How to Install Patio Stones
Patios are some of the most popular forms of hardscaping projects undertaken by homeowners. The structures provide excellent focal points for landscaping designs and are frequently used to host a wide range of social gatherings, such as barbecues and family reunions.
- Ensure that there are no pipes, electrical wires, or anything else that you could damage by excavating to a depth of around one-foot.
- Choose a plot of land and using stakes and twine designate the area where you plan to install your patio.
- Use a shovel or other excavating tool to remove the soil from the designated area to a depth of around 6 inches. Double this depth if the patio will be used frequently by large numbers of people or if cars or other heavy equipment will be driven over it.
- Fill the excavation with approximately 3 inches of rough gravel. Use 9 inches of gravel if you excavated to 12 inches. Use a tamping tool to compress and level the layer of gravel.
- Add 3/4 of an inch of leveling sand or rock dust. It is very important that you compress the material well and carefully level the sand or dust, as this will be the base for your patio stones.
- Place the patio stones on top of the layer of base material. It is best to start at a corner and work your way across the project. Leave gapes of 1/4-1/8 of an inch between each stone.
- Distribute sand or a similar material across the surface of the patio stones and sweep the material into the cracks. Continue to do this until no more sand seeps into the cracks.