Patios made of natural stone are becoming popular due to a variety of reasons. Not only do these areas improve the visual appeal of the house but also offer an additional space for people to carry out their favorite activities and hang out with their friends and family members. That said, sandstone is one of the most popular options when it comes to building pavers and patios. Its natural color, texture, and several other qualities make it a noteworthy option. But some people tend to be skeptical as they think the process is complicated. In that case, you can hire a patio builder to build it for you. If you want to know more about the process, here are the steps you need to take for building a sandstone patio.

Sandstone Paving Codes & Regulations

Before we dive into discussing how to build a sandstone patio, it is important that you consult an expert or visit relevant authorities to become familiar with the local building rules & regulations. Some states or regions have strict rules that need to be followed.

You might also have a state individual personally visit and inspect the patio to ensure your patio conforms to the regulations. You will not be able to proceed with the building process or might have to tear it all down if the state official does not approve.

So, you should do your research and gather as much information about building a patio. Keep in mind some rules define the areas where pavers can be installed and how. The reason is that there might be power, sewage, or other networks that could be compromised.

For the safety of your house as well as the systems installed underground, you might have to apply for a permit based on the size and scope of the project for the local authorities to keep a check.

Steps For Building A Sandstone Patio

Now that we have discussed the important prerequisites surrounding building a sandstone patio, it is time to understand and become familiar with the process of this home improvement project.

Picking The Right Supplier/Manufacturer

The first thing you will need to do is pick the right supplier or manufacturer. This first and foremost step will lay down the foundation of the entire process. You might think picking the right supplier or manufacturer is an easy task but not when you come across a sea of options.

Every manufacturer employs different manufacturing techniques and strategies based on customer needs and preferences. Going through every option can be time-consuming and mentally draining. So, the best way to narrow down the options is by only considering those who are certified by the state to work with sandstone patios.

Another factor you need to keep in mind is that natural stones like sandstones are quite heavy. You might not be able to transport them from the manufacturing facility to your house. So, either you will need multiple helping hands or pay the supplier to deliver them to your house.

Once you have narrowed down the options, you should either personally visit the manufacturing facilities or interview them over the phone. Ask them to share their portfolios, which will give you a better understanding of their expertise and skills. Finally, pick the option that offers the best package in terms of experience and price.

You will need to go through this process when you want to build any outdoor structure like a patio, outdoor fireplace, or an outdoor kitchen. You can also take help from the contractor of the project to know which supplier is reliable. For instance, if you’re building an outdoor kitchen, contact an outdoor kitchen contractor Long Island for advice.

Marking The Area

Now that the supplier is out of the way, you will need to mark the area to determine what size and number of sandstone pavers you need. This step requires a lot of precision and patience so don’t rush the process. Although, the patio can be almost any free space outside the house but when it comes to using sandstone, you will have to be a bit decisive.

Once you have selected the area, you should use a spray to mark it down. This is a relatively easier method if your patio has a lot of curves. But, if you are willing to spend some time and money, you should use grade stakes.

Digging Out

Next comes the hardest part of the entire process. Before the pavers or stones can be installed, you will need to clear the area of any obstacles like trees, shrubs, etc. For this, you will need to dig them out along with the area for the pavers to go in. You will need to dig out at least 8 inches of topsoil to accommodate the base, which will prove to be a solid foundation for the patio.

Keep in mind that everything organic will need to go as they will create cavities down the road that will create problems for you. Moreover, use a measuring tape to prevent digging too dig. This will ensure your home is both level and good.

Laying The Base Materials

At the base, you will want a 3–5-inch bed of screening. Experts tend to use crushed concrete, limestone, or crushed shells as screening to create a firm foundation and let the water through. Natural stones tend to fight moisture and water, which makes them a perfect option for base materials.

Before laying down the base, you should make sure to water down and moisten the area. Then, place a layer base material on it. You can use a hand temper for it. Wet the layer then tamp it again.

Applying Sand Bedding

Once you have a solid base, you can lay down sand bedding. It serves as a strata between the base and the pavers and provides a cushion. Additionally, it also fills up small gaps and gives you an even surface.

Always choose sand bedding that carries certifications and has been tested for different conditions. Then, pour around half an inch of sand on the base and make it smooth.

Laying The Pavers

Finally, it comes down to laying the pavers using a straight edge while ensuring the stones nearly touch each other with a bit of sand between them. Ensure even height. If you observe there is depression underneath the pavers, you should add more sand.

And, if you find some pavers a little higher than the others, simply stand on them or remove some sand.

Placing The Restraining Edge

In the end, it comes down to your pavers laid out and trimmed to smoothen out the edges and ensure a perfect fit. Next, you are going to use a restraining edge to anchor the pavers in place. These are long strips that are made of plastic, steel, or other materials to keep the stones from sliding apart.

These strips can be bent or cut to accommodate curving paths. This step is important as the sand underneath the pavers can shift and cause the gaps to widen between them. Having pavers installed will ensure they remain in place for a while.

Conclusion

Building a sandstone patio requires an understanding of the entire process. Although you should hire an expert patio contractor Long Island to do it, it is equally important for you to be familiar with the process as well. Fortunately, the detailed steps discussed above offer every detail you need to get your patio going.