How to Lay a Natural Slate Patio Into Dirt

Natural slate patios provide a durable surface for an outdoor space. Slate is naturally weather resistant and visually appealing, which makes it an ideal material for patios and walkways. Laying a natural slate patio is actually not as difficult as it may appear. Select a location that is essentially level to start with, and you will make the project that much easier. Although the labor is rather intensive, the actual steps are not difficult. Once the project is completed, you will have a place to sit, relax and admire your hard work.

Tape measure
4 wooden stakes
Mallet
Spade
Wheelbarrow
Level
4 boards, 2-by-4-by-96-inch
Hammer
Framing nails, 1 box
Sand
Natural slate pieces, approximately 2-inches in thickness
Utility broom
Slate chips

Instructions

- 1
  Select a space to lay your natural slate patio. Use a tape measure to measure out a 96-by-96-inch square in the space.
- 2
  Drive a wooden stake into each corner of the square with a mallet. Use a spade to remove the dirt from this area to a depth of 4 inches. Place the dirt in a wheelbarrow to be removed from your property.
- 3
  Place one of the 2-by-4-by-96-inch boards across the excavated area. Place a level on top of the board in the center. Check to make sure the dirt is level. If it is not, dig more out or fill it in until it is level. Place the board across the other direction. Adjust until the surface is level.
- 4
  Place the 2-by-4-by-96-inch boards together to form a square. Fasten the boards together by hammering two framing nails into each joint. Set the wooden square into the excavated area.
- 5
  Fill the excavated area with a 2-inch-deep layer of sand. Place one slate piece onto the sand. Set the slate into place by tapping it with a mallet. Continue this process until the square is completely filled in with slate pieces.
- 6
  Add a layer of sand over the top of the slate pieces. Brush the surface of the patio with a utility broom to push the sand into the spaces between the slate pieces. Add more sand until all the spaces have been filled. Sweep the surface of the patio clean.
- 7
  Remove the wooden square from around the slate patio. Fill in the space left by the removal of the wood frame with slate chips to complete the patio.

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