Our client in Cornelia, GA was unhappy with her existing walkway. She came to us for help with creating uniform size and color stone edging, and for it to be designed to lead directly to the front door.
Using concrete to secure your stone edging is a great choice if you want a long-term maintenance-free border (especially between a walkway and a flower bed). It prevents shifting, sagging, and weeds sneaking between stones. Here’s how to do it the right way:
Step-by-Step Process
- Plan and Mark: Mark your edge line parallel to the walkway using string or a garden hose. Check the layout visually-small curves look natural, and sharp angles look formal.
- Dig the Trench: Dig 6-8 inches deep and wider than your stones. Keep the inside edge (next to the walkway) straight and clean. Remove all loose soil and roots.
- Prepare the Sub-Base: Add 2-3 inches of compacted gravel at the bottom of the trench for drainage. Tamp it firmly. (Optional) Add a thin 1/2-1″ sand layer to fine-tune leveling.
- Mix and Pour a Concrete Footing: Mix your concrete to a thick, workable consistency (like peanut butter). Pour a 2-3 inch-thick layer of concrete into the trench. Keep it about 1/2 inch below the final stone height. Smooth it roughly with a trowel.
- Set the Stones: Press each stone firmly into the wet concrete so about 1/2 its height is embedded. Make sure the tops are level and follow your string line. Tap lightly with a rubber mallet to seat them. Leave 1/8-1/4″ gaps between stones for expansion and a natural look, or mortar in between stones for no gaps.
- Finally: Backfill soil or mulch on the flower bed side after curing. Fill the walkway in with dirt and gravel.
Please contact Art of Stone Gardening for your next outdoor project. We serve most of Northeast Georgia, and we thrive on building long-term relationships with our clients. To see more of our work, please visit: https://artofstonegardening.com/construction
