North Lake Tahoe & Truckee Landscaper Offers Advice on Installing a Flagstone Patio

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Mark Osberg, Pres., Estate Landscape & Irrigation, Inc.

Have you ever looked at your garden and thought it would be nice to be able to sit on a patio so you could enjoy your outdoor surroundings? Maybe the sound of a stream flowing alongside of the patio? Well here are some tips for installing that patio in a weekend. The stream installation we will discuss in another article. The time it will take depends on the size of the patio. Typically a patio that covers 150 square feet will take two days to complete for three people. The tools needed for your project are a shovel, a carpenter´s level, string line, marking paint or garden hose, a wheelbarrow and mortar sand.

There are three points to installing a patio that you will have to decide on before works begins. First, the location, second the size and shape and third the type of stone. When choosing a location, look at the surrounding garden and the plants that you will be looking at. Any views of surrounding panoramas (mountains, lake, neighbors, etc.) will help determine the location of your patio. Lastly, would you like to have plants in the spaces between the patio stones?

Another consideration is the ease of access to the patio from your home. If you have a lawn then the patio can be an extension of that lawn or a part of it. Also how you will get the materials for the patio to the installation area. Do you have a gate that you will have to move dirt, sand and the stone through? Stairs? Walls? More on this later in this article.

Now comes the shape. Here it is best to consider your own personal style. Are you someone who prefers symmetry or asymmetry in a design? Natural flagstone usually comes in irregular pieces. With these, an asymmetrical shape is easier to install. If you prefer symmetry you might consider using an interlocking paver stone instead. These pavers come in more regular shapes and have specific patterns to choose from. This will be discussed in a separate article.

Once you have decided on the overall location in the yard use a garden hose, or marking spray paint, to outline the patio. The value of using these tools is you can change the shape without wasting a lot of time and energy. Save your energy for the laying of the stone!

Choosing the type of stone is next. This can take some time since there is a multitude of different stone styles, colors and look depending on your location. When selecting the stone for your patio I recommend the stone be at least 2-3" thick. Anything thinner and it will have a tendency to crack over time. If you are purchasing larger pieces of stone you want them to stay that size and not become many small pieces that look unfinished. Ask your stone supplier how many square feet your stone selection covers per ton. This will determine how much stone you will need. Ask your stone supplier to deliver the stone and sand to you project.

Before digging the patio area, contact your local utility companies so they can mark where the utilities are. You don´t want to break a utility line. It is expensive to repair.

Now comes the excavation of the area for the base under the patio. Excavate the area slightly shallower than the stone is thick. This will leave the stone a bit higher than the surrounding ground. Use a carpenter´s level to check for an even subgrade. Having a small bit of slope (1/8-1/4" to the foot) will allow for any rain or sprinkler system water to run off the finished patio. Tamp this subgrade well so there won´t be any settling of the stone. Bring in the mortar sand and spread a 1" layer as a leveling base. This will make it easier to smooth out any uneven spots.

Now move the stone to the location and start laying out the pieces. If you want small joints between the stone you may have to rent a stone cutter to make straight, clean edges on the pieces. If irregular is your preference, then start placing the larger pieces to cover most of the area. Then use the smaller pieces to fill in the remaining spaces. Use the carpenter´s level frequently to check that the stones are even with each other and level.

Once all the stone is laid, fill in the spaces between the stones with some of the soil that was excavated at the start of your project. If you have spaces that are 1-2" wide, you can plant groundcovers in these spaces for a more warm, natural look to your patio.

If you have obstacles to overcome (stairs, walls, etc.) to move the stone to the location of the patio you may have to come up with creative ideas on how to work through these. A ramp for the stairs, take out a fence panel, use a wheelbarrow to move the sand and stone.

For any further questions visit our website www.estatelandscape.com or call today to have us install your outdoor patio. 530-546-2042

www.estatelandscape.com