How to Lay Slate Pavers
Slate is one of the more expensive building materials for a paver patio, but provides an elegant, sophisticated look. Slate pavers take time to install, but the installation itself requires more manual labor than skill. Use the dry method of installation, which will save you both money and time over the traditional mortar-based method. The dry method uses a bed of sand and gravel instead of mortar. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Spray paint
- Shovel
- Gravel
- Plate compactor
- Level
- Flexible edge
- Metal stakes
- Hammer
- Polymetric sand
- 2-by-4
- Pry bar
- Broom
- Mason's trowel
- Hose
Instructions
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1
Measure and mark off the border of your patio, using a tape measure and can of spray paint.
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2
Dig 6 inches into the marked area, using a shovel.
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3
Pour a 4-inch layer of gravel into the excavation area.
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4
Compact the gravel down, using a plate compactor. If you've never used a plate compactor before, start in the center and work your way outward. Work your way over the entire area three times.
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5
Set a level on top of the gravel surface. Check the slope, and make sure it does not run toward your house or garage.
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6
Line the flexible edge materials flush along the outer border of the entire area you excavated. Secure the edging in place by hammering metal stakes through the edging and into the border wall.
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7
Pour a 1-inch layer of sand on top of the gravel surface. Use a 2-by-4 or other flat piece of wood as a screed; lean over and drag the piece of wood across the sand until the surface of the sand is smooth and even all the way across.
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8
Set the stones, starting in a corner. Leave 1/2 inch between each paver, and set the level on top of every two pavers you set to ensure they're level.
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9
Adjust the spaces between the pavers once they've been set, using a pry bar. Each space should be about 1/2 inch.
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10
Rinse the surface of the pavers gently with a hose. Be sure not to spray a heavy stream directly into the joints.
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Pour polymetric sand atop the slate pavers and spread the sand into the joints with a broom. Pack the sand tightly into the joints, using a mason's trowel.
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