How to Build a Bluestone Walkway

Bluestone pavers come in a variety of colors, are strong and durable, and have the appearance of natural stone. Learn how to build a bluestone walkway in this video by This Old House:

1. If you’re replacing your current pathway, remove the old stone.
2. Dig out the topsoil. Set up a string line to mark the walkway, leaving a six-inch margin on each side. Put in 3/4-in stone up to three inches below the line and level it out. Use a hand compacter to compact the stone.
3. Set the bluestone in stone dust. Mix the stone dust with water to create a slurry. This will fill in the void underneath the bluestone slabs to prevent rotting. Pour in and spread out the slurry to create a bed that matches the width of the slabs. Level each slab and hit it down with a rubber mallet.
4. Installing steel edging will keep mulch and loam from getting into the bluestone. Use 3/16″ steel edging and stake it six inches from the edge of the slabs.
5. Fill all of the voids with 3/4-in stone.
6. Wash off the dust.