How to Lay & Install Flagstone on an Outdoor Patio

Measure the desired dimensions for the patio with a tape measure. You'll need these dimensions to figure out how much gravel, sand and flagstone you need to buy.

Spray the measured perimeter of the patio with landscaping spray paint to indicate the border of the patio.

Dig to a depth of 8 to 10 inches inside the marked patio area.

Fill the inside the dug out area with gravel 6 to 8 inches deep. Tamp the gravel down with a plate compactor to create a smoothed out area.

Fill the remaining depth inside the patio area with sand. Rake over the sand with a bow rake to smooth it.

Lay the flagstone into the sand. Place a level on each stone as you lay it into the patio area, and adjust to level by tapping the stone with a mallet. Continue laying stone within the prepared area until you have covered the patio area.

Pour a thin layer of sand over the top of the patio flagstone. With a shop broom, sweep the sand into the cracks between the flagstone to fill them in. Clean off the excess sand with the broom.