Step 6: Put Down the Base

put down the base
Photo: Wendell T. Webber
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A patio is only as sturdy as the layers beneath it. Even in a natural design like this one, a sturdy base that drains well will prevent stone edges from popping up and creating a tripping hazard.

Fill the excavated area with 3 inches of paver base. Using a hand tamper or compactor, pack the base, keeping it graded to the slope of the mason's lines. Continue laying 3-inch layers of base and tamping it until the surface measures 2½ inches below the desired finished patio height.
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    More in Yard & Garden

    Tools List

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    • angle grinder
      grinder
    • brick hammer
      brick hammer
    • mason's chisel and maul
      mason's chisel and maul
    • square spade
      spade
    • pointed shovel
      shovel
    • bubble level
      line level
    • tamper
      hand tamper or compactor (rents for about $85 a day)
    • metal garden rake
      garden rake
    • mallet
      rubber mallet
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level
    • push broom
      push broom
    • hand trowel
      garden spade

    Shopping List

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    1. 1½-inch Broken Bluestone Sold in stone yards by the ton; 1½ tons cover about 100 square feet with wide joints. Choose an assortment of small and large stones of varying shapes. If possible, lay the stones out at the yard so that you know you have what you need.

    2. Stakes and Mason's line to lay out the pitch of the patio and keep the stones level.3. Paver Base A mixture of ¾-inch gravel and stone dust. One yard covers 108 square feet 3 inches deep.

    4. Leveling Sand One yard covers 324 square feet 1 inch deep.

    5. Moss Sold by the square foot. Buy enough to cover one-fifth of the area of the patio.