Site Preparation

• 1). Start by using the stakes and hammer to mark out your work area.
  
  
• 2). Dig out the work area to a depth of 3 or 4 inches.
  
  
• 3). Check to see if the work area is roughly level, and use the extra dirt and the rake to smooth out uneven spots.
  
  

Laying Stones

• 1
  This is why sand is used to bed stone patios and not dirt.
  
  Fill the work area with sand to a depth that leaves it with 1 inch remaining to work with. For example, if you dug out the work area to 4 inches, fill with 3 inches of sand.
  
  
• 2). Check again with the level, and rake any uneven spots. Then spray the sand with a hose until it is damp and use a dirt tamper to compact the sand.
  
  
• 3). Start laying the paving stones onto the sand, working from the outer perimeter and in toward the center. Worry about fitting small pieces into the gaps only after the big stones are arranged.
  
  
• 4). Fashion the smaller stones from the big stones with a hammer and chisel. This requires a little patience. First mark the stone, either with light taps of the chisel or with a marker, along the line where you intend to cut. Then break the stone open with firm, even blows. Do not hit it with all your strength or you will simply shatter the stone. Patience coupled with trial and error will gain you gradual mastery of this basic stone mason's skill.
  
  
• 5). Fit the small filler stones into place.
  
  
• 6). Pour more sand onto the work area, using a push broom to force it off the stones and into the cracks between them. Use the hose to pour water over the stones, both to clear them of sand and to compact the filler sand between the stones. Repeat as necessary until the cracks are filled and compacted.