| Printable Version | |
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HOW TO BUILD FLAGSTONE PATIO IN SAND |
| TOOLS & MATERIALS REQUIRED: | ||
|---|---|---|
| * Level | * Flagstone | * Tamper |
| * Chipping Hammer | * Shovel | * Nails or Screws |
| * Sand and Gravel | * String Line | * Water Hose |
| * 2x6 Lumber and Stakes | * Rubber Mallet |
 
1. First lay out the size and shape of your patio with the string line and stakes. When you are finished, measure the area and determine the total amount of square feet. This will be how much flagstone you will need.2. Next remove the earth inside your string lines to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Using your 2x6 (pressure treated) lumber, form the edge of the patio along the string line. Drive the stakes into the ground beside the 2x6 on the inside of the patio, and secure the lumber by nailing or screwing to the stakes. 3. Wet the ground with a hose and tamp with the tamper to compact any loose soil. Next lay out gravel to about a depth of 3 or 4 inches and compact with the tamper. When you are finished, lay out 1 or 2 inches of sand and screed so that the sand bed is flat and uniform. (Remember to take into account the thickness of your flagstone when laying down your gravel and sand beds. You'll want the flagstone to be flush with thetop of the 2x6 when you are finished.) 4. Lay your flagstone on top of the untamped sand bed and set in place by hitting it with the rubber mallet. With flagstones that are different thicknesses, adjust the height by adding or subtracting sand underneath the stone. 5. When you have finished laying out all flagstones, lock them in place by sweeping dry sand into the joints. Wet the joints (sprinkle with water) to help the sand compact in the joints. You may need to repeat this step one more time in a few days. If you would rather have grass or moss between the stone instead of sand, fill the joints with topsoil and plant immediately. Water occasionally until growth takes place. |
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