Every DIY project comes with a level of difficulty- and laying a stone patio is one of those tasks high on the complexity scale. This job requires heavy lifting, cement mixing, and crawling on the ground all day. If you are up for that kind of challenge, here are some helpful tips to make your work a lot easier. Setting patio stone is comparable to laying bathroom tiles. The major difference is the weight. While setting bathroom tiles can be done by one hand, it takes a lot of strength and brawn to move heavy stones. The simplest of projects can take up to four days, while large-scale ones can take months to complete.
Always plan by sketching out your project, and create a nice layout that will complement your lawn or backyard. It is ideal that you make sure none of the stone tiles are cut. Plumbtile has a wide variety of stone tiles that are great for this project. If you are looking for a specific organic or heavily tumbled look, this 24x24x3/4 inch Jerusalem Mt Carmel Cobblestone Tile is perfect. It comes in other smaller sizes as well for smaller areas or crevices, for a coherent look. Also, make sure to mark all in-ground gas, electric, water, or phone lines.
Here are some tips to help you with this project. You can ask the help of a professional if you are not sure you can perform a required task.
- How to Excavate: Do not attempt this without the proper tools. First, you will need 3-foot stakes which you will have to drive into the ground a foot outside the corners of your patio area. Now get a builder’s level and find a spot where the house meets the patio. Find a level and mark the stake with a marker. Dig 6-12 inches down from the mark on the stakes to reach the subgrade.
- The Base: Cover the subgrade with a blend of crushed stone and dust. Dampen with water. Use a plate compactor and repeat the process – cover, dampen, and tamper.
- Bed Setting Mix: one-part dry cement with 12 parts stone dust to use as a setting. Add the water slowly to make a nice mix. Start on one corner, and carefully shovel out enough to lay the stone tiles. Level the mixture with your hand. Stone will settle into the wet mix half an inch or more depending on the weight, so spread the mix thicker.
- Stone: laying like tiles, lower stone with smooth face up. For heavier ones, you will need help. Twist the stones lightly to place them firmly in the bed. Tab the sides with a rubber mallet.
- Leveling: Check the edges to make sure they are at the correct angles. To adjust, use a square shovel and add or remove wet-mix from the bottom. It is important to brush and rinse before the wet mix dries. Keep people and pets off the laid stones until the setting hardens.
Other tips:
- Tiles come in smaller sizes. Avoid cutting tiles; just purchase the smaller versions of the same design.
- When the patio is firm enough, spread stone dust over the stones. Sweep stone dust into the crevices and along the edges.
Need more expert tips and advice? Find some assistance here or contact Plumbtile today.