How to Build a Patio Using Field Stone
A field stone patio adds a rustic touch to an outdoor living space, especially if natural stone that hasn't been cut is used. Field stone that is shaped into rectangles and squares adds an elegant, more formal look. Building a patio is a weekend project that requires physical strength. Employ some help moving the stones, which can weigh as much as 80 pounds. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Stakes and line
- Shovel
- Tamper
- Leveling sand
- Rake
- Field stones
- Pea gravel or sand
Instructions
-
-
1
Clear the future patio area. Dig out trees and bushes. Remove plants and other debris. Set out stakes and lines to define the patio's edges.
-
2
Excavate the earth inside the lines to 1 inch deeper than the thickness of the field stones. Flatten the base of the excavation. Use a tamper, available at tool rental stores, to make it as flat as possible.
-
-
3
Pour leveling sand into the excavation to a depth of about 1 inch. Rake it smooth and stretch a string across it to make sure it's even.
-
4
Start at the center of the patio if the field stones are irregular. Fit the pieces together, leaving 3/4 to 1 inch of space between them. Regular-shaped field stones should be laid by starting at one side and working across.
-
5
Press the stones into place and level the sand if you disturb it while you're laying the field stones.
-
6
Sprinkle pea gravel or sand over the field stones and rinse it into the gaps with a garden hose. Leave the patio undisturbed for several days while the sand and stones settle.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you live in an area where frost heaves occur, build the patio on a concrete slab.
Patios constructed next to buildings should have a slight slope to direct water away from the building.
Plan your patio's size so that you won't have to cut any of the stone. Stone can be cut with a diamond saw blade, available from tool rental stores.
The base must be as flat as possible to prevent buckling.
