How to Lay Landscaping Stones
- 1). Plan the layout for your project and purchase stone and sand accordingly. Measure the length and width of the area to be covered, or each spot designated to hold an individual stone. Purchase enough concrete sand to compact two or three inches under every stone. Purchase additional sand to lay between the joints of paving projects like sidewalks and patios.
- 2). Lay the stones in place exactly where you plan to set them in the yard. Make any necessary adjustments in the placement or quantity of stones to complete the desired design.
- 3). Dig a hole to fit each stone that is deep enough to hold two to three inches of concrete sand and leave the stone surface one inch above ground level. Dig to a uniform measured depth throughout the entire bottom of each hole. Slope the hole for a patio or doorway entrance slab to fall away from the house to channel rain water. Pitch the slope 1/4 inch down in for every foot the surface runs away from the home.
- 4). Set a border for a paved walkway or patio. Use metal landscape bordering or planted bricks to retain the sand within the shape of the slab.
- 5). Pour and compact concrete sand. Pour 3 inches of sand into the hole. Hammer the sand with a plastic mallet to compact it throughout the hole. Measure for uniform depth and check the sand surface with a level.
- 6). Lay the stone in the hole with the surface one inch above the ground level and set it by hammering the top with a plastic mallet. Check the top with a level, making considerations for any planned sloping. Remove the stone and add sand to any low spots. Replace the stone, hammer it set and check again the level.
- 7). Set a level plane for the stone path or surface by laying one stone on each opposing ends. Get a helper to hold a cord line on top of one end stone as you hold it on top of the opposite end stone. Plant each garden stone between the ends so the surface top touches the cord line for a level plane.
- 8). Sweep sand into the cracks of the paved surface of a large slab. Add sand occasionally to replace all that is lost to weather.
- 9). Wet the stone tops to set the sand. Use a hose with a sprayer to wet the slab surface, or stone surfaces with a gentle mist to set the sand.
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