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Bluestone Landing for a Historic Home From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-212

(Continued from page 2)

	Figure I
	Figure J
	Figure K

Setting the Stone

Dean and Derek use three different sizes of tumbled bluestone pavers to create this landing. They alternate shapes in a random pattern and set the first row all the way across (figure I). You should use one of your squaring lines as a guideline to set from and keep your paver line straight.

As you work (figures J and K), keep the pavers flush against each other, using a rubber mallet to keep the pavers in line. Once the first row is done, use it to stand on as you set the others. While you work, make sure your sand base is smooth and level. If not, even it out with your trowel before setting stone on top. Avoid setting the stones with continuous joints. You don't want a row of stones with the same height. Mix and match the sizes. Also, avoid making cross joints. The space between a set of four stones should not create a "cross" shape. If this happens, replace a stone with one of a different size.

If your stones get out of square, or are laid unevenly, use your rubber mallet to tap them back into place. Once you are done laying all of your stones, look it over to make sure your joints are uniform. If they are not, use your trowel to ease them into an even shape.

Rock Solid Tip: Stack your stone by size before working. That way while you are working, if you need a specific size, you'll know exactly where it is.

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Figure L

Yet Another Rock Solid Tip: As you work, play around with the size of your stones. Step back every now and then to check your work. It's all about getting the right mixture of shape and color. To help in this process, make sure you have ordered equal amounts of each rock size.

Cutting and Curving

• Derek and Dean are curving the stone landing to match the curved stone wall framing it. A 14-inch planting bed will stand between the edge of the landing and the stone wall to help with drainage (figure L).
  

• First trace the new curving edge onto the stones using a pencil, a measuring tape, and your snap edging as a guide. Be sure to cut the back of your snap edging so it will curve (figure M), trace the curve (figure N). You are now ready to cut.

  Figure M

  Figure N

  
  

• Satety Alert: When cutting stone with a grinder, be certain to wear a dust mask and eye protection.

• Using a 4-1/2 inch grinder and diamond wheel, score the line you've traced (figures O and P). You should score a line that's about half the thickness of the stone.

  Figure O

  Figure P

  
  

  	Figure Q
  	Figure R
  	Figure S
  	Figure T

• After making the cuts, use your stone hammer to gently tap along the scored line and finish the break (figure Q). Remove the cutoff pieces and smooth the exposed edges with a stone hammer or the cutoff stone edge to give them a tumbled look.

• Once you've gotten the final shape of the landing, secure that shape with the snap edging. Place the snap edging tightly against the landing, and then secure the snap edging with 12 inch landscape spikes.

• With the snap edging in place, drive the stone into the sand base with the compacter. Make sure your surface is clean before you tamp your landing. Also, check the bottom of your tamper and make sure it is clean. Use a hose or wet rag to remove any dirt.

• Start tamping from the outside (figure R), work your way in, and repeat this process three times.

• Dean and Derek finish off the landing by filling in the joints with remaining sand. Spread the sand evenly into the joints with a broom (figure S), then wet the sand with a hose so the sand packs into the joints. Spraying off the surface with clean water will also clean dust, grime and dirt off of the new landing.

• Repeat this process a few times until the sand is flush with the joints (figure T).
  

  Finis.

With the loam in place, they wet the patio down thoroughly one last time. With that step finished, the bluestone patio is complete.

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