Step 1: Watch an Overview Video

Step 2: Gather Your Materials and Tools

Materials and Tools:

wooden stakes and twine or garden hose
sharp shovel
garden cloth
sand
2-inch thick flagstones
rubber mallet
sledgehammer
chisel
2x4 board
broom
safety goggles
pre-emergent weed and lawn herbicide
bloom-producing plant food
spring flowers

Step 3: Prep the Area for a Stone Walkway

Start by opening access to garden spaces with a stone walkway.

Use garden hose or twine and stakes to outline path; change curves and location until you are happy with layout.

Tip: Standard walkway width is 3 feet.

With sharp shovel, make 5-inch cuts along edges and remove soil between.

Step 4: Lay Stones and Finish the Walkway

Lay garden cloth over soil.

Spread 3 inches of sand on top and tamp down. For extra stability, rent plate compactor.

Tip: 1 ton of stone covers 30 feet of 3-foot-wide walkway.

Arrange stones in overlapping patterns of three, leaving 1-inch gap between stones.

Use rubber mallet to tap stone into sand.

Use chisel and sledgehammer to break stones, if necessary. Chip along break line, then shear stone in two. Always wear safety glasses when chipping stone.

Level stones with 2x4 and mallet.

Sweep sand into joints until filled.

Step 5: Treat Plants With Herbicide

To prevent weeds and unwanted grass, treat lawn, ground cover, ornamental beds, and flowerbeds with pre-emergent, broad-spectrum herbicide.

Pull existing weeds first.

Water thoroughly after application to activate granules.

Step 6: Plant Flowers

For color and dramatic bloom, treat flowers at the bud stage with bloom-producing plant food.

In warm climates, apply herbicide again in 6 to 8 months.