How to Lay Bluestone Pavers

Use wooden stakes to mark the outer corners of the area where you plan to install bluestone pavers. Tie a string around the posts, and measure the dimensions to check that the space meets your needs.

Dig out the surface of the outlined space until it's 8 inches below ground level. Transplant any grass or plants that you want to save.

Insert rubber or flexible plastic edging around the outer edges. Hit the edging with a rubber mallet to press it firmly into the ground.

Compact the entire surface with a hand tamper or compacting machine. If you don't own this equipment, you can rent it from a home improvement store.

Lay landscape fabric over the compacted surface, securing the edges to the ground with spikes.

Pour a 4-inch layer of gravel over the fabric, and compact the surface. Use a level to check that the surface has a slight tilt away from the house to prevent water from running toward the house.

Pour a 4-inch layer of sand over the gravel, and use a 2-by-4 to spread the sand evenly across the surface.

Set the bluestone pavers on the sand, beginning at the inside corner of the patio or walkway. Place the stones in your chosen pattern, spacing them 1/8 inch apart.

Fill in the gaps between the bluestones with fine-grained sand. Use a hand tamper to compact the sand and stone firmly into place, and brush off any excess sand.