How to Build a Stone Deck
- 1). Prepare the space for building. Stone can't be laid until the entire patio area has been leveled off and prepared. A slight grade, about 5 degrees maximum, away from the house provides proper drainage, but otherwise, the site should be leveled using a shovel and wheelbarrow to remove unneeded topsoil.
- 2). Provide weed control. Thoroughly spray the ground underneath the patio with an aggressive plant killer such as Round-Up to kill any grass and weed roots or seeds that might be present in the ground. Measure and cut weed control fabric to fit the area, allowing for a couple inches of overlap. Secure the weed barrier to the ground by pounding stakes.
- 3). Lay the sand foundation. Cover the entire area to be paved in 1-1.5 inches of sand. Roughly level it across the entire site.
- 4). Map the plan for stonework. If you're using pavers, plan the pattern you intend to employ before you begin, and set lines to ensure you lay edges and each row of pavers straight. If your deck is made from natural flagstone, begin plotting a pattern to fit the stones together.
- 5). Lay stones according to plans. When you lay each stone, make sure it is level and doesn't wobble before moving to the next stone. You might need to add or remove sand underneath the stone to make it stable and level using a trowel. For fine straightening and alignment, tap stones into place using a rubber mallet.
- 6). Fill cracks. Pour or shovel sand into the gaps between stones on the patio. Tamp down the sand by walking on it, then use a broom to sweep away excess sand. Although some builders choose to grout their stonework, filling cracks with sand will allow you to reset the stones should they settle without having to break and re-grout the surface.