Stone Patio Installation Techniques

Dry-Laying

• A dry-laid stone patio uses no mortar to permanently affix the stones into place. This does not mean that the patio lasts only for a temporary amount of time, however. In fact, dry-laid patios may survive just as long as many mortared patios. While dry-laid patios may require a bit more maintenance and the occasional need to replace a stone, this alternative offers a slightly less expensive installation technique. Prepare the base first, and then set the stones into place on a level surface. You may set the stones on a bed of sand or dig an individual bedding for each stone to make the top surface level throughout the patio space. Once all stones are in place, dry-fill the gaps between stones with sand, gravel or dirt.

Stepping Stone Patio

• Much like dry-laying methods, the stepping stone patio installation method requires no mortar but patios created using this technique will last as long as mortared patio surfaces. To install a stepping stone style patio, dig and create an individual bedding for each stone in the patio. Instead of leaving gaps between the stones and later filling those gaps with dry-fill materials, install each stone in the ground and leave sod in the gaps between stones. To build a stone patio using this method, place each stone on the ground and trace it with a utility knife. Remove the stone and use the traced lines to excavate an individual bed for the stone. Replace the stone and level it by tapping the stone or digging the bedding down further.

Wet-Laying/Mortaring

• Mortaring the stones together costs significantly more than dry-laying or laying stepping stones. While more expensive, mortaring provides less unevenness and reduces the need for repairs. Prepare a single bed first and then set the stones into place, much like installing a dry-laid patio. However, instead of laying the stones into place and filling the gaps later, cover the sides of the stones with ample mortar to fill the gaps between the stones.