- 1). Stake out the intended site of the patio with wooden stakes and a string tied between each. Contact the utility company to check that your construction plans won't interfere with underground wires and pipes.
- 2). Clear the site of growth, and transplant any plants right away. Keep digging until the site is 8 inches below ground level, and dig 1/8 inch deeper every foot to slope the surface so water runs away from the house.
- 3). Run a metal plate compactor over the entire surface, and roll landscape fabric over the soil. Insert spikes into the corners of the landscape fabric to attach it to the ground.
- 4). Install wood or flexible edging around the border of the excavated site. Hammer 10-inch nail spikes through the pre-cut holes in the edging to secure it. The edging will prevent the stones from sliding out of place.
- 5). Pour 6 inches of crushed rock over the landscape, and use a two-by-four to spread it over the whole surface. Compact the gravel, and then pour coarse sand over the top to shore up the surface.
- 6). Set the patio blocks beginning in an inner corner of the patio, maintaining 1/8 inch spaces between the blocks on all sides. Press the blocks into the sand so they are even with each other. Continue setting the blocks based on your chosen pattern.
- 7). Add mason's sand over the set patio blocks and pack it between the joints. Continue adding sand until the joints are completely filled to cushion the blocks as they settle with normal wear and tear.
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