This natural material is apatio ideafits with many styles, from traditional to modern.
Best of all, it’s easy to install because it uses dry-set rather than mortared installation techniques.
What is Dry Set Installation?
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Dry-set installation sets the flagstone instone dustor sand instead of wet mortar or concrete.
Decomposed granite is pulverized stone that contains small pieces and gravel-size and sand-size particles.
The irregular edges make it more challenging to fit the stones tightly together.
Flagstone pavers' tops and bottoms, too, are uneven.
Each stone must be individually assessed (and often adjusted) to keep its height consistent across the patio.
Before You Begin
Purchase flagstones in bulk by the pallet.
One pallet capable of paving about 120 square feet of patio costs around $1,400 to $1,500.
opt for largest stones it’s possible for you to handle.
Cull them for consistent thickness and appearance.
For strength, the stones should be at least 1-1/2 inches thick.
The service is free but can take several days, so call well before starting your project.
Drive two stakes at each corner, about 2 feet beyond the sides of the patio perimeter.
Tie a mason’s line to opposing pairs of stakes to create a square or rectangular layout.
Adjust the positions of the stakes, as needed, to square the layout.
Next, tie off the string.
All of the strings should be the same height.
Then, readjust the two strings running down the sides of the patio to set the correct slope.
Measure down from the strings to gauge the excavation depth.
Tamp the soil with a hand tamp or a rented plate compactor.
load the Gravel Base
Add a 2-inch layer ofcompactible gravelover the patio area.
Rake the gravel smooth and level, then tamp it thoroughly.
Add two more inches, then smooth and tamp.
Add the Decomposed Granite Layer
Add a 2-inch layer of decomposed granite over the gravel base.
Rake the decomposed granite smooth, and level it side-to-side with the long board and level.
Tamp the layer thoroughly.
Remove the stakes and mason’s lines.
Place the stones as close together as desired.
You will fill the gaps later with sand, gravel, or even soil and grass or other plants.
Vary the size, shape, and coloring of stones for a random pattern, which looks most natural.
Each stone should be stable and at the same height as the surrounding stones.
Stone edges that stick up create tripping hazards.
Fill the Gaps
Fill the gaps between stones with sand, decomposed granite, or gravel.
Sweep the material across the patio with a broom to push it into the cracks.
The greatest benefit of flagstone is its natural look that organically blends with the rest of the landscape.
Because flagstone lends itself well to dry-fit installation, it’s easier to install than mortared stones.
Flagstone patios can last for several decades since flagstones are natural stones.
Flagstone patios occasionally need to be re-leveled.
A flagstone patio is more expensive than a deck.
By contrast, you’re able to build aground-level or floating deckfor around $400 to $700.
