5 Steps to Laying a Cobblestone Driveway

house with cobblestone driveway
  • 8-40 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 1,200-2,500
What You'll Need
Sand
Gravel
Water source
Masonry saw
Cobblestones
Time
What You'll Need
Sand
Gravel
Water source
Masonry saw
Cobblestones
Time

A cobblestone driveway can add charm and curb appeal to your home while also adding a lasting driveway option for your family. Laying the cobblestone will take some time and effort, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here’s what you need to do to lay your own driveway.

Step 1 - Remove the Existing Driveway

You will want to start by first removing the existing driveway. If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, you will probably need to rent a jack-hammer to rip the old driveway out.

Step 2 - Dig a Space

Once you have demolished the driveway, you will need to dig down around eight inches for the entire area of the driveway. This will become the space to place the cobblestones eventually.

Step 3 - Level and Lay Gravel

Level the surface and make sure you have a grade of at least 1/4 inch to allow for drainage.

Lay down a bed of gravel. After the gravel is laid, lay down a bed of sand. Both layers need to be laid with the grade. These layers are going to help with drainage issues.

Use a garden hose to lightly water the area and pack it down with a tamper so that it is compact once it dries.

Step 4 - Lay the Cobblestones

Start at the center of the driveway and start placing the cobblestones. Starting in the center will ensure the stones stay centered throughout the driveway. You will want to try to place the stones as close together as you can. This will help create a stronger, more durable surface with a tighter look.

Step 5 - Fill the Spaces

Use the sand you have to fill in the spaces between the stones. Just dump the sand down on the surface and sweep it in all directions to get an even fill.

Spray down the area and compact it again. This will enable you to add more sand, which will serve to make a stronger surface. Repeat the step above to fill more space. You may have to take several days to do this. Just keep going back until you can’t compact the sand anymore. This will ensure that any voids between the cobblestones get filled.

Once the driveway has been set you will want to wait a few days before driving on it. This will allow you the time needed to make sure that everything was set properly and all the voids have been filled. The more sand that you add in between, the stronger the driveway will be.

A cobblestone driveway will require some maintenance. You will want to fill any cracks or spaces that form in between stones. Loose cobblestones need to be attended to as well to avoid damaging the rest of the driveway. A loose stone can end up weakening the rest of the driveway.

A cobblestone driveway is a beautiful addition to any home, regardless of the size of the driveway. The work it involves will be worth the look you achieve in the end.