How far to dig for flag stone patio?
4/30/2011 at 5:12:12 PM
We are installing a flagstone patio ourselves and wondering how deep we should excavate? How much gravel should we use? How much sand?
5/27/2011 at 9:28:48 AM
Mindy,
You should excavate at least 6" from the bottom of the stones, or to the bottom of the topsoil. Whatever is deeper. If the stones are 2" thick then you would dig down 8" from where you want the finished patio surface to be. Make sure you have a good slope away from your house. The slope should be 2%. 2%= 1" down over 4' distance. You should then fill the 6" excavation with 4" of 3/4 crush gravel and pack it down with a plate tamper. Make sure the crush has enough moisture in it. It shouldn't be dusty when you are packing. You can fill the remaining 2" with sand. This will allow you to level the base for your stones.
Hope this helps
Jay
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