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are as even and as level as possible. Remove or add sand as necessary, ensuring the stone is stable.

11. To fit rocks along a frame, or to enable the stone to fit closer to an adjacent stone, score the top surface of the rock deeply with the rock saw and approximate the same mark on the bottom. Strike the rock on the underside cut line. The rock will snap on the cut, leaving a relatively straight edge. Fit and bed the stones as required. Don't forget to wear safety goggles as you chip off any sharp edges with the mason's hammer.

12. For a random, frame-free installation without edging or form, fit the stone slightly past the bedding sand, carving away the sod and soil as necessary using the trowel or shovel as required. Add bedding sand, pack it hard, and bed the stone. If it fits imperfectly, pack soil around the edge of the stone. Add grass seed or allow the grass to fill in any blank spots naturally.

13. If you are installing sandstone, or other soft stones such as limestone, consider sealing the surface with a sealer to prevent staining by grease and other spilled materials.

14. Fill all spaces between the stones with sand. Wash the sand in with water and compact it as much as possible. Wash additional sand in, or add sand as necessary if any stones are found to be unstable.

Now that you have a natural stone patio, maybe you would like to build a nice natural stone walkway, too, and you may even be tempted to build a little Stonehenge for a focal point. Your friends might just want you to hurry up and dig out the barbecue and hamburgers instead.

Learn more about this author, Raymond Alexander Kukkee.
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