How to Set Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone is a natural stone cut from a stone quarry to form a shallow flat slab. Flagstone is usually made of slate, sandstone or limestone. Flagstone is relatively expensive and sold by the pound, but is a good long-term investment. Flagstone patios and walkways weather high-traffic areas well. Installation of flagstone paths and patios is relatively easy to do yourself with some concentration. Flagstone can be laid over bare ground, installed in a sand bedding, or set in concrete.

Things You'll Need

• Paper and pencil
• Flagstone
• Mortar mix
• Sand
• Mallet
• Tape measure
• Level
• Broom
• Shovel or spade
• Hand trowel
• Topsoil

Instructions

1. Sketch a design of your flagstone path or patio.

2. Determine whether the soil in the area is firm or moist. Prepare to add top soil if you plan to use a base of sand in a moist soil area.

3. Measure the area with a tape measure. Using the spade, demarcate the periphery with impressions in the soil.

4. Dig a 6-inch-deep excavation area where the flagstone patio or path is to be installed. Slope the area along the slope of your lawn.

5. Fill in the area with 1 inch of topsoil if necessary to amend moist soil. Add a 2-inch sand base.

6. Tamp down the sand with the mallet.

7. Mix mortar if you plan to use it. Make sure to keep the mortar wet. Lay the mortar out in a 1-inch thickness as you lay out the stones. Do not put all the mortar down and go back to add the stones, this should be a progressive addition.

8. Tap the stones into the sand or mortar. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours.

9. Sweep extra sand into the spaces between the stones. Sprinkle water and allow to dry. Repeat this step repeatedly until the space between the stones is compact and hard.

References

• PaverSearch.com: Flagstone Paver Introduction
• PaverSearch.com: Flagstone Paver Installation