How to Install a Flagstone Free-Standing Patio
Building your own flagstone patio is a frugal way to improve your outdoor living space. The thrifty do-it-yourself homeowner may find flagstone, gravel and sand available for free in the local newspaper or in online classifieds. Though physically demanding, the end result is a project you can brag about to your family and friends. With careful planning, your patio can be completed in one or two weekends. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Garden hose
- Gloves
- Shovel
- Rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Plate tamper
- Gravel
- Sand
- Flagstone
- Rubber mallet
- 2-by-4-inch board
- Level
- Broom
Instructions
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1
Lay out the shape of the patio with a garden hose. Using a shovel, remove the grass and soil to a depth of six inches. Load the soil into the wheelbarrow and move it to low spots in the garden or lawn, or into flowerbeds. Set aside some of the grass to fill in around the completed patio.
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2
Pour 4 inches of gravel onto the dirt and rake it to an even depth. Sprinkle water onto the gravel to keep the dust down. Using a rented plate tamper, tamp the gravel tightly. Add another 2 to 4 inches of gravel and tamp again.
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3
Pour 4 inches of sand on top of the gravel. Sprinkle with water. Tamp firmly to a depth of at least 2 inches.
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4
Lay the larger flagstones out on the gravel and sand base. Arrange the flagstones to follow the shape of your patio in a relatively smooth edge first, then fill in the middle. Lift and remove or add sand as necessary to keep the patio surface even. Tap the flagstones into place with a rubber mallet. Use a long 2-by-4-inch board and a level to keep the patio surface level. Add smaller pieces of stone or gravel to fill in the spaces in between the large flagstones, again removing or adding sand to keep the top surface level.
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5
Sweep sand into the crevices between the flagstones. Gently sprinkle with water and add more sand as needed. Replace grass around the outer edge of the patio to fill any open spaces.
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Tips & Warnings
Flagstone is available in natural shapes or cut into squares and rectangles. Determine which shapes you prefer before beginning your project.
Recruit helpers. Gravel, sand and flagstone are heavy.
If you purchase materials, have them delivered to your home and placed as close as possible to the patio site.
If the patio is placed in a low spot in the garden, build up the area with extra gravel and sand to prevent water from pooling on the patio.
If a flagstone does not fit, use a hammer and chisel or a chipping hammer to tap the edge until it breaks off.
Use safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.
Watch out for your back. This project requires stooping, shoveling and lifting.
References
Resources
- Popular Mechanics: Build Your Own Natural Stone Patio
- You Tube: Installing a Flagstone Patio-DIY
- You Tube: Cutting And Trimming Flagstone
- Patios & Walkways (Taunton's Build Like a Pro); Peter Jeswald; 2010
- Walks, Walls & Patio Floors: Build with Brick, Stone, Pavers, Concrete, Tile and More; Editors of Sunset Books; 2008
- Photo Credit flagstone image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
