Tips on Installing Slate Daltile Pattern Flagstones

Concrete

• The concrete base that the Daltile flagstones are laid across must be level. You will need to bring in new soil if the area where the concrete slab is to be laid suffers from soil erosion, heaving tree roots or shifting soil. The soil base should offer stability and be firmly compacted. Cornerstone suggests using a concrete mix that contains one third rock, one third cement and one third sand to provide stability for the flagstones.

Laying the Flagstones

• The concrete slab that will support the flagstones should measure 4 inches thick to provide a stable base. You should lay out the flagstones across the concrete's surface prior to mixing the mortar. Laying out the flagstones early will give you an idea of how they all fit together and what looks best. You can easily move them from place to place to create the perfect visual look.

Alignment

• Place the larger flagstones outside doors or near steps because they offer the greatest strength. If you know where the furniture will be positioned, place large flagstones in that area to withstand the furniture's daily weight. Avoid creating narrow edges with small pieces because they will not hold up well and the flagstone may begin to crumble over time. Align the flagstones so that the edges look straight around the perimeter of the patio, floor or walkway.

Mortar

• Use ample mortar when setting the stones. The mortar should ooze out of all of the flagstones' sides. A trowel will help remove the excessive mortar from the stone's surface. Remove and clean the flagstone's surface before the mortar dries. If the mortar dries before you have a chance to remove it, use muriatic acid to take it off the flagstone's surface. The mortar between the flagstones should exhibit a slight concave appearance when dry so the stone's stand out in contrast.