How to Use a Mason's Line for Stone Patio

Attach the mason's line to the form board's highest corner with a 1-inch drywall screw; form boards surround the patio during installation, create the patio's shape and determine its shape. Turn the screw with a Phillips screwdriver.

Stretch the mason's line across the stone patio and secure it to the form board's lowest point, usually the opposite corner of the highest corner. Pull the mason's line tight and secure it to the form board with a 1-inch drywall screw.

Inspect the patio stones under the mason's line. Each stone should rest slightly below the mason's line. If a stone raises the mason's line, remove the stone and a small amount of its base material. If a stone sets low in the base material, remove the stone and add base material. Replace the patio stone.

Loosen the screw holding the mason's line to the lowest point.

Slide the mason's line across the form boards next to the patio's lowest point, keeping the mason's line tight. Watch the line as it crosses the patio stones. If a patio stone rests low or high in the base material, secure the mason's line to the form boards with a drywall screw and adjust the stone as needed. Check all of the stones.

Move the mason's line from the form board's highest corner to the form board's other corner next to the building. Pull the mason's line tight at the lowest corner. Move the mason's line across the form boards and check all of the patio stones with the mason's line taunt. Adjust the stones as needed.