This how-to DIY stone walkway/patio repair video shows step by step how to repair stone walkways and patios. The video includes description and use of stonemasonry tools, layout considerations, ways to shape stone, ways to set stone, and general information about the process. The video starts with a loosely laid flagstone area that was sloping towards the house. After reshaping and resetting, it concludes with a stronger, even plane of low maintenance stonework that slopes away from the house.
Type and size of stone in walkway/patio repair video:
The stone shown in the video is sandstone, and because of its dimensions is referred to as “flagstone”. It is thinner than ideal, however it is still solidly rebuilt. Stone that is less than 2″ thick tends to move and crack more than thicker flagstone. One guiding principle in stone landscape is that if a stone is a struggle to set because of its weight, it is also a struggle for mother nature to dislodge it. I brought in a few nearby stones with larger surface area for the perimeter pieces. It helps to have larger ones on the perimeter for structural longevity reasons. They are less likely to wobble. Fianlly, I cut all of the stones so that there were almost no joint gaps. This was to reduce maintenance with sweeping, weeds, etc. Similarly, buy using stone and metal, the materials will last longer than wood.
Type and size of metal edging in video:
I replaced the rotting wooden edging with metal edging, and stablized the metal edging with metal stakes. The metal is 5″ tall, 1/8″ thick.
Size of gravel beneath flagstone in video:
I set all of the flagstone pieces on top of crushed gravel, approximately 3/8″ size. For example, it is the average size of your smallest fingernail. I compacted the gravel, and established its’ plane to slope away from the house. I also did this with the soil beneath the gravel. In this way, there are 3 planes that slope away from the house, in layers. This reinforces the goal of rainwater flowing downhill away from the front door.
Hopefully, this stone/walkway repair video has provided you with the information and inspiration you need to undertake a similar project. When possible, start with small projects such as this one, then progress
Here are examples of other stone walkways and patios I have built with sandstone, limestone, and granite using similar methods.
Sandstone Entryway, New Mexico 2020
