How to Use Artificial Stone

Landscaping with artificial stone is an affordable way to build a strong, long-lasting surface that has the look of natural stone. Molded from concrete and other materials, artificial stone is designed to resemble the real thing in both texture and color. Building a walkway or patio with artificial stone requires a few days of labor to build a proper base and lay the surface.

Tape measure
Ropes
Shovel
Tamper
3/4-inch crushed stone
Edge restraints
Lawn spikes
Hammer
Grit sand
Stone dust or fine sand

Instructions

- 1
  Use a tape measure to measure the size of your paving site. Lay ropes along the edges to create an outline. Stand inside of the site and consider if it's large enough for your family and furniture.
- 2
  Dig out the dirt within the rope outline with a shovel. Dig out the entire area six inches and keep it level at the bottom. Use a manual tamper to compress loose dirt until the subsoil feels hard.
- 3
  Add 3/4-inch crushed stones over the subsoil. Tamp the stones and continue adding more until the base is 4 inches thick and level.
- 4
  Fit edging restraints against the inner edges. Secure the restraints with 9-inch lawn spikes and a hammer.
- 5
  Spread an inch of sharp, grit sand over the base to fill crevices and create friction against the artificial stones.
- 6
  Lay the artificial stones on the sand bed in a herringbone, basket weave or other pattern. Place them flush against each other, and shift them in the sand until they are level with adjacent sections.
- 7
  Pour stone dust or fine sand over the artificial surface and sweep it between the joints. Stone joints help prevent fake stones from chipping and moving out of place over time.

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