How to Build Stone Patios
Patios can be constructed with a number of different materials, from faux brick to stone pavers. Constructing a patio out of stone may be a more costly alternative to using real brick, but stone pavers are a durable material that can add flair and elegance to your landscape. Building stone patios yourself may take some time and effort, but a few simple tools, such as a shovel and tamper, will help you complete the task. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stakes
- String
- Shovel
- Mesh screen
- Scissors
- Hammer
- Gravel
- Rake
- Tamper
- Sand
- Flat board or two-by-four
- Stone pavers
- Rubber mallet
- Broom
- Measuring tape
- Level
Instructions
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1
Take a hammer and drive four stakes into the ground to mark the four corners of the patio you will install. Tie a string to each stake to mark the area. This will serve as a guide when you begin construction of your actual patio.
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2
Dig out the soil with a shovel within the marked boundaries of your excavation area. Dig down 8 inches into the soil. Check the depth of your excavated area with a measuring tape, Using a tamper, tamp down the soil to compact it. Ensure the area is even with a level.
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3
Position a mesh screen, which will prevent weeds from sprouting up between the stone pavers, across the bottom of the excavated area. Trim off any excess length of screen with scissors to fit the ground in the excavated area.
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4
Pour crushed gravel into the excavated area until the gravel reaches a height of 4 inches. Spread the crushed gravel across the area with a rake. Tamp down the gravel with a tamper, and use a level to ensure the gravel layer is even.
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5
Pour sand over the gravel until it reaches a height of 1 inch. Drag a flat board or two-by-four across the sand layer to level it out. Check the sand layer with a level to ensure it is even.
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6
Starting at one corner of your excavated area, set down the first stone paver. Tape it down with a rubber mallet to help settle it into place. Position the next paver beside the first, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between them. Tap down the second paver with a mallet, and then continue on to the next paver until you complete the first row. Repeat this technique to lay down additional rows of pavers in the desired pattern until you have fully covered the excavated area.
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Pour sand over the installed paver, so that sand settles in between the gaps between each paver. Brush off the excess sand with a broom.
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Tips & Warnings
Lay out your stone ahead of time on the ground next to your excavated area in the desired pattern to avoid having to re-arrange the stones to obtain the desired layout during the installation process.
Always wear safety gloves when working with stone and hand tools to avoid injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
