How to Install Paving Stones in a Walkway

A nicely designed walkway of paving stones can turn an ordinary walkway into a classy and elegant entrance. Choosing to use paving stones to create a walkway offers a variety of options for both possible designs and types of stones. More importantly, it is a home improvement project that virtually anyone can complete if they are willing to make the effort. Taking the time to complete the foundation properly will ensure your finished product remains tight and level for years to come.

Spade

Square shovel

Stakes

String

Rake

Level

Crushed stone

Stone dust

Sand

Paving stones

Plate tamper

Wet saw

Safety goggles

Two by four

Push broom

Create a design for your walkway by sketching a scale drawing on graph paper. Using graph paper can help you to determine the exact square footage of your proposed walkway.

Measure the dimensions for your walkway and stake out your design by pounding stakes into the ground. Run string between each of the stakes to give you a visual impression of what your design will look like. Make any modifications you deem appropriate and re-sketch the design to accurately reflect the intended size and position of your walkway.

Take your design to a building center and choose the paving stones you wish to lay. Your building supply center also will be able to help you determine how much of the different materials you will need to complete the project.

Excavate down to a minimum of 8 inches with your spade following the staked out guidelines you have already created. You will need a final depth of 4 inches for your foundation, 1 to 2 inches for your screed bed, plus your paving stones. Extend your excavation 2 to 4 inches beyond the walkway boundaries. Use a square shovel to make the sides and bottom of the excavation straight and flat. Remove all excavated materials since you will not be using this fill again for this project.

Lay a base of crushed stone to a minimum depth of 4 inches and spread it with your rake. Ensure the foundation is flat and level by laying your level across the foundation in different locations. Spray with water and tamp the base using a tamper. Tamping the foundation will ensure that it is solidly packed and lessens any chance of shifting. Check the level again and add any gravel you need to make it level. Tamp again.

Lay your screed bed by spreading 1 to 2 inches of stone dust over your foundation. Use a 2-by-4 to level out the stone dust layer by dragging it across the bed, and then check it with a level. Once the screed bed is prepared, do not disturb it by walking on it.

Lay the first stone by beginning at one end of the walkway. Place it firmly onto the undisturbed screed bed and wiggle the stone while pressing down on it to ensure it will not move.

Place the next stone as close as possible to the first stone. Press it down firmly into the screed bed. Continue placing stones in this manner by laying one row at a time. If you are using a pattern of paving stones, you will need to pay close attention to ensure you follow the pattern. You may need to cut some of the stones depending on the size of the stones and the curvature and dimensions of your design.

Mark any stones that need to be cut when your pattern has been completed. Cut them using the wet saw. Make sure you wear goggles while using your wet saw.

When all paving stones have been laid, tamp the walkway and check to be sure it is level. If it is not level in one area, you can tamp it further to push the stones further into the screed bed.

Spread sand on the walkway using a push broom, and then tamp again. Wet the stones down, spread more sand and tamp again to ensure a tight, interlocked fit. Finish your project by spreading soil along the edges of your walkway and seeding or laying sod on the disturbed area.

For your first job, choose a pattern of paving stone which is fairly simple.

Tamp your walkway from the outside edges into the middle.

If your walkway is not level, you may need to pull up your stones, re-level the screed bed and then lay your stones again.