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Porphyry Granite Front Walkway Dean and Derek bring an old world paving material and a modern technique to update a walkway. Check out more Rock Solid home improvement projects. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-405

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Figure E

Set Large Cobblestone

As an added design feature, Dean and Derek decided to incorporate an apron made of jumbo cobblestone to create a solid visual transition from the driveway to the walkway. The jumbo cobblestones are about four inches thick, so you need to dig down five inches. Add one-inch of coarse sand and compact. You can use a hand compactor if you are working in a small space (figure E).

Once your surface is compacted and level, measure then mark the center point of your walkway. The first cobblestone should be centered to create a symmetrical design. Use a rubber mallet to level and stabilize a large cobblestone.

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	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Screeding

The next thing you want to do before laying the porphyry stone is to screed the sand. Place a half-inch pipe on opposite sides of your walkway and use a straight edge or six-foot level to create a flat smooth surface between the pipes.

Now that you have prepared the sand, measure for the center of the jumbo cobblestone apron. Snap a chalk line from the center of the apron to the end of your walkway. This chalk line will be your guide to make sure your pattern remains centered on the walkway (figure F).

Set Porphyry Stone

Dean and Derek chose a fan design for this project (figure G ). You can choose your favorite design, but for whatever design you choose the mesh backing will make installation much easier (figure H).

The fan pattern consists of four stone groupings held together with the mesh backing. Place the pieces together, to create your design and repeat the design over the length and the width of your walkway.

Tip: It's always a good idea to have a friend help during the setting process. The stone is fairly heavy and you don't want to disturb the screeded sand more than necessary.

Since Dean and Derek are working with a rounded pattern, they decided to create a border to give the walkway a tastefully finished appearance. Border installation will be explained in greater detail below.

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