Creating a garden path

Before you start, you will need to have access to a block splitter to cut the paving blocks to size. It will improve the quality of the finished path as well as speeding up the job.

• Start by laying out the shape of the path using wooden pegs and string.
• Once you are sure of the shape, size and direction of the path, excavate to a depth of one paving block plus 50mm (2in) for the sand bed.
• Position treated edging boards along the edge of the dug out path.
• Secure the edging boards by knocking wooden pegs into the ground just behind the boards, using a mallet.
• Compress the soil with a rammer.
• Spread sharp sand into the excavated area and level it off by dragging a batten cut to fit between the edging boards down the length of the path.
• Place a paving block on the path to check that it lies flush with the top of the edging boards. Making any necessary alterations by adding or further compacting sand underneath.
• Lay the paving blocks in your chosen pattern, butting them against each other.
• Blocks cut to size will need to be fitted in the spaces. To cut paving blocks, place a block between the jaws of the block splitter and align the block with the cutting line. Then simply pull the lever down so the splitter breaks the block cleanly.
• To bed the blocks, knock them in with a rubber mallet.
• Use a spirit level to check the path is even. If one of the blocks is not quite level, remove it and re-level the sand underneath.
• Spread kiln dried sand over the path you have just laid, so it covers all the gaps and joints.
• Use a compacting plate to compress the paving blocks so they are bedded more thoroughly. Avoid scratching the blocks by shielding them with a layer of sand.
• Brush over the path once the paving blocks are suitably compacted. Sweep as much of the sand as possible into the gaps between the paving blocks.
• Let the path settle for 3-4 days, before going over the surface again with more sand to fill any remaining gaps.

• Lay out the shape of the path using wooden pegs and string.
• Excavate the path area to a depth of at least 100mm (4in) deep.
• Position treated timber edging boards on either side of the path and secure them with wooden pegs knocked into the ground.
• When you are sure the boards are level, screw the board to the pegs.
• Then lay weed-proof membrane on the base of the excavation, making sure there is an overlap between separate pieces of material.
• Spread hardcore onto the membrane surface, applying it about 50mm thick as evenly as you can.
• Compact the hardcore with a rammer and lay gravel on top, then rake the gravel evenly adding more where necessary.
• Over a period of weeks, when the path has been allowed to settle, you may need to add more gravel.