How to Install Interlocking Stones for a Stunning Patio: A Step-By-Step Guide
If you want to add character and curb appeal to your home, installing interlocking stones on your patio is a significant first step. A recent survey concluded that a new patio can increase your home’s value and give you a whopping 109% return on your investment.
Interlocking stones, in particular, provide your outdoor space with a natural feel and are durable enough to last at least 50 years.
If you want to try installing interlocking stones for your patio, we’ll break down each step to guide you on the right path.
Step #1: Make Your Preparations
Making preliminary adjustments is the first step to installing interlocking stones on your patio. Here is everything you need to know about preparing for your new project:
- Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
- ETA: 3 Days
- Cost: $350+
Tools:
- Shovel
- Rake
- Masonry saw
- Hand tamper
- Eye and hand protection
- Long level
Supplies:
- Paver stones
- Sand or gravel
- Edging stones (optional)
- Flexible plastic edge restraint (optional)
If you plan on taking on this project yourself, remember that it’s not a beginner DIY assignment. You also may spend at least three days working on your new patio, but the reward afterward will be worth it.
Step #2: Choose Your Installation Site
Choosing a suitable installation site is critical to the success of this DIY project. Before you can get started, here are some essential questions you need to ask:
- Can you dig at least six inches in your proposed installation site? What about nine or 12 inches? Ensuring adequate patio depth is essential for keeping your interlocking stones in place.
- Do you know where your gas locations are? Have you mapped them out?
- Are there any obstacles in the way? Common obstacles are roots, trees, and stumps.
- Do you need to apply for a permit? What about any other form of government approval to begin installation?
- Are your pavers going to be even? Do you need to cut your stones to make a perfect fit?
The final question will determine if you need to buy or rent a masonry saw. A masonry saw is a tool designed to cut stones into distinct sizes to eliminate gaps in your patio.
If you don’t feel comfortable using a masonry saw on your own, you should contact a professional for help.
Step #3: Get Rid of All Obstacles
All obtrusions must be removed from your patio before you can begin leveling the surface. The general rule of thumb here is to remove any obstacle that will get in the way of your digging.
Even if it’s as small as a tree root, it needs to go. In addition, it’s also a great idea to clear a nearby workspace near your patio. Place your interlocking stones here, and it’ll save you many back-and-forth trips with a wheelbarrow.
Step #4: Start Digging the Base
Using your shovel, dig a level and clean the base for your new patio. You can also use a power excavation tool if you have one. It would be best to dig a base at least six inches deep. However, most successful patio projects are planted in bases that are nine inches.
Most interlocking pavers are three inches thick, but you still have to account for the sand or gravel you have to use to fill the base. The sand and interlocking panels will require a total depth of six inches.
If you want to stack your panels, you must do more math to determine the correct depth.
Step #5: Level Your Base
How you level your base will determine how sturdy your pavers are. The good news is that it doesn’t take much work to balance your base. Use a hand tamper to level the base you just created, and use a level to make sure it’s completely flat.
If your base isn’t leveled, the pavers will move over time. An angled base will also become more evident during extreme weather, such as heavy rain and storms. For this reason, your base should be as flat as possible.
Step #6: Add the Sand or Gravel
Adding the sand/gravel is probably the easiest step of the process. Add sand or gravel to your base, and use your hand tamper to make it more compact.
If you add interlocking pavers over concrete, you won’t need sand or gravel. Instead, you’ll need mortar to keep them in place.
Step #7: Lay Down Your Edging (Optional)
This step is optional, but install edging around your patio to keep the pavers in place. Seeing beautiful edging surrounding your completed patio is also more visually appealing.
Here are two ways you can install the edging:
- Install plastic edging around the perimeter of your patio.
- Create a layer of additional pavers or concrete around your deck.
Another way you can use edging is by stacking two pavers around the perimeter of your patio. Altho, you’ll need to dig a deeper hole of 12 inches and lay more sand into your base for this method to work.
Step #8: Layer Your Pavers
You can start laying down your pavers with the base completely leveled and your edging complete. Start from one edge and work outward to maximize your space.
It’s essential to lay down each paver gently. Sliding the pavers in place or forcefully dropping them can ruin the base you worked hard to create. Finally, make sure there are no gaps between the stones.
If your perimeter is awkward, you may need to cut a few stones. A masonry saw can help you cut the suitable stones to fit your patio. Always use protective eye and hand equipment to stay safe when using a masonry saw.
Ready to Start Your Project?
As you can see, installing interlocking stones on your patio takes much prep work before you can even use the pavers. Once your preparation is done, it’s essential to ensure that you have quality pavers that fit the scheme of your patio.
Peel Exterior Maintenance Inc provides just the products you want if you’re searching for affordable, high-quality interlocking stones. Visit our store to browse our wide selection of interlocking stones, or call us today at (888) 290-1216.