How to Install Natural Stone Patio

Draw your stone patio design on a piece of graph paper. This will help you determine how many natural flat stones to purchase.

Remove the sod from the patio area with a shovel.

Create an 8-inch deep hole where you wish to install the gravel.

Pour gravel into the hole until it is 6 inches thick. Use a rake to help spread the gravel.

Install a guide to help you lay the natural stone level by attaching screed guide boards to the house with screws. The guide boards should be at the level where you want the top of the stones to lay. On the opposite side of the screed guide boards, drive stakes into the ground and place twine between them at the same level as the guide boards. Doing this will also help ensure you install the stones squarely.

Use a plate compactor, which you can rent from a hardware store, to compact the gravel into the ground. "Popular Mechanics" suggests going over the gravel at least three times.

Place 2 inches of sand evenly over the gravel. Wet the sand with water so it is more compact.

Place the first natural flat stone in the corner that is hardest to reach. Use a level to make sure the stone is even. If it is not, use a trowel to add or remove sand from under the stone until it is level.

Lay the next stone ½ inch away from the first. Make sure the second stone is level with the first. Use a trowel to add or remove sand from under the stone until it is level with the first.

Continue to lay the stones in the same fashion, setting the joints ½ inch apart.

Use a flat bar to better align the grout joints once you install all the tiles.

Use a push broom to spread sand or stone dust into the grout joints. Pack the sand into the joints with a trowel.

Mist the garden hose over the natural stone tiles to compact the sand in the grout joint even more.