How to Install Flagstones in Mortar & Sand
Installing flagstone into mortar and sand is quite common among construction masons, both residential and commercial. However, within the past decade the do-it-yourselfers have taken charge of their own renovations and construction projects, with flagstone installation being one of these. The average do-it-yourselfer can install flagstone in one to three days, depending on the size and scope of the project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Masonry Trowel
- Hand Level
- Tape Measure
- Chipping Hammer
- Wheel Barrow
- Mixing Hoe
Instructions
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1
Mix the mortar and sand to a mixture ratio of one part dry mortar mix to two parts sand. For example, one bag of type S mortar mix to 16 shovels of sand. You can mix batches of less for easier mixing, such as one-half bag of mortar to eight shovels of sand. After you have mixed the dry mixes together, add 3 gallons of water--2 for one-half bag of mortar--and blend into a pancake batter mixture using a mixing hoe.
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2
Spread out a 4-by-4 foot area of mud onto your floor substrate. Use your trowel to spread the mix in a 1- inch solid bed. Rake your trowel through the bed to create lines in the mud. This will allow the displaced mortar to give when you press the stones into the mud. Allow the mud to set for no longer than five minutes before you set flagstone into the mud bed; any longer and you will not be able to work with the mud.
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3
Press the first stone into the mortar bed and gently tap with a rubber mallet to set the stone. Allow the stone to set just above flush with the mortar bed. Set the next stone close to the previous stone, forming a horizontal line across the top of the mortar bed. Use a chipping hammer to break the subsequent stone edges to make them fit together like a puzzle, leaving no more than a 1-inch gap between each stone. Continue pressing the stones into the mud bed until the 4-by-4 foot square has been laid. Use a hand level to keep the stones level and straight, but keep the stone shapes random. Allow the completed stone installation to dry for 24 hours.
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4
Fill the joint spaces between the flagstones using a grout bag. The grout bag resembles a cake decorator bag. It must be filled from the top with mud and squeezed to force the mortar mud out a small tip on the end. Place the tip in between the stone gaps and fill flush to the top of the stones. After the joints have set for 30 minutes, clean off the excess mortar from the flagstones using a wire brush. Be careful, though, not to brush away the fresh mortar joints.
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