How to Lay a Stone Patio
A patio or deck can add greatly to the appearance and enjoyment of a backyard, and, arguably the best look is a stone patio. A job like this might look intimidating, but given a reasonably level spot to start work, laying down a stone patio is actually very easy. The sole complicated part is learning how to chisel some rough stones to fill the gaps between the big blocks. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Stakes
- Hammer
- Shovel
- Iron rake
- Level
- Sand
- Hose and water source
- Dirt tamper
- Paving stones
- Stone chisel
- Push broom
Instructions
-
Site Preparation
-
1
Start by using the stakes and hammer to mark out your work area.
-
2
Dig out the work area to a depth of 3 or 4 inches.
-
-
3
Check to see if the work area is roughly level, and use the extra dirt and the rake to smooth out uneven spots.
Laying Stones
-
4
Fill the work area with sand to a depth that leaves it with 1 inch remaining to work with. For example, if you dug out the work area to 4 inches, fill with 3 inches of sand.
-
5
Check again with the level, and rake any uneven spots. Then spray the sand with a hose until it is damp and use a dirt tamper to compact the sand.
-
6
Start laying the paving stones onto the sand, working from the outer perimeter and in toward the center. Worry about fitting small pieces into the gaps only after the big stones are arranged.
-
7
Fashion the smaller stones from the big stones with a hammer and chisel. This requires a little patience. First mark the stone, either with light taps of the chisel or with a marker, along the line where you intend to cut. Then break the stone open with firm, even blows. Do not hit it with all your strength or you will simply shatter the stone. Patience coupled with trial and error will gain you gradual mastery of this basic stone mason's skill.
-
8
Fit the small filler stones into place.
-
9
Pour more sand onto the work area, using a push broom to force it off the stones and into the cracks between them. Use the hose to pour water over the stones, both to clear them of sand and to compact the filler sand between the stones. Repeat as necessary until the cracks are filled and compacted.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try to minimize the work needed to level the ground by picking a good site to start with. Building an embankment to create a level surface is an entirely separate, major project.
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
