Field stone pathsare durable and elegant, and the natural structure and color of the stone perfectly fit into the garden. Fieldstone is used in many ways, including for laying paths and driveways. Althoughlaying a fieldstone pathis a real challenge, how much joy and satisfaction it will be to watch a pavement that you have laid yourself! See how to performlaying fieldstone step by stepto create a durable and aesthetic surface.
Laying a fieldstone path step by step
Follow the stepsof laying a fieldstone path step by stepand learn how to do the job correctly. The principle of arranging the stones is simple and the effects are amazing! Here's what it should look likelaying fieldstone in your garden
Laying the fieldstone step by step
Step I - determine the course of the path
Before we startlaying a fieldstone path , its course should be marked in advance. We do it by hammering wooden pegs into the ground, between which we stretch a clearly visible rope. In this wayoutlines of communication routes will be created .
Step II - prepare the bedding
"In the places marked by the rope, use a spade to select a layer of soil 30-50 cm (the depth is adjusted to the largest stone). The channelobtained in this way is filled with about 20 cm with a layer of river sand We distribute the sand evenly along the entire length of the future path or driveway.Put stones on the sand layer "
Step III - make and strengthen the edges of the path
"We start with arranging the edges of the path. In these placesstones are placed on a layer of sand with the addition of cement , which binds in contact with moisture. In this way, we will obtain a stable curb that will keep the remaining stones in the right place. "
Step IV - place the remaining stones
Place the remaining stones between the edges .We turn each stone so that it is facing up with its flattest side, and at the same time so that its sides match the adjacent, already laid stones. We try to keep the gaps between the stones as small as possible.
Step V - hit with a hammer and fill in the gaps
After arranging a fragment of the path, the individualstones are tapped with a rubber hammer Thanks to this, the stones will not collapse when using the path.The gaps between the stones are filled with sand and cement.The fillings are poured with water from a hose with a strainer. At the pouring stage, use a hammer to finish off stones that are not sticking to the level. Repeat the steps until the path ends.
Note!When making a fieldstone path, remember that it should have a slope at its edges. This will ensure free drainage of rainwater.
Step VI - final corrections
After placing all the stones , we clean the area. We carefully review the entire length of the path andfill in the gaps in the gaps between the stones . The excavated soil can be used for the device of the rebates surrounding the newly created path.
Laying fieldstone - practical advice
Building a fieldstone pathis not easy.This is due to the fact that naturally occurring fieldstones have irregular shapes that are difficult to fit together, and often we cannot get them in a perfectly even plane. A good alternative iscutting the stones in halfThis will make one part of the stone perfectly flat. However, very rarely do we have professional equipment with which we could cut hard boulders. Fortunately, already cut in half stones are commonly sold in garden centers, usually offered ascut fieldstoneor split fieldstone.
Cut fieldstone path
The stone draws moisture from the ground, which is why it is often overgrown with mosses and lichens. It also gets dirty easily, which is difficult to remove. To prevent this, we can usefieldstone impregnationsbased on silicones or resins (eg Dynasil or Lithofin).These agents create a protective layer without creating a slippery surface, clog the pores and give the effect of wet stone, without changing the natural color of the stones. "
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
