How to Work With Slate Tiles

Make an outline of the slate walkway or patio site with landscaping paint. Dig an 8-inch deep expanse with a shovel over the site and continue digging until the bottom is level. Compact the soil with a compactor to stabilize the floor of the foundation.

Sort out the slate tiles according to thickness and color. Slate tiles range in color, with hues of blue, black and purple. The variation in thickness will require you to adjust the thickness of the sand bedding beneath to ensure the surface will be level. Plan to lay tiles with a similar thickness together or you may need to readjust the sand with every tile.

Dry-lay the tiles over the excavated area in the order you plan to lay them in. Mark the backs of the tiles with chalk and set them near the site.

Dump 6 inches of ¾-inch aggregate fill over the site and spread it even. Compact the aggregate until the surface resists pressure.

Set edge restraints along the inner walls of the site and fasten them to the ground with 12-inch nail spikes.

Lay a 1½-inch-thick bed of sand over the aggregate and level the surface with a rake.

Set the slate over the bed of sand in your planned pattern. Leave even spaces between each tile, adjusting each piece until it is level with surrounding tiles and does not wobble.

Lay a flat board over the first two rows of tiles. Use a mallet to tap the entire surface of the board, applying even pressure to each tile. This will embed the tiles into the bedding sand.

Pour fine-grained sand over the area once all tiles are in place. Work the sand between the joints with a stiff shop broom and pack it down until the spaces are filled.