Stone pavers
When setting stone pavers, there are two main methods of installation: the concrete and mortar method, in which you install pavers on top of a concrete base using mortar to secure the pavers; and the dry installation method, which uses sand and compacted gravel instead of mortar. The concrete and mortar method provides a more durable, lasting base but can take longer and is more difficult to install. The dry installation method may not be as secure over the long term but is easier to install.
Instructions
Mortar-based Installation
1. Measure the length and width of the concrete slab you will be building on and take the measurements to a stone paver supply store. The salesperson will be able to tell you how many stones you need.
2. Mix the TSP (trisodium phosphate) with water to create a solution, based on the instructions on the bottle of TSP.
3. Clean the surface of your existing concrete base with the TSP solution and a sponge, and allow the concrete to dry completely.
4. Build a border along the area of the concrete slab by nailing four pieces of two-by-four wood together. Grease the insides of the two-by-fours with vegetable oil, which will help make removing the border easy once the mortar sets.
5. Starting in one corner, mix the mortar according to the package instructions, and set a 3/4-inch layer of mortar for no more than three stone pavers at a time. Spread the mortar evenly using a trowel. Leave approximately 1/2 inch of space between paver stones.
6. Set the stone pavers atop the mortar one at a time and repeat the mortar and stone laying process until all stone pavers have been set. Allow the mortar 12 hours to dry.
7. Fill the cracks between the stone pavers with grout. Remove the outer two-by-four border, allow the grout to dry for 24 hours, and rinse off the surface of the stone pavers with a hose and soft sponge.
Dry Installation
8. Measure the length and width of the building area and take the measurements to a stone paver supply store. The salesperson will be able to tell you how many stones you need.
9. Mark off the building area by pounding four stakes into the ground at each of the borders and trying a string along the outside of the stakes.
10. Excavate the entire area within the borders, approximately six to eight inches into the ground.
11. Measure, cut and install two-by-fours along the inside edge of all four sides by pounding them against the edges with a rubber mallet.
12. Pour a 4-inch layer of crushed gravel into the bottom area and compact the gravel down tightly using a plate compactor or hand tamper.
13. Add a 2-inch layer of sand on top of the crushed gravel, and use a rake to spread the sand around evenly.
14. Set the pavers on top of the sand one stone paver at a time flush against one another, starting in any corner.
15. Pour filler sand into the spaces between the stone pavers.
