DIY Walkway Makeover: From Old Concrete to Beautiful Pavers

If your front walk is cracked, uneven, or just plain dull, replacing it with pavers is one of the best ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. In this blog, we tore out an old concrete sidewalk and installed a brand-new paver walkway that now leads cleanly from the driveway to the front door. Here’s how we did it—and how you can, too.

Step 1: Planning and Layout

Before any demo work, walk through your space and think about what you’d like to change.In our case, the homeowner wanted:

• A wider garden bed near the house

• A smoother turn in the driveway to avoid driving over the pavers

• A larger porch landing for better entry space

We marked the new walkway with spray paint to visualize the curves and width. Always take the time to map this out—you’ll save yourself from regrets later.

Step 2: Removing the Old Sidewalk

Using a concrete saw and a small loader, we broke out and hauled away the old concrete. Expect to make a few dump runs. Be sure to call before you dig to locate utilities, and wear safety glasses, gloves, and boots.

Step 3: Preparing the Base

Good prep makes or breaks a paver job.

• We dug the new walkway about 8 to 9 inches deep, allowing for the stone base and pavers.

• Because the local soil was heavy clay, we first added a thin layer (about 1–1½ inches) of ¾-inch crushed stone, compacted into the subsoil to firm it up.

• Then we laid geotextile fabric and added another 3–4 inches of stone, compacting in layers.

Take your time here. A solid base keeps your pavers from settling later.

Step 4: Working on the Porch

The porch slab was in good shape—no cracks or sinking—so instead of removing it, we created an overlay.We added retaining wall blocks around the edges to expand the landing by about two feet in width and one foot in depth. This gave a clean, elevated border that tied into the walkway.

Step 5: Laying the Pavers

Once the base was compacted and level, we spread a thin layer of chip stone (also called setting bed) and began laying the pavers.

• Start from a straight edge or the porch and work outward.

• Stagger the seams for a more natural look.

• Cut edge pieces with a masonry saw for tight fits, especially around trim or corners.

It helps to dry-lay the pattern first, then make adjustments before locking anything in.

Step 6: Edging and Finishing

To keep the walkway from shifting, we added a concrete edge restraint along both sides. We kept it thin and sloped slightly downward so new grass can grow right up to the pavers.

Next, we filled the joints with polymeric sand—the kind that hardens when wet—to lock everything in place. Use a compactor to vibrate the sand down, sweep off the excess, then mist it with water.

Step 7: Driveway Touch-Up

Because the driveway turn was tight, we extended the blacktop a bit where the tires usually travel. This small patch makes it easier to drive in and out without running over the new pavers.

Step 8: The Finished Look

The final result: a wider porch, smoother walkway, and a cleaner transition to the driveway. The pavers have a subtle slate texture, which gives them a custom, high-end look.

The homeowner loved it, and the walkway will last for years with just occasional cleaning and resealing.

Quick Tips for DIYers

• Rent a compactor—it’s worth it for a solid base.

• Plan your drainage so water runs away from the house.

• Keep joints tight but not too tight; a small gap allows the sand to do its job.

• Don’t skip the fabric; it helps stop weeds and keeps the base stable.

• Take photos as you go—it’s satisfying to see the transformation and helps if you need to explain your process later.

Here are 10 clear, non-repetitive FAQs you can add to the end of your DIY walkway blog post. They’re written in plain, helpful language for homeowners.

1. Do I have to remove my old concrete walkway before installing pavers?

Not always. If the slab is solid, level, and not cracked, you can install pavers over it using a thin base layer and proper edge restraints. In our project, we did an overlay instead of full removal.

2. What tools do I need for a small paver walkway project?

You’ll need a shovel, rake, level, tamper or plate compactor, rubber mallet, masonry saw or angle grinder, and safety gear. Renting a compactor and saw for a day is usually affordable.

3. How deep should I dig for the paver base?

A typical walkway needs about 6 to 8 inches of depth for the stone base plus the paver thickness. Always dig deeper than the finished height to allow for proper layering and compaction.

4. What type of stone is best for the base?

Use ¾-inch crushed stone or similar aggregate. Avoid pea gravel—it doesn’t compact well. Compact in 2–3 inch layers for a firm, stable base.

5. Do I really need landscape fabric under the base?

Yes. Fabric helps separate the soil from the stone, reducing weed growth and keeping the base from sinking into soft ground over time.

6. How do I keep the pavers from shifting?

Install a solid edge restraint along the sides. Concrete or plastic edging secured with spikes works well. Proper edging prevents movement and keeps joints tight.

7. What’s the purpose of polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand fills the gaps between pavers, locks them together, and helps prevent weeds and ants. Activate it with water after sweeping it in—just don’t over-soak it.

8. Can I lay pavers directly on dirt or sand?

No. Pavers need a compacted stone base to stay even and prevent sinking. Skipping the base will almost always lead to uneven settling.

9. How do I maintain my paver walkway?

Sweep it regularly, reapply polymeric sand every few years, and seal the surface if you want extra color protection. Check for low spots after heavy rain and re-level if needed.

10. What’s the average cost to DIY a paver walkway?

Depending on the size and materials, most DIY paver walkways cost $10–$20 per square foot including stone, pavers, sand, and tool rentals—much cheaper than hiring a contractor.

Final Thoughts

Replacing a concrete walk with pavers takes some effort, but it’s a great project for confident DIYers. The steps are simple—demo, base prep, lay, edge, and sand—but each one matters. Do it right, and you’ll end up with a walkway that looks professional and adds real value to your home.