How to Make a Flagstone Patio

A flagstone patio creates a relatively easy outdoor room. Some patios require complicated concrete pours, but a flagstone patio uses just sand and water. This sand-set patio resists cracking and shifting, and allows simple replacement of damaged stones. Use the following instructions to make a flagstone patio.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Rubber tubing or hose for temporary border
• Shovel
• Level
• 2-by-4 scrap of wood
• Rough sand
• Hose for watering
• Hand tamper or mallet
• Flagstone pavers (see Tips for quantity information)
• Chisel
• Mallet
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Broom

Preparing the Patio Site

1. Rake out the patio site. Use an already-level area and rake until the soil is smooth and evenly distributed.

2. Mark the outline of the patio with rubber tubing, twine or a garden hose. Use a center marker and tie a radial piece of string to create a circular patio.

3. Dig out 3 inches of soil from the patio site. Use a level and a 2-by-4 piece of wood to even out the surface.

4. Pour sand into the hole, approximately 1 inch from the top edge, and rake again until smooth. Even out the surface with the level and 2-by-4 again.

5. Spray the sand with a hose until moistened. Use a hand tamper (if available) to tamp the surface, or use a mallet and wooden board to pack the sand.

Laying the Flagstones

1. Set out the flagstone pieces on the patio site. Start at the outside edges and work your way into the center.

2. Configure the larger pieces first, and then fill in the gaps with the smaller pieces. Verify with the level while placing the stones.

3. Break larger pieces of stone to fit remaining gaps. Score the stone with the chisel, then place the chisel on the scraped score line and gently hit it with the mallet to gradually break the stone open. Check that the patio is level.

4. Lift out the outer marker (hose or rubber tubing) carefully, without disturbing the outer layer.

5. Pour sand over the flagstones, and use a broom to sweep the sand into the cracks. Gently hose off the patio area.

6. Repeat Step 6 until the cracks are filled and the flagstones are clean and free of sand.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy 1- to 2- inch thick flagstone in 1- to 3-foot sizes. Get approximately 1/3 more than the measured surface area.

• Ensure the large pieces rest just above the sand. Do not shove them too far into the surface.

• Follow manufacturer or retailer directions on all tools and materials.

• Wear personal protective equipment (safety goggles and gloves) when cutting flagstone pavers (see Section 2, Step 4).

Resources

• KRC Rock for flagstone patio pavers and supplies.