Building a Flagstone Pathway

Looking for an affordable way to build a flagstone pathway? You might think about using decomposed granite (crushed granite) instead of mortar. Pathways, or small patios for that matter, can be built using two different techniques: one is to build a solid, more permanent solution using compacted base aggregate materials with wire mesh and flagstone joined together with mortar; or you can simply place flagstone in decomposed granite.

Mortar Solution 

Decomposed Granite Solution

Building a flagstone pathway using decomposed granite is also really simple. Here’s all you need to do:

1. Use marking paint to mark the area where your pathway or patio is to be installed.
2. Remove any grass or rocks that are in the marked area. Hint: you might want to use a grass cutter if you have a lot of grass to remove.
3. Overlay the marked area with weed filter fabric and secure the fabric to the ground with metal staples.
4. Add your border to retain the decomposed granite you’re going to add. You can use metal edging, plastic, pavers, or natural stone. Natural stone is our favorite, but it is a little more complicated to install.  
5. Add your decomposed granite to the area that is now lined with your edging materials.
6. Start laying your flagstone pieces in the decomposed granite, placing them no further apart then about 3” to 4”. Make sure to work the flagstone back and forth in the decomposed granite until the top of the flagstone is level with the rest of the decomposed granite. You will need approximately 1 ton of 1.5” flagstone per 80 SF. Hint: flagstone pallets are made up of a lot of irregular shaped pieces. If you need a piece to fit a specific area, simply use a small hammer to break off pieces of larger flagstone pieces to make a shape that will fit the area.
7. Take a broom and sweep off any decomposed granite left on top of the flagstone you have installed.
8. Use a water hose to apply water to all the decomposed granite. Let the water soak in well, but don’t create any puddles.
9. Finally, get a tamp and gently tamp the flagstone and the decomposed granite.
10. Reapply water daily to the area for the first three days.

If you would prefer having a flagstone pathway installed professionally, contact C4 Landscape & Design and we’ll be happy to give you a free estimate!

C4 Landscape & Design provides professional landscaping services in Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, San Antonio, Boerne, and the rest of the Hill Country.