Ways to Install Flagstones

Dirt

• You can lay your flagstone right in the dirt. Simply level the ground by digging out any uneven areas, and lay the stone on level soil. You can level the soil and flagstone as you go along. One drawback to laying the stone right in the dirt is that you may get weeds and grass that grow between them. Also, as the ground settles, the flagstone will move and become uneven.

Sand

• Dig six inches of dirt out of the patio or walkway area. You don't have to worry about leveling the dirt, but you do want to compact the dirt. Edging can be installed so that the stones don't move. Add a 2 inches of road base or coarse pea gravel, and then 2 to 3 inches of sand. Compact the sand to level it, and then gently lay the flagstone into the sand.

Concrete

• Flagstone can be installed on concrete if it is at least 4 inches thick. Mix concrete until you can mold a ball in your hand. Wet the concrete patio and brush the water on the entire slab. Use a brick-layer's trowel to scoop and spread 1 inch of your concrete mixture out to a little larger than your flagstone piece, and gently lay the flagstone into the concrete. Lay your stones ½ to ¾ of an inch apart. Remove any concrete splashing on the stones with a wet sponge and let the stones sit for 36 hours. Add concrete grout in all the joints with a brick layer's trowel. Wipe the grout off of the stones and let the grout dry for 36 hours to one week before you walk on the patio.

Details

• One ton of flagstone will typically cover 125 square feet of patio or walkway space. Use a chisel and hammer to shape your flagstone, so that it fits together properly. Slope your patio ¼ inch per foot of patio space so the water runs off of it. Brush polymeric sand between the stones and apply water for flagstone that is not grouted. The sand will dry as hard as concrete. You can use a sealant to ensure your flagstone maintains its natural color, or you can let nature add color and glaze to the patio. Choose large pieces of flagstone.