DIY Network

Front Step Revamp: Setting the Bluestone Platform From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-113

To finish the project, Dean and Derek set and joint the bluestone platform.

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	Before demolition
	The front step after Derek and Dean's revamp

Materials:

Safety glasses
Chisel
Hammer
Heavy-duty crowbar
Heavy sledge hammer
Spade shovel
Mixing hoe with holes
Wheelbarrow
Trowel
Pencil
6' Level
Rubber mallet
Grinder with diamond blade
Measuring tape
Jointers
Paint brush
String
Rebar
Mason sand
Type S cement
Cobblestones (new or used)
Bluestone treads
Multiple bluestone

• The interior part of the platform will be formed by five pieces of multiple bluestone set in a geometric pattern. Check your measurements before you set them -- you want your bluestone pieces to fit! Laying the stones out in your yard first and checking those measurements is a good way to test the size (figure A). You’re shooting for a 1/2-inch joint around each piece. If cuts are needed you can make them with a diamond blade grinder and water or have the quarries cut them for a fee.

• Place enough mortar in the base (figure B) -- it should be about 1/2 inch -- so that the bluestone pieces will be level with the treads. Adjust them with mallets until they’re where you want them. Dry fit the last stone -- and watch your fingers as you do -- the last stone is known as the ‘finger pincher’ for good reason. Add mortar and set this stone. Adjust all of the stones so that they’re level and at the same height.

Figure A

Figure B

• Once they’ve set up for a couple of hours, you can joint the platform. The mortar should easily form a ball when pressed in your palm (figure C). Dean and Derek used a ½-inch jointer for the project and firmly pressed mortar into the joints until they were slightly recessed (figure D). Follow up the jointing by brushing the joints with a paintbrush, and let them dry for about 12 hours.

Figure C

Figure D

Your new platform is ready to be enjoyed!