How to Build a Stone Brick Patio

A patio can be a great place to entertain guests and enjoy your home's landscape. Builders often construct patios with concrete, stone bricks, or wood. If you want to build a patio from scratch or repair a damaged patio, use stone bricks to create an attractive design. You can build a stone brick patio in just a few days. While building a patio may sound complicated, anyone with the proper tools can complete the job.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Shovel
• Rake
• Sand
• Patio edging
• Gloves
• Broom
• Masonry saw
• Rubber mallet
• Stakes
• Carpenter's line
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the patio you want, using the measuring tape, and estimate the square footage by multiplying the length times the width of the perimeter. Divide the patio's square footage by an individual stone's square footage to calculate how many stone blocks you'll need.

2. Mark the layout with wooden stakes and carpenter's line around the perimeter of the patio. Tie the line around the stakes at each corner, and hammer them into the ground with the rubber mallet to mark the entire perimeter.

3. Level the area with a backhoe or shovel. Dig deep enough so the bricks will protrude above the ground by 1 or 2 inches after installation. Spread a 1-inch layer of sand over the entire ground when the leveling is complete. Use a rake or long board to level the sand and smooth any high areas.

4. Lay the stone bricks in the patio area, using the design pattern of your choice. Lay each brick one row at a time. After you install each stone, gently step on it to make sure it stays in place. If the stone wobbles, add sand to the fill the low areas. Make sure each stone is level and even with the previous stone. Hit the stones gently with a rubber mallet to secure them in place.

5. Cut any blocks at the ends or corners for a tight fit, using a masonry saw. Install a border for the blocks to keep them in place after you install the final block. Use a metal or plastic patio border to secure the perimeter of the blocks. This will prevent movement over time. Secure the patio border by hammering metal spikes into the border's holes around the entire patio. Cover the border's edge with dirt or sand.

6. Spread sand over the surface of the finished patio design, and use a broom to sweep the sand into the gaps and joints of the blocks. Use a water hose to spray off any excess sand, and to help the sand settle into the crevices. Sand will keep the blocks firmly in place. Remove the stakes and carpenter's line.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local building inspector to obtain any necessary building permits for the job.

• Wear gloves to prevent cuts or scrapes while installing the blocks.

• Avoid digging into underground pipes or electrical wires.

References

• This Old House: Lay an Appealing Brick Patio