How to Build a Flagstone Patio With Mortar
Flagstone creates a beautiful patio, but has a small problem. Over time, flagstone patios shift and settle, becoming less than level with grass and weeds that grow up and through the cracks between the flagstones. Mortar provides a solution to this problem, allowing homeowners to construct flagstone patios less likely to shift and settle, with filled cracks that provide unsuitable conditions for pest plants. The process to build a flagstone patio varies in completion time, according to the dimensions of the patio and how many people are working on the project. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Spade
- Wheelbarrow
- Level
- Soil tamper
- Gravel
- Water
- Ready-mix mortar
- Trowel
- Mortar jointer tool
- Old rag
Instructions
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1
Remove the sod from the ground in the desired shape and dimensions for the patio, using the spade. Place the sod in a wheelbarrow to easily cart it away to dispose of or reuse elsewhere in your yard or garden.
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2
Remove soil as necessary to level the area, trimming down the high sides before adding into low spots. Once leveled, use the soil tamper to pack the soil. Check the level again.
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3
Apply a thin 1- to 1 1/2-inch layer of small gravel into the excavated site. Use the spade to apply and smooth the gravel. Check the gravel layer levelness, getting the layer as close to level as possible.
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4
Mix a batch of mortar in a wheelbarrow, combining the ready-mix mortar and water per package directions. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly with the garden spade and rinse completely after mixing.
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5
Apply a liberal amount of mortar to the gravel, using a trowel, and set the first flagstone into place in a corner or along a side. Apply more mortar along the edges of the flagstone and set the next pieces into place, leaving a 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch gap between the stones.
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6
Smooth the mortar between the flagstones with a mortar jointer tool. Wipe excess mortar from the top surface of the flagstone immediately with an old, damp rag to prevent the mortar from drying.
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7
Apply mortar, place flagstones and smooth joints until you have covered the entire patio area. Work your way backward and avoid walking over the flagstone patio until it has approximately one week to dry and cure thoroughly.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit patterned brick patio image by David Levinson from Fotolia.com
