Since we are building a new patio, we wanted to share this How To Build A Wooden Walkway tutorial with you so you can get started on yours.
How to Build a Wooden Walkway
How To Build A Wooden Walkway Supplies:
SAE Tape Measure
Standard Speed Square
Compound Miter Saw
48-inch Standard Level
10″ Table Saw
Rubber Mallet
Cordless Screwdriver
4X4 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Lumber
2X4 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Lumber
1X6 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Pine Deck Board
3-inch Countersinking-Head Polymer-Coated Deck Screws
1.625-inch Countersinking-Head Polymer-Coated Deck Screws
How to Build a Wooden Walkway: Framing
A wooden walk is a perfect solution for that walkway that slopes just a little. To get your walk to level up to your patio is a snap with these easy steps.
Step 1: Measure the distance your walk needs to cover. Once you are confident your measurements are correct, cut your 4X4 lumber to the necessary length to reach your destination.
If the walk is going to slope, prop up your 4X4’s with bricks or lumber to get the height you need. When you are sure you have your walk frameset to the correct height, attach them to the patio border with 3-inch deck screws using your cordless screwdriver.
As you can see above, if you want your walk to fan out at the end, cut some shorter 4X4 pieces with a 45-degree angle on the end that attaches to the patio and a 22.5-degree angle on the end that will attach to your patio frame.
Step 2: Next run a 2X4 lumber brace down the center of your walk. Bracing the walk keeps the cross pieces from sagging and bending when you walk on the boardwalk.
Attach it to the patio frame and the other end of your walk with 3-inch deck screws making sure that it is at the right height to fully support your cross boards.
Step 3: Using a small piece of 1X6 pine deck board laid across the top of your support beam will ensure you attach it at the proper height within the walk.
Step 4: You can measure and cut the smaller 2X4 lumber supports and attach them the same way you did the first beam.
Remember to use your 48-inch level as you work so that your walk stays level.
How to Build a Wooden Walkway: Topping
Step 5: Now that your wooden walk frame is sturdy and level, start measuring and cutting your 1X6 deck board to the lengths you need to put in place on the walk but still stay flush with the edges.
Secure the boards with 1.625-inch deck screws tapping them tightly together with the rubber mallet as you go. Keep the edges flush after lining them up and screw them down.
Step 6: When you are ready to put in the last boards, you may need to rip them to the correct width with a table saw.
Once the board is the right width to fit into your walk, secure it with 1.625-inch deck screws.
Step 7: Now that you have your boards down the length of your walk, you can start covering the sides. Use 1X6 pine deck board for the facial boards. Cut each facial board slightly longer than you need. Use a rubber mallet to tap the board down into the ground until it is at the same height as the top of your 4X4.
Step 8: Attach the cut wood pieces to the 4X4 using 1.625-inch countersinking-head polymer-coated deck screws.
Once you have all of your facial boards in place, it will be time to stop working and start relaxing.
There is no better reward after a hard day than a cozy spa area to relax and unwind. Wouldn’t you agree?
How To Build A Wooden Walkway
Build a new wooden walkway in your yard. You can also add this wooden walkway to an existing patio.
Materials
- 4X4 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Lumber
- 2X4 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Lumber
- 1X6 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Pine Deck Board
- 3-inch Countersinking-Head Polymer-Coated Deck Screws
- 1.625-inch Countersinking-Head Polymer-Coated Deck Screws
Tools
- SAE Tape Measure
- Standard Speed Square
- Compound Miter Saw
- 10" Table Saw
- 48-inch Standard Level
- Rubber Mallet
- Cordless Screwdriver
Instructions
- Measure the distance your walk needs to cover. Once you are confident your measurements are correct, cut your 4X4 Severe Weather Pressure Treated Lumber to the necessary length to reach your destination.
- If the walk is going to slope, prop up your 4X4's with bricks or lumber to get the height you need. When you are sure, you have your walk frameset to the correct height, attach them to the patio border with 3-inch Countersinking-Head Polymer-Coated Deck Screws using your cordless screwdriver.
- Next, run a 2X4 lumber brace down the center of your walk. Bracing the walk keeps the cross pieces from sagging and bending when you walk on the boardwalk.
- Attach it to the patio frame and the other end of your walk with 3-inch deck screws to ensure that it is at the right height to support your cross boards fully.
- Using a small piece of 1X6 pine deck board laid across the top of your support beam will ensure you attach it at the proper height within the walk.
- Once your long support beam is attached, you can measure and cut the smaller 2X4 lumber supports and attach them like the first beam.
- Remember to use your 48-inch level as you work so your walk stays level.
- Now that your wooden walk frame is sturdy and level start measuring and cutting your 1X6 deck board to the lengths you need to put in place on the walk but still stay flush with the edges.
- Secure the boards with 1.625-inch deck screws tapping them tightly together with the rubber mallet as you go. Keep the edges flush after lining them up and screw them down.
- When you are ready to put in the last boards, you may need to carefully rip them down to the correct width with a table saw.
- When the board is the right width to fit into your walk, secure it in place with 1.625-inch deck screws.
- When you have your boards down the length of your walk, you can start covering the sides of the walkway. Use 1X6 pine deck board for the facial boards. Cut each facial board slightly longer than you need. Use a rubber mallet to tap the board down into the ground until it is at the same height as the top of your 4X4.
- Attach the cut wood pieces to the 4X4 using 1.625-inch countersinking-head polymer-coated deck screws.
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