DIY Guide: Installing Flagstone Walkways in Grass

Looking for a way to make your garden paths look better?

I know how hard it can be to find a path option that looks good but doesn’t cost too much. Concrete feels too harsh, and simple mulch washes away in the rain. It’s so frustrating to spend money on something that doesn’t last or match your yard’s feel.

A flagstone walkway is your answer. These stone paths are long-lasting, simple to make, and look like they belong in your garden.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to install your flagstone path with basic tools and a free weekend.

Tools and Materials Needed for Flagstone Walkway

Tool/Material	Purpose
Flagstone pieces (1.5-2 inches thick)	Primary material for the project.
Shovel (heavy-duty, sharp edge)	Digging and shaping the base area.
Rake	Smoothing and leveling the surface.
Level	Ensuring an even installation.
Work gloves	Hand protection during handling.
Wheelbarrow	Transporting materials efficiently.
Extension cord (optional)	Used for marking the layout.
Spray paint (optional)	Outlining the design on the ground.
Soil or sand	Leveling the flagstone base.
Ground cover plants (thyme recommended)	Filling gaps between stones.
Water hose or bucket	Cleaning flagstones after installation.

Flagstone Walkway in Grass Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Path

Start by planning where your walkway will go. Consider the natural flow of foot traffic and how the path will connect different areas of your yard. Using an extension cord helps mark curved edges.

Lay it out on the ground to visualize the final look. Plan for the width, too – most paths work well at 2-3 feet wide.

Vary the width slightly in different sections for a more natural feel. The start and end points can be wider to create a welcoming entrance and exit point.

Step 2: Mark and Cut the Sod

Once you’ve planned the path, mark its outline. You can use spray paint to trace the borders. Using a heavy-duty shovel, cut into the sod about three inches deep along your marked line.

Cut in small sections of about one foot at a time. Make clean, straight cuts to ensure a tidy edge. This depth allows room for your flagstones while keeping them at a height close to the surrounding grass for a smooth transition.

Step 3: Remove the Sod

After cutting the outline, dig out and remove the sod from the pathway area. You can set this aside for use in other areas of your yard – no need to waste it! The sod can be flipped upside down in places where you want to kill existing grass and start new planting beds.

When removing the sod, keep the depth consistent throughout the path. This helps ensure your finished walkway will be level.

Step 4: Level the Base

With all sod removed, the next step is to level the base of your pathway. This is very important to prevent wobbling stones. Using your shovel and rake, smooth out the soil to create a flat surface.

Check for high spots and remove excess soil as needed. The goal is to make the base relatively flat while allowing for the thickness of your stones. If your soil is very loose, you might want to tamp it down gently.

Step 5: Lay the Flagstones

Now comes the fun part—laying the flagstones! Start placing your stones along the path, leaving small gaps (about 1-2 inches) between them. Try different arrangements until you find a natural pattern.

Vary the sizes and shapes for visual interest. As you place each stone, check that it sits flat and doesn’t rock. If a stone wobbles, remove it and adjust the soil underneath until it sits firmly.

Step 6: Make Adjustments

Once all stones are in place, walk the path to test how it feels. Look for any stones that move or sit too high or low. Remove and adjust these as needed. You want each stone to be stable and the overall surface to be relatively even for comfortable walking.

Please make sure the rocks are at or slightly above ground level so they won’t get covered by soil or mulch over time.

Step 7: Fill Gaps and Clean

The final step is to fill the gaps between stones. You can use soil, letting plants like thyme grow between the stones for a lush look. After filling the gaps, clean the rocks with water to remove any dirt and bring out their natural colors.

This washing helps show the true beauty of the rocks with their varied hues and textures. Once cleaned, your pathway is ready to use and will only look better as plants grow and soften the edges.

Video Tutorial

Check out this YouTube video for a detailed step-by-step Tutorial on Installing Flagstone Walkways in Grass.

Tips for Maintenance and Care for Flagstone Walkway

1. Regular Cleaning Keeps Stones Looking Fresh

Over time, your flagstone path will gather dirt, leaves, and other debris. Clean it regularly with a broom or leaf blower to keep it looking its best. For deeper cleaning, use a garden hose with a spray attachment to wash away stubborn dirt.

Avoid using pressure washers, as they can damage the stones and wash away the soil between them. In autumn, be extra diligent about removing fallen leaves as they can stain the stones if left too long.

2. Fill Gaps with Plants for a Lush Look

One of the most attractive features of a flagstone path is the ability to grow plants between the stones. Thyme is an excellent choice as it stays low, tolerates foot traffic, and releases a pleasant scent when stepped on.

Other options include creeping Jenny, moss, or small sedums. To plant between stones, add a bit of good soil in the gaps and press in small plant divisions or seeds. Water regularly until the plants establish themselves.

3. Check for Shifting Stones Seasonally

The freeze-thaw cycle of winter and spring can cause flagstones to shift or settle. Each spring and fall, walk your path and check for any unstable stones.

If you find wobbly stones, lift them, add or remove soil underneath as needed, and reset them. This simple maintenance prevents tripping hazards and keeps your pathway safe and pleasant to use. It also stops further shifting that could create larger problems.

4. Weed Control is Essential

Weeds will try to grow between your flagstones along with your desired plants. To keep up with weeding, pull unwanted plants when they’re small. This is much easier than trying to remove established weeds.

For a more hands-off approach, you can apply corn gluten meal in early spring as a natural pre-emergent herbicide. Always pull weeds by hand rather than using chemical herbicides that might harm your intentional gap plantings.

5. Edge the Path Yearly for a Clean Look

Over time, grass and plants from your yard will try to creep onto the edges of your flagstone path. Once a year, use a half-moon edger or a sharp spade to cut a clean line between your lawn and the pathway.

This creates a sharp definition that makes your path look well-maintained and intentional. After edging, add a thin layer of new soil or mulch between the stones if needed to replace what has washed away.

Things to Avoid in Flagstone Walkway

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	Better Alternative
Using too-thin flagstone	Cracks easily underweight	Use 1.5-2 inch thick stones
Placing stones too far apart	Uncomfortable walking on	Keep gaps between 1-2 inches
Setting stones too low	Can sink under soil/mulch	Place slightly above grade
Using sand in pathways	Washes away in the rain	Use soil for better stability
Choosing only one stone size	It looks artificial and uniform	Mix sizes for a natural look
Ignoring water runoff	It causes puddles and mud	Ensure a slight slope away from areas
Skipping the cleaning step	Stones appear dull	Wash stones after installation
Using only straight lines	Too formal in natural settings	Add gentle curves for a softer feel

Finishing Thoughts

Now you know how to build a flagstone path that looks great and lasts for years. This project takes just a weekend but makes a big difference in how your yard looks and feels.

Why does this matter? A good path ties your garden together and makes it more useful in all seasons. It keeps your feet dry and gives structure to your outdoor space.

What next? Start by collecting your stones and tools this weekend. Take photos of your yard to plan your path route. Then follow the steps I shared, and soon, you’ll be walking on your stone path.

Have questions about your project? Leave a comment below I’d love to help with your path plans!