 |
| Outdoor Lighting |
| This DIY kit shows you how to install a lighted stone walkway. |
|
advertisement
|
|
Features  |
 |
|
|
|
|
Materials: Flat stones
Outdoor walkway lights
1" x 4" pieces of lumber
Shovel
Rake
Tamper
Chisel and maul
Sledgehammer
Gravel
Sand
Landscaping mesh
Tape measure
Level
Rubber mallet
Broom
Safety goggles - Excavate the area allowing for a depth of 6", plus the average thickness of your stones.
- Create the walkway form out of the 1 x 4s (figure A), and confirm that you have a consistent depth throughout.
- Fill the area with 4" of gravel, and then tamp the gravel and cover it with landscaping mesh. This will allow for proper drainage while keeping weeds from growing up through the walkway.
- Complete the walkway preparation by adding 2" of sand (figure B) and raking it level.
- Lay out the stones for the walkway next to the prepared area so you don't disturb the sand.
- Cut and fit the stones so that you have about 1/2" gap between them.
- To cut the stones, draw a line and then score the entire line with a chisel. Place a board under the stone. Line the board up with the edge of the scored line and cut the stone with a single blow of the sledgehammer.
- Tap each stone into place (figure C) and check that the stones are level.
- Adjust the sand under each stone accordingly, and sweep fine sand into the joints with a broom (figure D).
- Soak the walkway with a hose and allow it to settle.
- Sweep another level of sand into the gaps and wait a couple of days.
- Finally, illuminate the walkway with solar powered accent lights. Easy to install and virtually no cost to operate, the lights give the walkway that warm and inviting glow.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
