A Do-it Yourself Guide To Laying A Flagstone Patio

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Building a Flagstone Patio can add beauty, charm and often increase the resale value of a home. The homeowner can accomplish this addition to the home with the correct materials, tools and a little physical labor.

Her is the list of things to be done before actual construction of the Flagstone Patio

 Decide the type and size of patio you are making and calculate the amount of stone required accordingly.

 Gather all the tools needed for its construction. A basic list includes, sand, chipping hammer, pick, and shovel, ruler, rubber mallet, string line, level, broom, concrete, and AB3 sand and gravel.

 Make sure your safety apparatus is in place. You should have the following items; back brace, gloves and goggles.

Tips for laying a flagstone patio:

Since the shape of a flagstone is irregular, laying a flagstone patio is like putting a puzzle together. The thickest, widest pieces will give you the most stability.

Laying flagstone patios in sand, as opposed to mortar or concrete, known as "dry construction," ...
... is easier for do-it-yourselfers than wet construction. Not having to worry about finishing your stone placement before a layer of mortar hardens makes for a good carefree project.

However, wet construction is more "permanent." Stone laid in sand will have to be re-adjusted over the years. As settling occurs you will have to add sand, to keep the desired level. If you don't mind tinkering with a project after it's "done," this shouldn't present a problem.

The instructions above assume a location away from the house. If you choose to lay a flagstone patio up against a house, ensure that the surface slopes slightly away from the house, for drainage purposes. The last thing you want is to end up with water in your basement! Though less of a concern with dry construction than with wet construction, I still recommend being on the safe side here. Especially, if you live in a region where heavy snows will be resting up against the house in winter.

It's nice to have a helper for laying flagstone patios, especially large ones. That way, one person guides the screed on one side, and the other on the opposite side.

If your yard is wet, or you'd simply prefer a better foundation, you may want some additional drainage under your flagstone patio. To achieve this, simply excavate deeper at the beginning of the project. Then apply a layer of crushed stone before shoveling in any sand. Another improvement you can contemplate is purchasing stones with a thickness greater than 2". You'll pay more, and they're heavier, but they're also more durable. Adjust your excavating measurements accordingly.