Flagstone Patio Installation

Installing a flagstone patio is always a good way of landscaping. Flagstones come in a large variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They blend well with any outdoor architecture. Installing one is a DIY job and the equipment you will require to build the flagstone patio are given below:

• Flagstone
• Hammer
• Compactor
• Rubber mallet
• Gloves
• Saw
• Level
• Sand
• Eye protection

Determining the Patio Area
Before starting with the task of flagstone patio installation, it is necessary to figure out the area that will be installed with flagstone. Decide the shape and size of your flagstone patio. This is required to determine the number of flagstones, sand and the other related material required during installation. Once you have a clear idea of the area, outline the area marked for the flagstone patio. There are two ways to install a flagstone patio,i.e. dry and wet construction. Decide the one you want to opt for. However, it is recommended that you choose the dry method. Thus, we will discuss the dry method installation.

Edging
Before you dig the area for patio, prepare the edging of your patio. The edging should be above the ground level. For holding the edges properly, use plastic or metal landscape. For plastic edging, all you have to do is use nails that are poked in the ground.

Preparing the Foundation
Dig the area inside the marked area 5-6 inches below the ground. After digging the marked area, level it. Before moving on to next step, ensure that the dug area is uniform in level. Wet the dug area and lay down sand and gravel up to 3 inches. After laying down the sand, compact the area properly with the help of a compactor. Then, add sand and gravel up to 2 inches. Flagstones are not uniform and thus, you need sand to hold them properly.

Laying the Flagstones
Installing flagstones is quite a laborious job and you will need someone to assist you. Start laying the flagstones from a corner. Lay the flagstones to make a pattern that you like. Mark the cuts you want to make in the stones. Once you have marked the cuts and obtained the required pattern, remove the flagstones and cut them accordingly. For cutting the flagstones you will require a masonry or circular saw.

Final Step
Now, the flagstones are ready to be installed, once they are cut. Place the flagstones in the required pattern. With the help of a rubber mallet, tap the stones to fit them properly in the sand. You will have to add or remove the sand between the flagstones to level them properly. Ensure that the stones are not completely leveled. There should be some slope, so that water can drain out. Finally, use the compactor to ensure that the assembly of flagstones and sand is installed properly.

While ordering the flagstones, it is recommended that you consult a professional for the number of flagstones required. For wet method of flagstone patio installation, you will require a professional assistance. Wet method involves use of concrete instead of sand. Dry method is easy, when you want to use the DIY way of installing flagstone patio. However, the installation done using the dry method, requires more maintenance as compared to an installation that is done using the wet method.