materials:
Sand or stone dust
top soil
Steps:
1. clear the path
2. dig to desired depth for level and stone thickness allow for 1" sand base
3. distribute 1" sand base
4. tamp down
5. layout stones with 2" spaces between
6. fill with soil
7. tamp down again
General Tips & Rules:
- A sand base should always be used. Customers are being told this at the point of design.
- For the small patios, use a 1" sand base. Hardscape subcontractors are required to use a compacted base for larger patios.
- Stepping stone paths should be laid out in a straight line or with nice, smooth arcs. People should not have to think about what they are doing when they walk on the path. Stones should also be a comfortable pace apart.
- Gaps on patios should be 2" or less. Gaps on steeper paths should be between 3" - 6".
- On steeper paths, make sure that you are not putting the point of one stone towards the point of the next. Try to have a flat side butt up against a flat side.
- Use a hammer and a chisel to break flagging. If an exact break is needed, then score the bottom of the stone with a masonry saw and then break it with a hammer and chisel.
