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How to Lay a Flagstone Walkway Using the Dry Method
How to Lay a Flagstone Walkway Using the Dry Method. Basically there are two ways that you can lay a flagstone walkway. You can use the wet construction method meaning you will set the stone in concrete or mortar or you can use the dry construction method meaning you will lay the stones on a sand base. In this example, I will show you how to lay a...
Basically there are two ways that you can lay a flagstone walkway. You can use the wet construction method meaning you will set the stone in concrete or mortar or you can use the dry construction method meaning you will lay the stones on a sand base. In this example, I will show you how to lay a dry construction stone walkway in sand.
Things You'll Need
spray paint, string or garden hose to mark the path
flat edge shovel or tiller
wheelbarrow
compactable gravel or roofing shingles as a base under the sand
fill sand
level
large flagstone pieces
Begin by scoping out the project. Decide where you want your walkway in proportion to the rest of your yard area. Some good ideas are to put a path directly to your garden or detached shop building.
Use spray paint to mark the desired pathway. You may also use string or a garden hose. Spray paint works best. A curved design will add more interest than a straight path.
Working within the boundaries of your drawn path, use the flat edge shovel to remove the top layer of sod. This is a difficult process. Edge the shovel far enough under the sod to get the bulk of the roots then press the shovel forward. A tiller can also be used for this step, but then the grass will need to be hand picked out.
Load the sod into a wheelbarrow so that you can use the sod in other areas of your yard that may be in need of extra grass.
Once the sod has been completely removed, lay old shingles or compactable gravel into the area. Use enough to cover the cut-out area completely less one inch from the top. (Remember that you will want the existing grass level to be level with the stones once they are set. This makes for easy mowing. Be sure to account for this.)
Lay the flagstone pieces out so that each one can be easily seen. A good idea is to lay out the pieces next to the pathway to see how you will want them to lay. This way you can rearrange to fit them before you actually set them.
Now begin to add some sand to the spot where your first piece will lay. Lay the first flagstone piece. Use a level to check for levelness and add more sand underneath the stone as needed. Be sure the stone is the same height as the existing sod next to your path. Make sure to place the flagstone about the same distance apart as your walking stride.
Continue working, adding sand, flagstone and checking the level as you work.
Once all the stone is set, sweep extra sand into the cracks between the stones.
Before long grass will begin to grow between the flagstone pieces adding a more natural look to your path. Enjoy!
