How to Build a Ground Level Wooden Walkway

A wooden walkway can create a natural pathway through your landscape. Although wood may not be as durable as stone or brick, it will complement the natural surroundings and provide a relaxing, organic space. Use cedar for the wooden log rounds that will make up the walkway. Cedar is naturally rot and insect resistant so it will hold up much longer than most other species of wood. You can make wooden stepping "stones" for your walkway by cutting thin slices off from a log. The slices or rounds can be laid on the ground to form a walkway similar to a stepping stone path.

12 to 16 inch diameter cedar log, 48 inches long

Chain saw

Trowel

Sand

Level

Rubber mallet

Place the cedar log horizontally on a work surface. Saw off 1-1/2-inch thick slices from one end of the log with a chain saw. Cut off as many round slices as needed for the walkway.

Lay out the wooden log rounds onto the ground in the desired configuration for the path. Space the rounds close enough so that the average person can walk from one round to the next with ease.

Cut the sod around each wooden log round with a trowel. Set each round aside and remove the sod from underneath each round with a trowel. Add a 1/2 to 1 inch layer of sand where the sod was removed to assist in leveling the rounds. Lay each round back into place.

Position a level across the top of each wooden log round in the walkway. Tap the rounds lightly with a rubber mallet to adjust them so that they rest level on the ground.

Use different diameter log cuttings to add a varied appearance to the walkway.

Wear face and ear protection when operating a chain saw to avoid injury.