How to Lay a Bluestone Patio

Bluestone is a blue, gray or buff-colored hard sandstone quarried in Pennsylvania and New York states. Bluestone was used in the terrace of the White House Rose Garden as well as the Peace Bell Garden at the United Nations headquarters in New York. It is ideal for patios and hardscape due to its hard surface and interesting colors. Generally, it is cut into rectangles of varying sizes, although it is also found in irregularly cut shapes. This patio project may require several weekends to fully install in your yard.

Measuring tape
Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Rake
Gravel
Plate compactor
Sand
Bluestone flagstones
Rubber mallet
Level
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the area with a measuring tape. Mark the patio perimeter with spray paint or a garden hose. Determine the square footage by multiplying the length by the width of the planned patio.
- 2
  Remove the grass and soil with a shovel, to a depth of 6 inches. Rake the soil so it is relatively smooth. Use a wheelbarrow to move the dirt to planters or low spots in the yard. Reserve some grass to fill in around the edges of the finished patio.
- 3
  Fill the patio with 4 inches of gravel. Using a plate compactor, tamp the gravel firmly. Sprinkle with water and repeat.
- 4
  Add 4 inches of sand to the patio. Sprinkle with water and tamp firmly. Add more sand as needed and tamp again.
- 5
  Arrange the bluestones over the sand, setting the stones about 1/2-inch apart. Add or remove sand so that the bluestone is fully supported underneath each stone. Set into place by tapping with a rubber mallet. Check the patio with a level. It should have a slight angle, allowing water to drain away from the house.
- 6
  Sweep sand over the patio, filling the cracks and crevices between the bluestones. Sprinkle with water and add more sand as needed.
- 7
  Fill in around the edges of the patio with the reserved clumps of grass. Water thoroughly.

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