How to Lay a Bluestone Walkway

A bluestone walkway is a great addition to beautify your outdoor space, creating a useful pathway and upgrading the look of your landscaping. This natural stone is durable and adds a sleek look that complements many architectural styles. In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook walks us through the steps to create this natural stone path.

Preparing the Walkway Site

Before laying your bluestone walkway, prepping the site will set you up for a stable and long-lasting path. First, gather the tools you’ll need:

Remove Existing Materials

Next, clear the area where you plan to install your new walkway. This may involve:

• Removing old pavers or stones
• Clearing away grass and topsoil
• Relocating any plants or obstacles in the path

By making sure the area is clear, you’ll have a clean slate for your new bluestone pathway.

Mark the Walkway

For a straight and well-aligned walkway:

1. Use stakes and a mason’s line to outline the edges of your planned path.
2. Allow for extra width on each side of the stones (about 6 inches) for edging.
3. Measure and mark the width consistently along the entire length.

Take your time to carefully plan the placement of each stone to give your walkway a professional look.

Excavate the Area

Precise excavation is key to creating a solid foundation for your walkway:

1. Dig out the marked area to a depth of about 6 inches
2. Remove all loose soil and debris
3. Make sure the bottom of the excavated area is level and compacted

This step adds stability and prevents future issues like settling or shifting.

Creating a Base for the Bluestone Walkway

A level base is vital to prevent settling and shifting of your bluestone pavers over time.

Lay Crushed Stone

Crushed stone serves as the base layer of your walkway, providing a solid foundation and excellent drainage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Spread a 3-inch layer of 3/4-inch crushed stone over the excavated area.
2. Use a garden rake to level the stone evenly.
3. Compact the crushed stone using a hand tamper or plate compactor.

Compacting the crushed stone creates a firm base that won’t settle, keeping your walkway level.

Prepare the Setting Bed

The setting bed helps to level the bluestone slabs and fill any voids underneath:

1. Mix stone dust with water to create a thick, mortar-like slurry.
2. Spread a 1–1.5-inch layer of this mixture over the compacted crushed stone.
3. Use a pointed trowel to smooth and level the setting bed.

The slurry fills in gaps and provides a smooth surface for laying the pavers.

Installing the Bluestone Slabs

With the base prepared, you’re ready to lay the bluestone slabs and create your walkway. Carefully position each bluestone slab by doing the following:

1. Start at one end of the walkway and work your way down
2. Set each slab about 4 inches from the edge of the walkway
3. Leave small gaps between slabs for a natural look

Good placement and spacing give the walkway its modern look and functional finish.

Level and Adjust

Next, check that each stone is level and correctly set:

1. Use a rubber mallet to tap the stones into place.
2. Check for alignment in both directions using a long level.
3. Adjust the stone dust beneath as needed to get the right leveling.

Leveling the stones prevents an uneven surface that could be a tripping hazard.

Fill Gaps

Complete the walkway by filling the spaces between stones:

1. Use 3/4-inch gravel to fill the voids between bluestone slabs
2. Sweep the gravel into the gaps until they are completely filled
3. Add more gravel as needed to account for settling

Filling the gaps helps lock the stones in place and improves the overall stability.

Adding Finishing Bluestone Walkway Touches

The final steps will give your bluestone walkway a polished, professional feel. In the video, Cook uses a 3/16-inch steel edging to outline the pathway. Steel edging helps contain the walkway and prevent the taller dirt from shifting into the path. To install edging:

1. Position steel edging 6 inches from either side of the bluestone slabs
2. Secure the edging with steel stakes at regular intervals
3. Make sure the edging is level and follows the contours of your walkway

Clean and Rinse

To showcase the natural beauty of your new bluestone walkway, sweep the surface to remove any loose debris. Use a garden hose to rinse the entire walkway thoroughly, and allow the walkway to dry completely before use.

Upgrading Your Bluestone Walkway

To make the most out of your bluestone walkway, consider these additional features and upkeep methods for a long-lasting and beautiful path.

Seal the Bluestone

Sealing your bluestone can provide an extra layer of protection against the elements. Choose a high-quality stone sealant that’s appropriate for bluestone, and apply the sealant evenly across the surface. Reapply every few years to maintain the protective layer

Landscape Along the Walkway

You can even further improve the beauty of your walkway with landscaping elements such as:

• Planting perennial flowers along the edges
• Adding mulch to garden beds nearby
• Outdoor lighting for nighttime ambiance

These additions can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space and liven up your pathway.

Bluestone Walkway Cost Considerations

Understanding the costs involved in installing a bluestone walkway can help you budget effectively for the project. While costs can vary based on factors like walkway length and stone quality, here is a general breakdown of expected expenses.

Our Conclusion

Installing a bluestone walkway is a tough, but rewarding project to improve your outdoor living space. The natural beauty of bluestone, combined with its longevity, makes it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add value and charm to their landscape.