How to Install A Dry Laid Bluestone Walkway or Patio

04-17-2009

Materials Needed:
 
1) Bluestone
Bluestone pattern stock is one of the most popular patio and walkway materials that we carry at the Stone Yard. The material is inexpensive and comes in three color choices; natural(earth tones), blue/blue and lilac. Pattern stock sizes range from 12" x 12" to 60" x 48" and are cut in 6" increments. A 1/2" joint is included in these sizes. The stone is very durable and will last 40+ years. Bluestone is a type of sandstone that is quite heavy. Bluestone will not shift and edge constraints will not be needed to hold the stone in place. When laid dry, a bluestone walk or patio will allow air flow and water to reach tree and shrub roots. Bluestone pattern stock would be 1 1/4"-2 1/2" thick so that it does not shift or break.
 
2) Stone Dust
Using this material or sand and processed gravel is the best way to prepare the base for the bluestone. Stone dust is usually preferred because it packs a bit tighter than sand and gravel.
 
Prepare The Base:
1) Remove all loam 6" below grade. Be sure that this area is flat and level. 6" is a reasonable depth to assure that tree roots, large stones and water (freeze and thaw) will not disturb the bluestone.
 
2) If using stone dust...pack 4" of stone dust into the area. If using sand and processed gravel...place 3" of gravel into the area with 1" of sand on top.
 
3) Tamp down or pack the area. A plate compactor can be rented for this purpose or a hand tamp can be purchased at any good hardware store. It is important to pack the base to eliminate stone shifting.
 
4) Fully saturate the area with water and allow the water to completely drain. This usually takes overnight. This process will remove air pockets from the base and allow for excellent compaction.
 
5) Lightly pack again and you are ready to lay the stones!
 
Lay The Bluestone:
1) The bluestone will take up the remaining 2" of your base. Bluestone is usually laid in a pattern. Many customers like to create their own patterns. The Stone Yard can also provide a pattern free of charge. The stone should be laid level with 1/2"+/-1/8" joints. Use a rubber mallet to set and level pieces. Full pieces should be laid first and all cut pieces last.
 
2) All joints should be filled in with stone dust or sand.
 
3) A note on cutting... For special cuts, straight or curved, The Stone Yard offers an "on site" cutting and drilling service. Depending on the cut, templates may also be used and cuts made in our fabrication shop.
 

 
Source:www.Stoneyard.com