How to Lay an Artificial Stone Patio
An artificial stone patio is a great addition to any yard. Many artificial stone designs are constructed so well that they can fool the most trained eyes and look like real stones. Laying an artificial stone patio is a project that should take several days on average, but the reward can be worth it: you may be able to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to the cost of hiring a mason. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- 4 wood stakes
- Twine
- Crushed stone
- Flexible edging
- Rubber hammer
- Sand
- Hand tamper
- Broom
- Rake
- Level
Instructions
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1
Measure the length and width of the patio and hammer a stake into each the four corners. Wrap a piece of twine around the four stakes to designate the area in which you will be digging.
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2
Dig out all the soil within the area you roped off. Use the shovel to level out the bottom surface of soil until it is flat.
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3
Pour a 4-inch layer of crushed stone into the entire area and level the stone out across the whole surface, using a rake.
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4
Slam down on the crushed stone with a hand tamper to tighten it. Work in 1-square-foot sections until you have compacted the entire surface of crushed stone.
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5
Install flexible edging around the inner border of the area in which you excavated. Pound metal stakes down through the holes in the edging and into the ground.
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6
Pour a layer of sand about 2 inches deep, covering the entire crushed stone surface. Spread the sand around with a rake until there's an even, uniform layer.
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7
Install the artificial stones, starting in one of the corners. Set each stone in place and pound the stone into place lightly with a rubber hammer. Leave no more than 1/4 inch between each of the artificial stones.
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8
Set a level on the top surface of the patio and check that the patio is level or running just slightly away from your house. Allow the filler sand to set for eight hours, then rinse off the top surface of the artificial stones.
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References
- Photo Credit bricks image by Ann Kosche from Fotolia.com
