These 17 Stone Walkways Are Simple to DIY

When it comes to garden paths, the possibilities are endless. Here are 17 examples to help you get inspired to build your own.

By Jennifer Noonan | Updated Jul 24, 2023 03:02 PM

Classic Brick

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Brick Path

Using bricks as pavers is an easy path solution, one that looks great in any yard or garden. Simply create a level surface, line with a mesh barrier fabric for weed control, add a shallow level of crushed gravel, and arrange bricks in the desired pattern. Fill the joints with silica or basalt sand, or if larger openings, use small-sized gravel.

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Gravel Stepped Path

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Gravel and Wood Walkway

A gravel-stepped walkway is easy to create on your own and adds visual interest and practical purpose to a garden landscape. Pea gravel and new or salvaged wood beams are all that you will need to build one like this. Simply level out the grade, or create steps with the beams and fill in with gravel.

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Modern Stepping Path

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Modern Walkway

Set sharp-edged paving stones into a bed of loose stones to create a modern walkway.  The straight lines offer a contrast from the round corners of the rocks.

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Neat Gravel Walkway

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Gravel Path

While you can use any number of things to border a gravel path—from pressure-treated lumber and stones to store-bought plastic edging—consider planting colorful flowers for a colorful finish. 

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Simple Squares

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square stone pathway

Leaving space between stones will allow greenery to grow and contribute to the natural beauty of a garden walkway. Arrange the stones accordingly, leaving a few inches of room for grass or moss. 

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Rustic Natural Stone

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natural stone path

Create a more rustic garden walkway by combining different shapes and colors of flagstone into a richly patterned mosaic. You can approach the project as you would a puzzle; choose stones for fit and coloration. Unlike other stone installations, this one requires no cutting equipment or special tools—just an artistic eye.

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Winding Walkway

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winding stone path

The graceful flow of this winding garden path is made even more striking by its well-fitted stone configuration. Such precision requires a good deal of planning, plus the stone you choose must be able to take a circular cut without fracturing. Do your research before you start this project. 

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Complementary Colors

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Stepping Stone Path

Similarly-colored stepping stones and gravel give this garden path its seamless look. You can create something similar by shopping for materials at your local big box retailer or landscape supply center. For an alternative look, consider playing with different colored stones and gravel, or decorate flat stones with painted stenciled patterns.  

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Stone Stairway

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Stone Stairway

Have a hilly yard? Build a stone stairway. The stone steps will make landscape manageable without taking detracting from the landscape. 

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Spaced-Out Stones

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stone path with grass

Create a simple yet distinctive path by placing random-sized paving stones into the lawn. Lay the stones out in the desired pattern, using a shovel to outline where the grass will need to be removed. Move the stones, remove the grass and insert the stones in place. Easy and beautiful—the perfect DIY combo.

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Add a Border

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stone border path

Spice up your red brick walkway with a rock border edge. It adds more natural elements to your landscape—and can be useful for drainage. 

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Fitting Composition

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diamond pattern walkway

Use different colored pavers to create a distinctive and colorful garden path. Choose stones that offer the look and color that you want, then piece them into a unique pathway. While it will require a bit of planning, once you have it worked out it will be easy to build.

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Make It Mosaic

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Mosaic Stone Walkway

Show off your artistic skills with a mosaic walkway. Select stones and pebbles in different colors and textures and make whatever pattern your heart desires.

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Brick and Gravel

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Gravel and Brick Walkway

A combination of common elements comes together for a quaint garden pathway. All you need are red-brown bricks placed in cream-colored pebble gravel is a very doable DIY project.

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Mortar and Pebble

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Mortar and Pebble Walkway

These large stepping stones are made up of stones bound together by mortar, pebbles, and rocks. With moss and other plant life allowed to grow in between, this path has a very eclectic and natural feel.

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Mulch Surround

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Mulch and Stone Walkway

If you want an organic base to put between your stepping stones, but don’t want to maintain grass, mulch is an excellent answer. The whiteness of these stones is a beautiful contrast to earthy shredded hardwood.

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Ground Cover Walkway

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Stone Walkway and Ground Cover

Ground cover is an excellent way to fill out a spotty lawn, but can be difficult to walk through. Create a pathway using large pavers or stone so you can navigate through the yard without twisting your ankle. 

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