The following is recommended as a guideline only, and may not be applicable in all situations. For more information try the local library, the internet, or consult a professional.

1. Plan Mark out your path or patio area with spray paint. A rope or garden hose can be used as a template to create a flexible line. 2x4s can be used as a template for straight lines. Make a grid work of stakes and strings to guide your finished height and level.
2. Excavation Use a sod cutter or shovel to excavate down approximately 6 inches.
3. Fabric Lay filter fabric at the bottom to slow weed growth if desired. It is important not to use plastic as it won’t allow for drainage
4. Base Rock Lay 3 inches thick of 3/4” minus or 5/8” minus crushed rock. Use a compactor and pack it down tightly.
5. Base Sand Lay 1” thick of builders sand or 1/4” minus crushed rock to make an even bed. Use a 2x4 or another board to smooth it flat. 3/4” PVC can be laid down as a screed guide. Run your board across the top of the pipe to get 1” of sand. A compactor can be used as well to form a more solid base.
6. Place Stones Lay stones as desired. You can fit them as close together as you would like. Up to 3 inch gaps are typically acceptable. You will need to use a combination of levels and assure that each stone is level, as well as using a long level to ensure the patio as a whole is level (or sloped slightly one way to encourage water runoff). If it is necessary to modify the shape of the stones: Edges can be chipped off with a hammer or mallet if less than 2 inches from edge. If more than 2 inches from the edge needs removed you can use a diamond blade on a saw. Be sure to wet the stone as you cut.
7. Fill In The Gaps Fill in the gaps with plaster sand, 1/4” minus crushed rock, or gator dust, by sweeping it into the gaps. Compact or knock on the stones a bit to settle the material into the gaps better. If necessary sweep more material into the gaps. Typically, the gaps are filled to just under 1/8” from top of the stone. If you are using gator dust, please follow their specific instructions to set the polymeric stone dust. Instructions for Gator Dust can be found here. Topsoil can be used as gap filler if your gaps are large enough, and then a groundcover can be planted. Check with your nursery about “steppable plants” which actually thrive when they are walked on!
8. Enjoy!!!

 

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Use Gator Dust for your gaps and...

 Never Weed Again!

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Last modified: 03/13/10