece of two-by-four lumber laid across the path to check for any parts that may be too high or too low. Remove or add mortar under the pieces of flagstone as necessary.
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7
Use mortar to fill in the spaces between the stones and wipe away any excess mortar with a damp cloth. Once the mortar is cured (check manufacturer's instructions) your new flagstone walkway is ready to use.
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Tips & Warnings
Dry-laying the stones and marking their position with chalk will help you envision and easily install them.
Check for pipes or utilities under the path before beginning any digging.
Use safety goggles and gloves when breaking stones.
Keep foot traffic off your new walkway for at least four days to prevent any shifting.
References
- Photo Credit drystone wall. image by Paula Gent from Fotolia.com
