Flagstone Walkway

Tap to Read ➤ Geeta Dhavale

Flagstones are natural and look good when used for decorating your outdoor patios. Here are some insights on laying flagstone walkways that are sure to enhance the look and longevity of the walkway.

If you are planning on renovating your garden or patio, a flagstone walkway is an ideal choice. It is beautiful, natural, rugged, durable, and rustic, and hence ideal to accentuate the look of the landscaping around your house.

Flagstones are excellent building materials that have the ability to turn your usual patio into a unique piece of architecture and give your house a vintage look and a touch of class. They are available in various colors, textures, and patterns that allow you to experiment with myriad ideas that can suit the overall patio furniture.

Installation

Given next are the steps that will guide you through the construction. It is time-consuming and laborious, but certainly inexpensive if you wish to do it on your own. You will need the following tools and materials before you start the flagstone patio installation process.

Flagstones Hammer Compactor Rubber Mallet Gloves Saw Level Sand Eye Protecting Gears Mortar Mix Concrete Joint Tool Tape

Step #1: Determining the Area

This is one of the most important steps in building a patio or walkway. Once you have decided, you will need to take the measurements of the area with a tape and mark the area that needs to be covered. Note down the measurements as they will help you when you buy the flagstones and other building materials and tools.

Step #2: Determining the Design

You must decide the design for the walkway. You can consult a professional designer or can do it on your own. Once the design is finalized, there may be certain changes in the size, width, and shape of the walkway. You must note the changes and buy the flagstones in the right quantity so that you do not fall short midway through the process.

Step #3: Buying Building Materials

Flagstones need a solid base, such as gravel, crushed granite, or coarse sand, that can hold them strongly.

If you do not put a solid base, the flagstones will sink in the ground after a few days and spread away distorting the design. So decide which material you would prefer and buy accordingly. You must also buy good quality materials that are compatible with the chosen design.

Step #4: Preparing the Area for the Walkway

Clean the area with a broom and remove all the dirt. Once the area is cleaned, you can start with the edging. You can choose from plastic or metal grids to hold the edges properly. Now start digging the marked area around five to six inches below the ground and level it. Fill the area with sand, crushed granite, or gravel after making it wet.

Step #5: Laying Flagstones

You need to lay the pre-cut flagstones as per the design on the compact area by placing them in the right position with the help of a rubber mallet. If you wish to cut them on your own, buy the uncut ones and cut them in the desired shape with the help of a saw and lay them as per the pattern you like. And your beautiful flagstone walkway is ready!

Isn't it easy to build your own walkway? Just keep in mind a small tip―do not level the walkway completely as that may be a problem during rains. Always keep a slope so that water can drain easily.