How to Install a Patio Using Patio Stones

Patios are made out of all kinds of materials such as brick and stone.

Patio stones are used to make patios, walkways and other outdoor features. If you are thinking of installing a patio at home, use this type of material to add a comfortable, natural look to the space. You can install the surface with basic tools and supplies in a day or two if you have help from others.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Stakes
• Twine
• Shovel
• Level
• Plastic sheet
• Crushed gravel
• Sand
• Patio stones
• Push broom
• Water

Instructions

1. Measure out the patio area and stake the corners. Run twine between the stakes to give you the straight lines of the edge that you need to follow.

2. Measure the thickness of the patio stones. Add six inches to this measurement. Dig out the staked area to this depth. Determine which way you want the water to flow. If the patio is up against a structure, you want water to drain away from the building.

3. Dig a slope into the surface that gives a one-inch drop between the edge closest to the structure to the opposite side. Use a level to check the slope and ensure that it is the same all the way across the patio.

4. Place the plastic sheet in the dug-out area and pour four inches of crushed gravel in the bottom. Smooth the gravel out and tamp it down. Pour two inches of sand on top of the gravel; tamp it down. Check the slope; if the slope is gone, move the sand to regain the slope.

5. Place the patio stones on top of the sand and lightly press. If there is a stone that seems to be higher than the others, push it down until it is level with the others. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between the stones.

6. Pour sand over the surface of the stones and sweep it between the stones into the 1/8-inch gap. Water the surface to settle the sand.

References

• PaverSearch: Installing Paver Walkways
• Midwest Manufacturing: Installing Brick Patio