The problem
The original slate entrance walkway had cracking joints and weeds coming up through them. On a mortared walk, that almost always means the concrete base under the stone has decayed. Water was getting under the stones instead of running off them, and every freeze was pushing them a little further out of line.
Why we didn't just repoint it
New mortar on top of a failed base cracks again within a season or two. The joints are only as good as what is underneath them, so the fix had to start at the foundation.
What we did
- Lifted every stone and set aside everything that could be saved.
- Removed the decayed concrete down to the old foundation.
- Poured a new concrete base and let it cure properly before any stone went down.
- Planned a new pattern that reused the salvaged stone alongside new flagstone.
- Set each piece by hand, pitched to drain, with tight mortar joints.
- Finished with a stain that protects the stone.
The result
A walkway with tight joints and clean lines that sheds water the way it should. For mortared patios and walks, a breathable sealer every few years helps keep it that way: see stone sealing and weatherproofing and our patio and walkway restoration service.
