In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to lay a flagstone walkway.
Flagstone Walkway Step-By-Step Instructions
- Use a garden hose to lay out the shape and location of the 3-foot-wide walkway.
- Cut through the sod and roots along the hose using a flat-blade shovel or edger.
- Dig 3 to 4 inches of dirt from walkway.
- If you encounter a thick root, cut it out with loppers.
- Install steel edging along each side of the walkway.
- Hold the edging in place with steel spikes.
- Cut slots in a 2×4, spaced 3 feet apart, and slip it over the edging to maintain the correct walkway width; install one spacer every 8 feet or so.
- Cover bottom of excavated walkway with filter fabric.
- Spread 4-inch layer of pea stone over the fabric; rake it smooth.
- Lay flagstone onto the pea stone, making sure the best-looking side is facing up.
- Press the flagstone into the pea stone, then tap it with a rubber mallet.
- Continue setting flagstones, while maintaining consistent spaces between them.
More: How to Lay a Brick Paver Walkway; How to Lay a Bluestone Walkway