How to Level Patio Stones
Over time, patio stones settle in areas of heavy traffic or places where the soil was not compacted well before placing the stones. Level patio stones as needed to prevent pooling of water on the patio or, possibly, a hazard that could cause a stumble. Level patio stones give your outdoor living space a neat, clean appearance. Sunken sections can be leveled to the remaining patio or the entire patio can be leveled, if required. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Small trowel
- Sand
- 4-foot level
- 6- or 8-foot 2-by-4
- Tamper
- Heavy rake
- Thin gloves
- Safety glasses or goggles
Instructions
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Sunken Sections
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1
Lay the 2-by-4 across the section of the patio where the stones have settled. The center of the 2-by-4 should be roughly at the center of the sunken area.
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2
Use the trowel to remove all of the patio stones from the sunken area. Push the edge of the trowel into the space between the stones and use the trowel as a pry wedge to push the stones up from the bottom.
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3
Pour sand into the areas where stones were removed. The sand should be level with the bottoms of the remaining stones.
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4
Place the stones back into position on the new sand bed.
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5
Pour sand into the area between the leveled stones.
Level Entire Patio
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6
Remove all of the patio stones and place away from the patio.
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7
Rake the patio bed close to level. Use a tamper to compact the soil or gravel foundation over the entire patio area.
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8
Place the 2-by-4 over the area in sections. Place the level on the 2-by-4 to be sure it is level. Use a rake to push the soil from high spots to low spots and re-tamp.
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9
Pour an inch of sand over the entire patio bed and level the sand by placing the 2-by-4 on the sand bed and placing the level on the 2-by-4.
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10
Begin placing patio stones back into position. Leave a small gap between stones. Lay the level across the stones throughout the replacement process to ensure the patio will be level when finished.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wear thin gloves to protect your hands from the patio stones.
Wear safety glasses or goggles while tamping to protect eyes from potential flying debris.
