- 1). Measure the area you want to use for a patio. Use stakes and twine to outline the space. Space the stakes about every 2 feet. This will allow you to see if there is anything in the way that will need to be moved and if the area will truly be big enough. Move any items or plants that are in the way or within the patio area.
- 2). Dig down into the earth to a depth of about 8 inches. Make sure it is fairly level with a slight slope away from the house. For large patios, you will want the surface to slope to the sides as well as to the end of the patio.
- 3). Measure the depth of your patio stones. Fill in the dug-out area with crushed gravel and pack it down with a hand tamper. Do not fill it in entirely. Leave a gap on top that is approximately equal to the height of the paving stones you are using. This will give you a ridge that will keep the stones from sliding too far out of place. Make sure that you keep your slope. Use a level to check and adjust by filling in or taking away gravel.
- 4). Pour a thin layer of stone dust in the patio area equal to about a quarter of the height of the stones. Pack it down and check the slope again. The stones will be only slightly above the ground.
- 5). Place the stones in the area. If you are using bricks, you might think about alternating directions to create a pattern. Tap the stones down as you go with a rubber mallet.
- 6). Sweep more stone dust on top of the stones and then spray water to set it.
- 7). Pull the stakes out after a day or so and fill in the holes with dirt.
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