This paver stone garden path is easy to build, and will enhance the look of your yard. Just follow the easy step-by-step instructions. We have printable instructions you can download, too.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Cost: $380
Tools and Materials
- 28 12-inch x 12-inch paver stones or step stones
- 40 bags of paver base
- 12 bags of paver leveling sand
- Stakes
- String
- 10 bags of pea pebbles
- Work gloves
- Tamper
- Measuring tape
- Shovel
- Push broom
Step 1
The first step to creating your Paver Path is to determine your project area, paver size and type, and quantities required.
For our purposes we will be creating a path 20 feet long and 3 feet wide using 12-inch x 12-inch paver stones. Since we know the length and width of the path we’re creating, finding the square footage is a simple matter of multiplying the length (20 feet) by the width (3 feet), giving us a total area of 60 square feet. The pavers will be laid out in pairs of two with 6 inches of space between each pair. There’s a gap of both 3 inches and 6 inches between pavers and walkway edge. The paver pairs will alternate spacing as the path continues. With this pattern, you’ll need a total of 28 pavers.
Before laying the pavers, we need to prepare the area by plotting out the path and clearing away any grass to a depth of around 4 to 6 inches. Use stakes and string to mark out the course and finished elevation of the path.Then use a shovel or tiller to clear the area.
Step 2
Fill in the path with paver base at a depth of about 4 inches of paver base.
With the paver base in place, use a tamper to level out and settle the base. For larger areas, you may want to consider a powered tamper, which you can rent from your local Home Depot store.
Step 3
After finishing off the paver base, apply a layer of leveling sand at a depth of about 1 inch. You will need 12 bags of leveling sand for the path.
Just as before, tamp the leveling sand into place.
Step 4
Sketch the pattern for your stones, if possible. Using the measuring tape, begin laying out your paver stones, double-checking distances as you go along.
Step 5
Now that all the pavers are in place, take any remaining sand and spread it across the pavers. Use a push broom to sweep it in between the pavers.
Step 6
You can fill the space between the pavers with a material of your choice. Pea pebbles work great and can create some
interesting contrast depending on the color of your pavers. Mulches help paths blend in with surrounding plant beds
and vegetation.
Using additional bags of sand between pavers is also an option, though it typically works best with pavers that have closer spacing.
Now, enjoy your new paver garden path.
Download the printable instructions for this garden path DIY project and get started!