Depth between sod prep and permanent walks

[newsreader]

I'm prepping an area for sodding (hopefully St. Augustine or a hearty fescue).

Question: Is there a preferable height differential between the prepped soil base and permanent concrete or stone walks so that the sod does not step up too high?

Chris in Durham, NC

[Alan Illeman]

Presumeably you're going to be mowing this grass at some time? - and if the stone walks are higher than the grass it'll be a problem as you may easily damage the blades of the mover..

[Kyle Boatright]

The soil that holds your sod together will be ~ 1/2" thick, and the grass itself will add another 1/4" to 1/2" of apparent thickness when your mowers wheels run over it. I'd leave the soil base 1" or so lower than the paving, which lets you mow with two wheels on the pavement and two wheels on the grass while getting an even cut...

If you *know* how thick your sod will be, adjust the soil level accordingly.

[newsreader]

Thank you.

accordingly.