Building with stone is not only beautiful, but also durable. Stone walks or patios also offer a charm that no other material can equal, and are beautiful in any setting.
A "dry" stone walkway or patio means one without mortar holding the stones together. Because the individual stones are able to shift slightly in response to frost heave, there is no need to have a foundation below the frost line. The results are so satisfying it's easy for the project to become a minor "obsession." The following 14 easy steps will help you create a stone walkway or patio that will beautify your property for as long as you own it.
You must call "OUPS" (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) at 1-800-362-2764 to come out and mark your underground utility wires. You are required by law to notify "OUPS" at least 48 hours before you dig.
Take a can of marking paint to mark out the area that you want to build the walkway or patio. When determining width of a walkway, keep in mind that a person feels comfortable walking on 36" wide walkway. Two people walking side by side will feel comfortable on a 54" wide walkway.
You will need to determine how much stone you need. First, measure the length (in feet) of your walkway or patio. Second, determine the width (in feet) of the walkway or patio. Third, multiply the two numbers (in feet) that you have measured. This will be the square footage of the walkway or patio. Take this number with you to Mr. Mulch.
Next, you need to select your stone at Mr. Mulch. We carry numerous colors, sizes, and styles. Don't be afraid to be adventurous; you will be pleasantly surprised. There are two different size classification, stepping stones (steppers) and flagstone (flaggers). Steppers pieces are generally less than a square foot. Flaggers are larger than a square foot and can be upwards to eight square feet. You’ll choose the particular variety and size based on the look you want, the easy working with the stone, and the price of the stone.
Begin digging the foundation about 6" deep. You should excavate 6" wider on each side of the patio or walkway. If installing a walkway, the best construction method is to follow the gradual slope of the terrain. If you are installing a patio, make sure that patio slopes away form your house. You will want to use a string line to keep the walkway on a consistent slope. After excavation is complete, place the underlayment into the hole.
Spread at least 2" of gravel (#310 Limestone) as your base material. Rake the gravel to get the material as level as possible. Then, use a 2" x 4" board to screed the gravel to get the 1st base course level. Spray water (light mist) on the material, this will allow that material to harden after compaction.
The next step is to compact the base. This can be done with a hand tamper or a gas powered compactor (strongly recommended). The compactor gives a more constant level surface and is far less physically demanding than the hand tamper. Compact the area as you would cut your grass.
Repeat step 6, then repeat step 7.
Next, you will use your screed poles. Lay your screed poles on the base material at least the width of your walkway or 5-8 feet if constructing a patio. Now, you must get the poles level to each other. This is done by placing a 4' level on a high quality (not warped) 2" X 4" board. Pack or remove gravel as needed under the poles until level. When this is accomplished, carefully spread gravel between the poles. After the area is filled, use your 2" x 4" board to screed the gravel to the finish grade of your foundation. Do not compact the additional gravel. The stones vary in thickness and you will need to move the gravel with each stone you set into place. Pull the screed poles down the walkway, but keep one end in the finished grade base as a reference point. If installing a patio, leave one screed pole as a reference.
Get a good selection of stone available to you. Mark your walkway again with paint to ensure you follow your design or square off your patio with 12" spikes and string line. Placing stones is like working a jigsaw puzzle. Use straight edges along the sides of the walkway or patio. You may want a bricklayer's hammer to work with the stone, it is helpful to knock off excess stone.
Work from one side to the other, then back. One stone at a time. Lay the stones between ½"–2" apart, depending upon your preference. Most stone is laid with 1" joints. If stones do not lay flat or they "rock", you may need to add or remove some gravel. Laying the stones is the most rewarding step in this process, enjoy it.
Use a four-foot level to ensure that the walkway is level or gradually sloping from one side to the other. Use the string line as a guide to keep your walkway or patio at a consistent grade when you move the screed poles. After you finish one area with your stone, move the screed poles by repeating step 9.
Fill the joints between stones with gravel. Use your fingers to compress gravel to ensure that the stones lock into place. After this is completed, spray the walkway or patio with a fine mist. This will harden the gravel in place. You can run the compactor over the stone again if you desire. By doing so, you run the risk of cracking your stone.
At this point, backfill the sides of the walkway with gravel or install the paver edging. Once this is completed, backfill the area outside the walkway with topsoil (then sod or grass seed) or mulch.
