In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains how to lay a flagstone walkway.

Project details

Skill

Cost

Estimated Time

Flagstone Walkway Step-By-Step Instructions

  • Use a garden hose to lay out the shape and location of the 3-foot-wide walkway.
  • Cut through the sod and roots along the hose using a flat-blade shovel or edger.
  • Dig 3 to 4 inches of dirt from walkway.
  • If you encounter a thick root, cut it out with loppers.
  • Install steel edging along each side of the walkway.
  • Hold the edging in place with steel spikes.
  • Cut slots in a 2x4, spaced 3 feet apart, and slip it over the edging to maintain the correct walkway width; install one spacer every 8 feet or so.
  • Cover bottom of excavated walkway with filter fabric.
  • Spread 4-inch layer of pea stone over the fabric; rake it smooth.
  • Lay flagstone onto the pea stone, making sure the best-looking side is facing up.
  • Press the flagstone into the pea stone, then tap it with a rubber mallet.
  • Continue setting flagstones, while maintaining consistent spaces between them.

More: How to Lay a Brick Paver Walkway; How to Lay a Bluestone Walkway