Before building a path, you need to prepare the site. Concrete, aggregate, bark, gravel, and stones can be set directly on stable soil; paths of other materials need a base. Sand is a good choice, but be careful: It can wash out from under pavers and bricks, making them settle unevenly, especially in rainy areas. To prevent washout, layer sand over a 2-inch gravel base.

Many people also put landscaping fabric under any loose-laid material (like gravel) to keep it from mixing with the sand or soil below. That can be effective, but often the fabric's edges work up to the surface. Keep the fabric down by stuffing its edges under the benderboards.

You can make grade changes either with steps or simply by sloping the path.

1. Install benderboard edging first, then put down landscape fabric (available at nurseries) to prevent weeds. Secure fabric edges under the benderboard edging.

2. Pour a 2-inch-thick layer of sand over the landscape fabric, raking it smooth. (In rainy areas, put down a 2-inch gravel layer first.)

3. As you rake, moisten the sand with a fine spray from the hose.

4. Firm the sand. Using a drum roller or a hand tamper, pass over the moist sand several times to pack it down.

5. Add steppingstones, then wiggle them in so they're firmly embedded.

6. To finish, fill cracks between stones with gravel as shown, or ? to hold flagstones more firmly ? use something smaller like decomposed granite.