What is a dry set patio?

Dry set or dry laid patios require a gravel base for drainage, and either a stone dust or sand layer to help ensure the top stones or pavers are level. The joints are then filled with stone dust, sand, pea gravel, or polymeric sand.

How do you dry set pavers?

The dry-lay installation method involves laying pavers on a base of tightly compacted gravel aggregate and a layer of bedding sand. The process is simple: the patio stones are laid “dry” on the gravel and a jointing sand is used to fill in the joints.

How long does flagstone take to dry?

Limit heavy traffic on newly sealed surface. Allow 72 hours cure time before exposed to moisture, contaminants and vehicular traffic, as sealer will continue to cure and harden for 10-14 days. 5.

What is dry-laid flagstone?

Dry-laid flagstone simply means that the flagstone pieces are placed on a bed of sand and gravel. It is recommended that a patio or walkway base be at least 3” deep, then filled with a layer of compacted gravel covered with coarse sand.

How thick should a flagstone patio be?

The stones should be at least 1 1/2 inches thick for strength; 2 inches thick is better. Note that “flagstone” merely describes the stones’ wide, flat shape; flagstone comes in many different types of stone.

Can I put dry mortar between pavers?

A 4- to 6-inch-thick concrete slab is suitable as a base for pavers, which can be laid directly onto the wet concrete so they are held in place when it dries. Mortar also can be used in the joints between pavers, just like grout is used between tiles.

What should I put under my flagstone patio?

Place the stones as close together as desired. You will fill the gaps later with sand, gravel, or even soil and grass or other plants. Vary the size, shape, and coloring of stones for a random pattern, which looks most natural. Level each stone, as needed, by adding or removing DG underneath the stone.

What’s the best thickness for a dry set flagstone?

For dry setting, use 1 ½”. For wet setting, either thickness is acceptable as there is no variation in thickness to be absorbed in the mortar bed. If you use 1” bluestone flagstone in a dry set project, you risk having the material crack or break over time.

Do you need a foundation for a dry set stone patio?

Dry construction is much easier for do-it-yourselfers because you can build directly on the ground, while mortared stone requires a concrete slab foundation to prevent cracking in the mortar. For a lasting installation, a dry-set stone patio does need a foundation, though.

Can you use bluestone flagstone in dry set?

If you use 1” bluestone flagstone in a dry set project, you risk having the material crack or break over time. If you are doing the project yourself and wish to avoid the weight of 1 ½” material, you can accept this risk and replace broken pieces later as necessary.