Projects

Laying a Mortared Stone Patio

Project Overview

Stone for patios is sold under various names, such as flagstone, flat stone, and bluestone. Whatever the name, choose a natural, sedimentary, layered rock. Although you can buy stones precut, a patio that has a rough natural stone with gaps adds a little touch of country.

REMOVE MORTAR FROM THE STONES

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Step 1

BUILD FORMS FOR THE MORTAR

Put 2x4 forms around the concrete slab to hold the mortar bed. The forms should sit 1 inch above the slab and follow its slope hold the forms in place with stakes driven every 2 feet. Lay a dry run of stones on the patio. The best way to do this is to randomly spread the large stones across the patio and then fill in with smaller ones. Group the stones so there is as little space as possible between them. Inevitable empty spots are OK.

Step 2

FILL IN THE VOIDS

Place large stones over the voids. Use a pencil to sketch the shape required to fill the void. Chip away at the stones wit ha pointed end of a mason’s hammer to cut the shape. To cut a straight line, score the line with a 8-pound sledgehammer and a brick chisel. Place the scored line over the edge of a piece of 1x2 or a pipe. Sever with a solid blow from the sledgehammer. Once the stones fit, number the bottoms and lay them out in order next to the patio.

Step 3

MIX MORTAR

Pour a bag of pre-mixed Type M mortar into a mixing tub. Make a small well in the middle. Pour water in the well, a little at a time, and mix with the trowel. The mix may take more or less water than called for by the manufacturer. It’s the right consistency when it is firm enough to cling to a trowel turned on edge. Using a mason’s trowel, lay a 1-inch mortar bed for two or three stones at a time. Use the forms to help lay the right amount of mortar. Screed it with a straight 2x4 the width of the forms. (If laid stones obstruct screeding, guide the screed along two 1-inch O.D. {outside diameter} pipes temporarily set on the slab.) Place the fist stone on the mortar and embed it firmly in place by tapping it with a rubber mallet. Lay adjoining stones, referring to the numbers on the bottom to help reposition them in the proper order. Check for high and low spots as you proceed by laying a 2x4 on top of stones.

Step 4

LEVEL AND COAT WITH SLURRY

Add mortar to raise stones that are too low; tap harder to set those that are too high. After laying stones in a bout a 4x4-foot section, tip the stones up one at a time and paint the bottom with a cream-textured cement-water slurry mixture. Lay the stones back in place and recheck their level. Continue laying the patio in 4x4-foot sections. Make a dry run for each section, number the stones, then set them in mortar. When you finish, let the mortar cure for one to two days. Then remove the temporary forms around the patio.

Step 5

MORTAR BETWEEN THE STONES

Mix another batch of Type M mortar. Pack it between the stones with a pointing trowel. Compress and smooth the mortar joints with a ¾-inch brick jointer. Remove any mortar crumbs from the joint edges.

Step 6

REMOVE MORTAR FROM THE STONES

After a few hours clean up any mortar on the stones with a damp sponge or a rough burlap rag and water. Cover the patio with plastic. Wait 24 hours for the mortar to cure. Remove the plastic and back fill the edges around the patio with soil. Tamp the soil and reseed or plant.

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Project Details

Skill Level: Expert

Time: 4 hours

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

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