| Building a Flagstone Patio can add beauty, charm and | | | | Stone laid in sand will have to be re-adjusted over |
| often increase the resale value of a home. The | | | | the years. As settling occurs you will have to add |
| homeowner can accomplish this addition to the home | | | | sand, to keep the desired level. If you don't mind |
| with the correct materials, tools and a little physical | | | | tinkering with a project after it's "done," this shouldn't |
| labor. | | | | present a problem. |
| Her is the list of things to be done before actual | | | | The instructions above assume a location away from |
| construction of the Flagstone Patio | | | | the house. If you choose to lay a flagstone patio up |
| Decide the type and size of patio you are | | | | against a house, ensure that the surface slopes |
| making and calculate the amount of stone required | | | | slightly away from the house, for drainage purposes. |
| accordingly. | | | | The last thing you want is to end up with water in |
| Gather all the tools needed for its | | | | your basement! Though less of a concern with dry |
| construction. A basic list includes, sand, chipping | | | | construction than with wet construction, I still |
| hammer, pick, and shovel, ruler, rubber mallet, string | | | | recommend being on the safe side here. Especially, if |
| line, level, broom, concrete, and AB3 sand and gravel. | | | | you live in a region where heavy snows will be |
| Make sure your safety apparatus is in | | | | resting up against the house in winter. |
| place. You should have the following items; back | | | | It's nice to have a helper for laying flagstone patios, |
| brace, gloves and goggles. | | | | especially large ones. That way, one person guides |
| Tips for laying a flagstone patio: | | | | the screed on one side, and the other on the |
| Since the shape of a flagstone is irregular, laying a | | | | opposite side. |
| flagstone patio is like putting a puzzle together. The | | | | If your yard is wet, or you'd simply prefer a better |
| thickest, widest pieces will give you the most | | | | foundation, you may want some additional drainage |
| stability. | | | | under your flagstone patio. To achieve this, simply |
| Laying flagstone patios in sand, as opposed to mortar | | | | excavate deeper at the beginning of the project. |
| or concrete, known as "dry construction," is easier | | | | Then apply a layer of crushed stone before shoveling |
| for do-it-yourselfers than wet construction. Not | | | | in any sand. Another improvement you can |
| having to worry about finishing your stone placement | | | | contemplate is purchasing stones with a thickness |
| before a layer of mortar hardens makes for a good | | | | greater than 2". You'll pay more, and they're heavier, |
| carefree project. | | | | but they're also more durable. Adjust your excavating |
| However, wet construction is more "permanent." | | | | measurements accordingly. |