Tutorial on How to Lay Flagstone
Laying a flagstone patio or walkway adds function and rustic style to a landscape without requiring special tools or extensive skills. Learning to lay flagstone using the dry method with gravel and sand involves building a strong foundation and border to prevent the flagstones from shifting with normal wear and tear. Whether you're installing a winding stone path or large patio for entertaining, a well-laid flagstone surface will last for years. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wooden stakes
- String
- Spade
- Shovel
- Hand tamper or compactor
- Landscape fabric
- Metal spikes
- Wood or metal edging
- 10-inch nail spikes
- Sledge hammer
- Crushed rock
- Crushed limestone
- Rubber mallet
- Fine sand
Instructions
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Insert wooden stakes into the ground at the four corners of the patio or walkway site. If you're installing a winding walkway, insert stakes along the curves as well. Tie a string between the wooden stakes for a clear outline of the site.
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Use a spade to make clean cuts in the grass along the outline, and continue digging to a depth of 8 inches. If the ground freezes in winter, dig below the frost line to stop frost heaves from dislodging the flagstones.
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Tamp the surface of the flagstone site with a hand tamper or metal plate compactor machine until your footsteps do not leave impressions in the soil. Cover the soil with landscape fabric and insert spikes in the four corners to prevent weeds and improve drainage of the site.
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4
Install wood or metal edging around the frame of the excavated site to keep the flagstones from moving. Drive 10-inch nail spikes through pre-cut slots in the edging to secure it to the ground.
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Pour a 6-inch layer of crushed rock over the landscape fabric and spread it from one corner working your way across the length of the site. Slope the gravel one inch for every four feet to direct water runoff away from the home's foundation.
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Add a 1-inch layer of crushed limestone or course sand over the crushed rock. Limestone adds more protection against weeds if the site is prone to unwanted growth.
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Lay the flagstones beginning in one corner of the patio or walkway, pressing each stone about 1/2 inch into the limestone. Place large stones side by side or fitted together in a puzzle-like pattern, and set small stones along the corners and between any major gaps. Use a rubber mallet to lightly drive the flagstones into the limestone until the walkway is level.
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Add fine sand over the entire flagstone surface and pack it between the joints of the flagstones. Continue adding sand until the joints are filled to cushion the flagstones as they settle.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
