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hammer ( A hammer with a flattened pick on one end) to chip rocks
Framing materials (if desired) Framing may be dimensioned lumber such as 2x4's, framing timbers, or other selected commercial edging materials. If you wish to install a masonry edging, remember that in areas of severe frost penetration, you will require a steel reinforced concrete footing to prevent cracking and failure.

A screed. (Build one yourself as required)

Let's build the Patio!

1. Outline the approximate area with pickets and a line to visualize how the patio will look. Reorient it as necessary. Take your time, it's easier to change it now than later.

2. If you are installing framing, decide upon the measurements and establish the perimeter.

3. Excavate the site. Remove the grass or sod first, and donate it to someone that needs it, fill in holes, or build up other areas that need improvement.

4. Depending upon the average thickness of the natural stones selected, or to the depth of the framing chosen. Excavate sufficiently to allow a 3" layer of sand underneath the rocks when bedded in the sand. For instance, if your rocks are 2" thick, excavate the site to a depth of 5".

5. Install the framing level and square if applicable, and secure it to pickets driven into the earth on the outside of the frame. Ensure the top of the stakes are lower than the surrounding ground surface.

6. Install a fitted piece of dense ground fabric or black plastic to prevent emergence of weeds or tree sprouts.

7. Fill the excavation with sand to within 2" of the surface if your rock is 2" thick, or to within 1" if your rock is 1" thick. Level the sand roughly with a rake, and if using a frame and your selected natural stone is uniformly thick, build a screed and use it to level the sand perfectly. Notch out a 2x4 on both ends to allow the remaining "belly" to hang down to the depth required. Drag the screed across the sand, leveling it.

8. Pack the sand tightly, watering it to assist with the packing. Add sand as necessary and screed again. Repeat several times if necessary. The more the sand is packed, the less it will settle in the future.

9. Lay out stones selectively. For a random pattern, do vary the sizes and colours if applicable for the appearance you prefer. Allow a minimum of 1/4 or 3/8" between rocks. The space will be filled with compacted sand.

10. Bed the stones individually if they are different of different thickness, tapping them soundly into the sand with a rubber mallet. Ensure the tops of the stones

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