While stone paths sometimes are laid in mortar, this requires a concrete foundation and experience with stone masonry.

A simple sandset path is much easier and is perfect forDIY installation.

Most flagstone that is 2 to 3 inches thick is ideal.

Landscaping Accents; Colorful Natural Paved Field Stone Sidewalk Yard Path

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Smallgarden pathsor those leading to secret nooks in the landscape can be sized for a single person.

Set up strings or hoses on both sides of the path.

Remove all grass or other vegetation (including all roots) in the path area.

flagstone patio

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Tamp the soil firmly with a hand tamp or simply by walking repeatedly over the ground.

Apply Landscape Fabric

Lay landscape fabric over the soil along the entire path.

take a stab at use a continuous piece as much as possible.

Materials needed to build a stone walkway

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If you must use multiple pieces, overlap their edges by at least 12 inches.

Add a Sand Layer

Add two inches of sand over the landscape fabric.

Spray the sand with water to help concentrate and compact it prior to setting the stones.

Deciding which type of stone to use in your walkway

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Set each stone so it is stable (without rocking) and is level with the surrounding stones.

Add or remove sand beneath each stone to raise or lower it, as needed.

Alternate large and small stones as well as different shapes and colors for a natural, random look.

Laying out the walkway with a garden hose

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Fill the Gaps

Add sand or gravel to fill the gaps between the stones, as desired.

You’ll want it to be about 5 inches deep and flattened to be smooth.

Stone spacing really depends on you and stride length.

Excavating the path where the walkway will go

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If the look of grass between the stones is desired, it can be planted following installation.

Installing edging if needed

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Laying down landscaping fabric

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Adding a layer of sand to the walkway area

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Laying out the stones to see where they should be placed

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Laying down the stones

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Filling in gaps in the walkway with more sand

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly