How to Set Flagstone Pavers

Flagstone is a natural stone cut from a stone quarry to form a shallow flat slab. Flagstone is usually made of slate, sandstone or limestone. Flagstone is relatively expensive and sold by the pound, but is a good long-term investment. Flagstone patios and walkways weather high-traffic areas well. Installation of flagstone paths and patios is relatively easy to do yourself with some concentration. Flagstone can be laid over bare ground, installed in a sand bedding, or set in concrete.

Paper and pencil
Flagstone
Mortar mix
Sand
Mallet
Tape measure
Level
Broom
Shovel or spade
Hand trowel
Topsoil

Instructions

- 1
  Sketch a design of your flagstone path or patio.
- 2
  Determine whether the soil in the area is firm or moist. Prepare to add top soil if you plan to use a base of sand in a moist soil area.
- 3
  Measure the area with a tape measure. Using the spade, demarcate the periphery with impressions in the soil.
- 4
  Dig a 6-inch-deep excavation area where the flagstone patio or path is to be installed. Slope the area along the slope of your lawn.
- 5
  Fill in the area with 1 inch of topsoil if necessary to amend moist soil. Add a 2-inch sand base.
- 6
  Tamp down the sand with the mallet.
- 7
  Mix mortar if you plan to use it. Make sure to keep the mortar wet. Lay the mortar out in a 1-inch thickness as you lay out the stones. Do not put all the mortar down and go back to add the stones, this should be a progressive addition.
- 8
  Tap the stones into the sand or mortar. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours.
- 9
  Sweep extra sand into the spaces between the stones. Sprinkle water and allow to dry. Repeat this step repeatedly until the space between the stones is compact and hard.

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