One of my never-ending house related projects is the backyard. There are a number of factors that make the backyard awkward, and a monumental task to accomplish. I would list all the problems with the backyard but I don’t want to wear out the keyboard.

My latest step in making the backyard functional was to install a sidewalk through an awkwardly large area that was probably supposed to be landscaped at one point. This sidewalk has three benefits:

  • Makes use of the old bricks I found piled up in the front yard, therefore also de-cluttering the front yard.
  • Provides a more natural and logical path to get from point A to B. The existing setup was kind of like going to Wichita by way of Kansas City and Salina – for those of you familiar with local geography.
  • Divides the large awkward space into smaller, more manageable areas that I can more easily landscape.

I was very much intimidated by the idea of making a sidewalk but found it to be surprisingly easy. Sure, it’s not perfectly level, and the sides are a big jagged in spots, but overall I am extremely pleased with the results! In case you want to know how to make one of your own here is how it’s done:


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The first step is to dig out a trench a few inches deep in the approximate shape of the sidewalk-to-be. Then line it with weed barrier. Use landscaping railing stuff (not sure what this product is actually called) to contain the sidewalk area. I used the recycled composite kind and found it extremely easy to work with, but you can also use plastic or metal.

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Once all of the framework is in place, cover the area with a couple inches a sand and smooth it out.

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Get some paving stones or bricks and arrange them however you want. Since this sidewalk was curved I had to use a chisel to break lots of bricks into odd shapes.

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Once all of the pavers on in place, sprinkle the new sidewalk with sand and sweep it around to fill in all the gaps. This will help hold the pavers firmly into place.

Once the sidewalk is complete, begin using it by walking on it.