- 1). Examine both sides of the state to determine which is the flattest. Stack the slate with the flat side up for use as your paving surface.
- 2). Dig a bedding area for rock slate about eight-inches in depth using a spade. Run a vibrating compactor over the base area to compact the soil to prevent it moving under the slate. Pour an about two-inche layer of gravel over the bedding area and compact it with the vibrating compactor. Add a second layer of gravel on top of the first and compact, creating a three-inch thick layer of compacted gravel to serve as support and drainage for the slate rocks. Cover the gravel with a two-inch layer of sand and compact it .
- 3). Using a hoe, mix mortar with water in a wheelbarrow. Fold the mixture with the hoe until it achieves a smooth consistency. Consult the mortar manufacturer's instructions for the amount of water to add to the mortar mix.
- 4). Spread the mortar over the sand in a one-inch deep layer. Use a steel trowel to spread the mortar evenly, creating a surface that's as level as possible.
- 5). Place the slate rocks into the mortar, uneven side down. Leave a gap of 1/5-inch between the stones to allow for the addition of mortar between them. With the joints, the stones can move in place along with movements in the ground without heaving upwards against one another, disturbing the surface of the pavement.
- 6). Place a carpenter's level over adjoining rocks to make sure the flatter surfaces of the slate are as level as possible. Push high corners of the rock deeper into the mortar to lower them to a level surface, or add mortar under the corners of lower stones to raise the level.
- 7). Wait about 72 hours for the mortar to cure then add mortar into the joints between the rocks using a tuckpointing trowel. The thin blade on the tuckpointing trowel allows you to push the mortar into the joints between the rocks without getting it on the rocks. Build up the level of mortar in the joints by firmly pressing down on it with the trowel blade, until the level of the mortar is even with the rock surface. Remove any excess mortar with a damp cloth before it dries. Allow to set another 10 days.
- 8). Spray the surface of the rocks and mortar with a moderatecoat of stone sealant to help protect to rock from moisture damage and preserve its natural color.
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