The project
The grass leading up to the back of the house was always a wet sludgy mess, due to getting limited sun, and I hated looking at that part of the garden. There was no way to get from the house to the shed without stepping through muddy grass. I wanted to remove the grass and create a pathway to complement the deck.
After receiving numerous quotes of between $3000 - $5000 to complete the job, I decided to do it myself, and all it cost me was around $600.
Steps
Step 1
First, I measured out where I wanted the path and marked it out with string line. I then sprayed along the line with spray and mark paint.
Step 2
I used my edger along the marked line to create a crisp edge and started digging up the grass with a shovel. When removing the grass, I made sure to dig it out on a slight angle slanting away from the house, for drainage.
Step 3
Once the grass was removed, I raked the area making sure the ground was even, before compacting it with a tamper.
Step 4
Once compacted, I put down the weed mat and garden edging, and fastened with metal pegs.
Step 5
I evenly spread the road base and tampered it down as I went, creating a firm level base.
Step 6
I measured where the pavers would go and used string line to mark a straight edge. I then put sand down to lay the pavers on.
Step 7
I started laying the pavers, using the string line as a guide, and a spirit level. I used a rubber mallet to adjust and tap the pavers into place.
Step 8
Once all the pavers were down, I evenly distributed the gravel around them with a rake. I used the Bungendore brown gravel from CSG.
Step 9
To complete the project, I also gave the deck a much-needed sand and oil, and I was done. So happy with how it all turned out.
Before and after
