![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZn0QU1ILU9EgUUFuiN1XoY7vJGnNGg6Kts25vvXGNXRTCPbJ2Al3aphqAeprDrIA_heNWH0w0IOX11wNMqy6tZwKGvncXg5nDhM3OtyI_V88O_64zDktXsV_pLdsYJkdjVX9_WCL8CCGB/s320/IMG_0266.png)
We built a patio of formed paver stones on a foundation of sand over compressed gravel. First we dug the foundation.
- We removed a patch of cultivated flowers and other plants which previously grew in that space, plus some grass.
- We dug out the hole to a depth of about 6 inches, using shovels and a pickax.
- It turned out that the pickax was by far the most useful tool, used to scrape the dirt to the correct level, and carve out the edges.
Once the
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4spkLdi9c76_mQdM4xeDywN6WgzisDugIeYgN3ul1g6Ns3jQjrd3gDstNvdvrY6WsKBqHHirrie0nxH4TTMWkwPhqdQYNXUfzYTJDtv5nave_V6gOesi08MNuJtS3rj4AAgru9W6tX9B/s320/IMG_0289.png)
hole was dug, we installed the foundation made of compacted gravel.
- We poured gravel into the hole using a wheel barrow.
- We tamped it by hand using an 8-inch square tamping tool.
- We used a four-foot level to make sure the bottom was fairly flat and fairly close to a two-inch height drop across the 8-foot width of the patio.
Later, when sand and stones were delivered at the same time, the gravel was covered in sand.
- The sand, also, was brought in by wheel barrow.
- I (alone, henceforth) spread it with a flat-front shovel, making it approximately smooth.
- Working from borders toward the center, the sand was spread using flat tools, such as boards.
- The sand was spread to a thickness such that the paver stones would be flush with the adjacent sidewalk slabs.
- There are a lot of tricks to getting the sand perfectly sloped, but no tricks were used in this project. I was just very careful and checked the slope over and over and over again.
- I tamped the semi-wettened sand to help it maintain its structural integrity during the tamping and subsequent stonelaying.
Next,
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHqrJOu6LPqHPCmgICrON0E3E_g-4FC_QyIoWdiB_dcDQ3eRQ8T5N058E9P-9EZQCsDLMuPNtRsRUpeaZ3uZSC7oGdNBIHOKy0qRqEK5IEJX6Ol-dzoHvqhxOnDgSMdLdYZIFo-ompPXv/s320/DSCF4999.png)
I laid the bricks.
- I laid out the stones in the approximate pattern.
- As I laid out the pattern, I adjusted stones to account for the available stones, and to make the overall pattern more consistent.
- For instance, the curves use consistent and predictable patterns of trapezoidal and square stones.
- The outer perimeter uses a different color of stone, for contrast.
- Amazingly, I had exactly the right number of square and semi-square stones; at the end, I had one square stone left over.
- After all the stones were perfectly in place and level, I swept sand over their tops to form a tight lock between individual stones, which helps keep them altogether in place.
The end
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1iq7dPGdoldc2xouP8UllWARjxxWouQB4lQYQyH_ZizAMK5__gcqrnx5FoT_CAYMdE3_dX99CCIJ-WcTI4INemNx9BttHZXEA7Q-QxRZTQOc3pTpkarYqWZryH9lG4Og7GLEMEi5C5rW/s320/DSCF5004.png)
result looks very nice and adds a lot of curb appeal to our overall house. The patio is one part of a makeover to the front of my yard. Stay tuned for more projects: a natural-stone path across my yard leading to the patio and the front door; a path of paver stones around the right side of the house; new grass; and more!
we have direct access to stone of unmatched beauty and rarity and with over 25 years of building experience, in-house architect and a complete supply, design and installation service. We can then advise you on a suitable stone for your project, ensure the quality and therefore provide you the best value for your natural stone choice.
ReplyDeleteStone Pavers