Whatever type you choose for your flagstone paver patio must be at least 2 inches thick to avoid cracking or breaking. A ton of stone covers about 120 square feet; order 5 percent more for breakage. Large stones cover a surface more quickly than smaller pieces but may prove harder to move, cut, and design. Unlike ceramic tile, you can set flagstone in a sand base. A mortared installation, however, will give you years of maintenance-free use of your flagstone paver patio. A mortared patio requires a slab to provide a solid base. Cleft stone installations require an exterior mortar, generally Type M (which has high compressive strength) or Type S (high lateral strength). Yardstick Shovel Crushed limestone or gravel Tamper Builder’s sand Rake Edging Utility knife or saw 10-inch metal spikes Flagstones, pavers, or bricks Polymer sand (optional) Note: Wear safety goggles and use a sledgehammer when removing the old patio. Small sledgehammer Brick set Carpenter’s pencil Mason’s trowel Rubber mallet Mortar box Sponge Shovel Mortar bag Height gauge Flagstone Mortar 2x lumber To cut the stones:
