Installation Guide for a Flagstone Patio Set on a Concrete Pad
Use brick pavers to replace a traditional concrete slab patio with the look and feel of brick. Brick pavers create a surface as durable as the concrete slab, but with the added options of the variety of colors in which bricks are available. In addition, using brick pavers allows you to create extensive patterns using individual pavers of different shapes and sizes. Once placed, the pavers require little maintenance, and retain their rich colorful appearance throughout the lifespan of the stone. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Power washer
- Concrete degreaser
- Scrub brush
- Flagstones
- Thinset mortar
- Drill
- Paddle bit attachment
- Bucket
- Bricklayer's trowel
- Carpenter's level
- Skill saw with diamond blade
- Tuckpointing trowel
- Stone sealant
- Brush
Instructions
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1
Clear the surface of the patio of any dirt or debris with a power washer. Remove any oil-based stains with a commercial degreaser, scrubbing the stains from the slab with a scrub brush. Rinse the degreaser residue from the patio with the power washer. Allow the concrete to dry before continuing.
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2
Measure the patio surface dimensions with measuring tape and then calculate the surface area by multiplying the length by the width of the slab. Purchase enough flagstones to cover the area plus an additional 10 percent to allow for cutting any partial stones when necessary.
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Arrange the stones over the concrete slab without the mortar. Begin with the perimeter of the patio in order to follow the shape of the slab as closely as possible. Work your way toward the slab center. Place larger stones in locations where you're most likely to place patio furniture. Leave a space of 1/2 to 3/4 inch between the stones.
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Mix the thinset mortar in a bucket using an electric drill with a paddle bit attachment. Add water until the thinset is thick but spreadable, about the same consistency as peanut butter.
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5
Lift a small section of stones from the patio and wet the area down slightly with water to keep the concrete from leeching the moisture from the mortar. Spread the thinset over the wet stone with a bricklayer's trowel to a depth of 1-inch. Place the flagstones back into the mortar, tapping them in place with the handle on the trowel. Check the level of stones with a carpenter's level. Raise low stones by placing more mortar beneath the stone. Push high stones lower by pressing them more deeply into the layer of thinset. Cover the surface of the patio in this manner until complete.
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Cut partial stones when needed with a skill saw, equipped with a diamond-tipped blade. Measure the partial space needed, then mark a chalk line along the stone to meet the measured space. Cut through the flagstone and then place the partial stone where needed.
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Remove the mortar from the joints between the stones using a tuckpointing trowel. Dig the mortar out after completing each section of flagstones. Remove only enough mortar to reach the bottoms of each stone. Wait 36 hours for the mortar to set.
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Mix sanded grout in the bucket. Pack the grout into the joints between the flagstones using a bricklayer's trowel. Remove excess grout from the surface of the flagstones after filling the joints with a damp sponge. Wait two hours and then wipe the flagstone surface again with a clean lint-free cloth. Wait 36 hours for the grout to set before walking on the patio. Allow the grout to set an additional week, keeping it moist to prevent it from drying out too quickly and becoming brittle. Brush stone sealant over the entire patio and let it dry for 48 hours before using the patio.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear safety goggles, work gloves and a facemask during the installation for protection from injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
