How to Construct a Flagstone Patio
Flagstone is a type of natural stone that can be used as a surface for a walkway or patio to enhance the look of your home. Constructing a flagstone patio involves marking the area where the patio will be located with stakes and excavating the area where you would like to put the patio or walkway. You can construct a flagstone patio by first taking the proper measurements to determine how much flagstone will be needed to complete the project. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Stakes
- String
- Plate compactor
- Gravel
- Masonry sand
- 2x4 lumber
- Flagstone
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Broom
Instructions
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1
Measure the area for the patio using a tape measure. Multiply the width by the length to determine the total square footage for the patio.
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2
Place stakes in the ground to mark the area for the patio.
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3
Connect the stakes with string to create an outline for the patio. You will need to excavate this area.
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4
Remove grass and dirt from within the outline using a shovel. Remove material to a depth of about 8 to 10 inches. This will allow for the gravel base and sand that will need to be added.
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5
Compact the ground using a plate compactor, which you can rent from your local hardware store.
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6
Add gravel to use as part of the base for the flagstone patio. Spread an initial 2 to 3 inches of gravel and compact it with the plate compactor. Add an additional 2 to 3 inches of gravel and compact again.
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7
Lay 1 to 2 inches of sand to use as the final base for the flagstone. Place two lengths or sections of 2x4 lumber 6 feet to 8 feet apart on the bed of gravel. Spread sand within the rails and drag a 2x4 over the top of the two sections of 2x4 to level the sand.
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8
Lay the flagstone on top of the sand, starting from a corner and working your way outward.
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9
Trim sections of flagstone that do not fit correctly with a hammer and chisel.
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10
Spread masonry sand over the flagstone with a broom to fill in the gaps between the stones.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Flagstone is heavy and may require two people to lift and carry the stone.
Slope the flagstone away from buildings to allow for water drainage.
Do not try to lift large sections of flagstone by yourself.
Flagstone is fragile and can break when it is dropped.
