How to Lay Natural Stone on a Concrete Patio
Slate and flagstone are great examples of natural stones that work well on patios. The stones have a small amount of texture that prevents slipping. The stones age well because water and sun exposure simply deepen their color variation. Natural stone tiles add character and warmth to a patio. The earth tones of the tile blend with most colors and look natural when placed outdoors. Tiles can be installed directly onto a concrete patio without a separate sub-floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Chalk
- Portland cement
- Masonry sand
- Wheel barrow
- Trowel
- Stone tiles
- Masonry saw
- Screwdriver
- Tuck pointer
- Sponges
- Masonry cleaner
- Scrub brush
- Masonry sealant
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Lay out your tile on the patio without mortar. Arrange the tiles until you are pleased with the design. Cut any tiles that need to be sized with a wet saw.
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2
Mix two and a half parts of masonry sand with one part Portland cement in a wheel barrow. Add water until you have a mixture that is the consistency of peanut butter.
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3
Lift the edge of a stone tile. Pour enough water under the stone to slightly dampen the concrete. Spread 1/2-inch thick coat of the cement mixture on the back of the tile with a trowel. Set the stone back into place.
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4
Dip a sponge into clean water and gently wipe the top of the tile to remove any cement.
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5
Repeat the process until all of the patio tiles are set in cement. Let the stone tiles dry overnight.
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6
Mix another batch of the cement mixture in the same ratios as in Step 2. Add slightly less water so that the mixture is a little dryer.
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7
Scoop up the cement mixture with a tuck pointer. Fill the spaces between stones with the end of the tool, pressing the cement into and completely filling the area. Wipe away excess cement from the tiles with the edge of a trowel.
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8
Saturate a clean sponge with water. Wipe the tops of each stone to remove cement residue.
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9
Wipe the tiles with a dry sponge to pick up loose sand.
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10
Combine masonry cleaner with water according to the package directions. Choose a masonry cleaner that is safe for the stone you are using. Pour the cleaner onto the stone and scrub with a long handled scrub brush. Rinse with clean water to remove the cleaner from the stone.
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11
Wait two weeks for the cement to cure. Paint the stones with masonry sealant to protect it from stains and water damage.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
