I was talking with the owner of the local stone yard, about a third generation guy, about laying a stone patio. I’m planning on using a form of limestone, which he blessed after we discussed the entire project in detail. They have acres of different types of stone available, and he recommended a couple of choices, so it’s not a question of me trying to use a product for less than it’s optimum purpose (which I have done before). The question is about the bedding material. He said to mix sand with cement, spread and compact it dry, then just before final placement of the stone to wet the sand lightly and tamp the stone in place. Same for the ‘grout’…a mixture of sand and cement worked into the joints, which are about 1/2″ wide. He has several sample sidewalks built with different types of stone, and they are all in good shape.
I have never laid a stone patio before. Is mixing the sand and cement a good method? Roughly what ratio?
Replies
Have you considered laying it dry?
If you build a solid base, and lay the stone properly, I think it is a better way to go.
My initial plan was to lay it dry, on a bed of compacted sand with sand swept between the joints. My concern was with the irregular wide joints and how the loose sand would hold up or track on shoes or whatever. Frost heaves are not a problem here in south Texas so I don't necessarily need the flexibility of loose sand. Just looking for feedback on how one old-timer suggested I do the job.
Did a flag stone patio in Toronto this summer at a friends house. Dug down about a foot. Put 0-3/4 for 6" and compacted that. Added 6" loose stone dust on top and compacted that. Added stone dust on top to level and set the flag stone even with each other. For the grout we went with 3 parts sand to one part cement and dry pacted the grout lines. Watered the patio lightly and repeated every hour for 4 water aplications. (Holding Rum and Coke in one hand to admire days work). As this was this summer willlet you know how it holds up to the winter this spring.
with sand and no cement, some kind of weed abatement/prevention is in order, or they will be a nuisance at your joints.
best recommendation for dry fit stone that i can make is a rigid border of some kind, even if it's a challenge for a homeowner with no masonry experience. maybe even consider an experienced individual for installing a brick border on cement before you start. i think you will be pleased with the contrast between brick and stone, and the rigid border (check at homeowner's depot for the alternatives they provide for this purpose) will keep your stones from migrating and your joints from spreading...
brian