It is no wonder that flagstone is a popular choice as a flooring option for a patio. Flagstone is naturally beautiful and highly durable. You will see how you can create a timeless outdoor space for your patio with flagstone learn the steps to take to lay flagstone on dirt.
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that can be split into flat pieces. The cuts are generally irregular in shape and sizes. Pieces can range from a few inches to several feet in dimensions and thickness also varies. For patio purposes, flagstone between inch to inch and a half is preferable, as this will be easier to work with.
There are two types of installation for flagstone: Dry set and mortared. This post, will go over the dry set installation. Dry set installation is generally more DIY friendly.
You will learn the steps to take to lay flagstone on dirt in order to create a beautiful patio that will make your yard stand out.
Materials
- Gravel or Roadbase
- Decomposed Granite
- Flagstone
- Polymeric Sand
Tools
- Tape measurer
- Twine
- Wood Stakes
- Shovel
- Rake
- Tamper or Compactor
- Rubber mallet
- Level
- Broom
- Angle grinder (optional)
1. Layout
Begin your project by marking the area where the patio will be set with marking spray paint. Drive wooden stakes about eight inches deep at the corners and in between if desired. Tie masons line to the wooden stakes to enclose area.
2. Get Measurements
With a tape measurer, measure the length and width to get square footage.
3. Dig and Excavate
Begin excavation of the area. Dig away six inches of ground. Make sure area is flat and even with a slight slope away from the house for drainage purposes. The ICP recommends a slope of 3/16 inches. Once digging is done, ensure area is nice and flat by compacting with a tamper or use a plate compactor. Compactors can be rented at your local hardware store.
4. Add Base
Add 2 inches of base that can be either roadbase or gravel. Both work well for base purposes. Use a rake to spread base around and then finish off by compacting.
5. Add Decomposed Granite (DG)
Add 2 inches of decomposed granite. Again use the rake to spread materials around and then compact.
6. Lay Flagstone
Now it is finally time to start laying down the flagstone. Because flagstone is irregular in shape and size, laying out flagstone will feel like a puzzle. Select and start with large pieces of flagstone and arrange sporadically. Then select smaller pieces that can fit in between those large pieces you have laid done. Keep in mind, that you will be moving and rearranging continuously. Some pieces may need to be cut in order to fit certain areas.
7. Cut and Trim
This step may be necessary if cuts are needed. If so, mark the flagstone where the cut needs to be made with a pencil. Then make a cut with an angle grinder. Chisel away piece with a chisel and hammer.
8. Leveling
Once all pieces have been laid out, make sure all stones are leveled. Some pieces of flagstone may have to be removed in order to add or remove some decomposed granite underneath for leveling. Use a rubber mallet to hit and level flagstones into place.
8. Fill in Joints
Depending on the width of your joints or desired look, your choice of material to fill in joints can vary. Use polymeric sand for narrow joints. Gravel can be used for wider joints. Once joints have been filled in, sweep entire area with a broom to fill in any spaces needed. Lightly water area with a hose to finish off and also to activate polymeric sand if it was used.
