TOOLS
- wheelbarrow
- shovel
- hammer
- rake
- scissors
- hand tamper
- wide broom
MATERIALS
- flagstone
- spray paint
- vinyl garden border with stakes
- weed block with stakes
- all-purpose sand
- gravel or pebbles
Step 1: Excavate Area
The first thing you will need to do is clear out the area that you are wanting to update. So be sure to rake the area and remove any old landscaping materials, rocks and debris for the pathway.
Step 2: Plot Pathway
Here is where you are going to want the spray paint. Take the paint and mark the inside of the planned pathway. This will help you know where you put down the rest of the materials and eliminates guessing.
Step 3: Install Border
You will ant to prepare the area by trenching out 2 inches into the ground with a shovel or hoe along the outside edge of your painted lines. Then, using a hammer and border stakes, secure the vinyl garden border in place. Backfill with dirt, as needed. The border will help keep your finished pathway intact over time and prevent wash out during heavy rains.
Step 4: Add Weed Block
You will not want to forget this part. This will help keep unsightly weeds from popping up between the stones. Roll out weed block material over the pathway. Stake all the loose edges and trim excess with scissors.
Step 5: Add Sand
Here is where you will want to spread a few inches of sand out, making sure to keep it level. For better drainage, make the middle of the pathway a bit higher than the sides for better run off. Tamp sand down for compaction.
Step 6: Add Flagstone
Dry fit flagstones in your desired pattern but be sure to leave about 1-3 inches between each stone. Start with large stones, making sure they're nestled into the sand so they don't move when you step on them. You can break up larger stones using a hammer to fill in any gaps.
Step 7: Add Pebbles
Once the flagstone is in place, spread the pebbles out and sweep them into the gaps with a wide broom. This provides a unique texture, better water absorption and helps keep the stones secure over time.
And that's it. That's all it takes to create an amazing flagstone walkway.
Let us know what you think. What other tips do you have for this project?
Source: DIY
