How to Lay a Paving Stone Sidewalk

Frame

• 1

  Create a plan for sidewalk installation that includes all existing landscape features.

• 2

  Plot the sidewalk using garden stakes and mason's string. Adjust the stakes until the plot is the desired shape and width.

• 3

  Using the garden stakes and mason's string as a guide, dig a base for the sidewalk 6 inches below ground level. Dig until the entire sidewalk area is perfectly level. Remove the stakes and string. Set the stakes aside to use for a later step.

• 4

  Place 2-inch by 6-inch boards around the base below ground level. Turn the boards on their sides so that their other sides are level with the top of the ground. Place garden stakes in the base around the boards to hold them in place. These boards will be the frame for the sidewalk.

• 5

  Place the stone pavers inside the frame in the desired design. Leave about 1/2 inch between each paving stone. Draw lines on each paving stone; these lines will be a guide for cutting the pavers to the proper size.

• 6

  Remove all of the stone pavers from the frame. Set them in the same pattern to the side of the frame. Cut the stones that need cutting with a circular saw and masonry blade.

Finishing

• 7

  Cut strips of landscape fabric to fit over the bare ground inside the frame of the sidewalk. Use landscape fabric stakes to anchor the fabric in place. This fabric will help prevent weeds from growing in the cracks of the sidewalk.

• 8

  Spread a 2-inch layer of sand over the landscape fabric. Use a scrap board to smooth the sand and check for levelness. Add or take away sand as needed to level the layer.

• 9

  Begin laying the paver stones back into the frame, starting at one end. Place the stones in the same pattern as previously planned. Use a rubber mallet to pound the pavers in until they are level with each other.

• 10

  Spread sand lightly over the entire sidewalk covering the stone pavers. Use a broom to sweep the extra sand off the pavers and into the cracks between them.

• 11

  Lightly soak the sidewalk with water. This will help pack the sand down. Repeat step 4 until all of the cracks fill to the top with sand.