How to Install Patio Rock on Grass

Outline the area for the patio with spray paint or stakes and string. If you're making a free-form patio, paint is better. If you want a straightedged patio area, stakes and twine give you a better guide.

Place the stones in their spots on the grass. If working with cut stones with flat edges, line them up in rows and columns, or create a staggered brick effect. Leave a space of at least 1 inch between rocks--2 inches is better--to allow for more grass between the stones. If you're working with natural-shaped rocks, keep the spacing consistent between stones and line up edges that look similar, like putting together a puzzle.

Lift patio stones out of the way one at a time and dig out holes for each one. Use a shovel or hand trowel to dig the holes. Make holes roughly in the shape of the stone and don't disturb too much of the grass in the gaps.

Use a level as you go to keep the stones flat, even and level. Lay the level across the stones to check and dig out or add dirt under the rocks, as needed.

Press dirt around the rocks after they are set in place to complete the patio.

Cast grass seed over the patio surface and brush it into the gaps. Sprinkle a little soil by hand loosely over the seed and water it to dampen. This over-seeding will help the gaps fill back in where you disturbed them.