Flagstone Walkway

How to Build a Flagstone Walkway

Flagstone walkways create beautiful pathways between yard features or serve as a durable area for traversing between exterior doors.  They look great, add value to your home, and best of all–they are relatively simple to build.

1. Pick out the type of flagstone you want to use.  For walkways, select a flagstone that is at least 1½ inches thick to provide you the strength you need for this purpose.  Thinner flagstone can crack and break.  Bring a rough sketch with you when you visit Hilton Landscape Supply, and we’ll work with you to pick out the best materials for your needs.
2. Plot your flagstone walkway.  Use spray paint or a garden hose to outline your pathway.  Start by laying out the inner border and curve.  Next, determine the width of the path.  A good width is from 30 to 36 inches.  Use a tape measure to approximate the width and define the second border.  Walk the drawn pathway and make sure you like the design.
3. Dig out the dirt.  If you’re using a hose to define your border, start by digging into the edge with a shovel to define the edge so you can remove the hose.  Carefully retain at least some of the topsoil with grass to fill in spots later if needed.  Dig out about 4 inches of dirt in the pathway.  Spot measure the width to make sure the width is consistent throughout the length of the path.
4. Add a permanent border to the sides of the pathway.  You can use steel edging or landscaping bender board.  You can secure steel edging by hammering the edge into the ground.  For the bender board, you’ll need to lay down a length of the material, make sure it is the right height, and then hammer in stakes next to the board.  Secure the stake to the board with decking screws.

If your walkway is on a slope, make sure the walkway itself is level.  Place your level between the top of each border and adjust heights accordingly.  If there is extra space between the ground level and height of the walkway, use excess dirt and grass removed at the beginning of this project to fill it in.

1. Line the walkway to prevent weeds.  Place the weed-blocker fabric in the base of the walkway to prevent weeds from growing between the rocks in your walkway.
2. Set a good base.  Fill in the walkway with decompressed granite or ¼ inch crushed gravel.  Take the depth of the walkway (4 inches) and subtract the thickness of your flagstone (1½ inches) to determine how much rock you will need to add (2 ½ inches).  It’s best to lay down half of the gravel at a time and lightly tamp in the first inch.
3. Add your flagstones.  Place your flagstones throughout the walkway.  Stones should be at least 3-4 inches from each other.  They can be spaced more widely apart but make sure it’s easy to step from one to the next.  Wiggle the stone to settle it into the crushed gravel and use a mallet to tamp it down lightly.  Make sure the top of the flagstone is now level with the ground.  If it’s too high or too low, add or remove some of the crushed gravel.
4. Fill in around the flagstones with river rock or other decorative stones.  These stones will help create drainage as well as complement the beauty of the flagstones.

Let the Pros at Hilton Landscape Supply Help You Get Started

Creating a beautiful walkway isn’t complicated–it just requires some hard work and patience.  Inviting a group of friends to help makes the project more fun and the results more rewarding.

To create fantastic hardscape features in your yard, meet with the landscape professionals at Hilton Landscape Supply.  With over 60 years in the business, we have the experience to help you select the right materials to achieve your vision.  Stop by our location in Central Point, and let’s build something beautiful together.