More in Outdoors
Lay out the design of the patio and excavate at least six inches of soil. Compact the subsoil to create a firm surface.
Lay down a layer of landscape fabric which will help to prevent weeds.
Lay in three inches of sand and compact again.
Top off and level with class five gravel. If the patio is built near a house, pitch the foundation away from the house for water drainage.
Place large pieces first then fill in empty spaces with smaller stones. Use a chipping hammer to shape the flagstone until it is the correct shape for the area you want it to fit.
Check each stone with a level, adding more sand beneath stones that are too low and compacting stones that are too high with a rubber mallet. Finally, use the handle of the rubber mallet to pack the sand firmly around the edge of the stone.