Don’t use mortar.
Spread a level, smooth bed of clean sand and lay the flagstone on it, in the desired pattern. Level each stone wuth a rubber mallet, so there are no high and low stones which would create tripping points. Then spread more sand over the stones and brush it around with a coarse broom, so it fills the cracks between the stones.
Enjoy.
I agree with Fred W as using mortar would be a waste of time and money as this process deems as much preparation as a paved or concrete driveway to get it right.
You can actually lay flagstone upon a poured concrete base such as patio. The bad side to this is that in certain parts of the country the freeze/thaw cycles can really cause the mortar to flake and chip away between the stones.
Have you thought about just building the flagstone walkway upon a sand base and then upon completion using Sand Loc to help make it more durable. You can pour this material on top of the flagstone walkway after construction, and then broom it into the cracks. After this water down the walkway with a low pressure water and it will help solidfy the walkway. This is not a no hassle way of course as flagstone does require maintenance to maintain its look.
Comment by missourilandarchitect — April 27, 2010 @ 12:31 am
Don’t use mortar.
Spread a level, smooth bed of clean sand and lay the flagstone on it, in the desired pattern. Level each stone wuth a rubber mallet, so there are no high and low stones which would create tripping points. Then spread more sand over the stones and brush it around with a coarse broom, so it fills the cracks between the stones.
Enjoy.
Comment by Fred W — April 26, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
I agree with Fred W as using mortar would be a waste of time and money as this process deems as much preparation as a paved or concrete driveway to get it right.
Comment by extitude — April 26, 2010 @ 11:02 pm
I agree with both answers, Also put some ground cover in the cracks of the flagstone. Like blue star creeper
Comment by Gordy M — April 26, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
You can actually lay flagstone upon a poured concrete base such as patio. The bad side to this is that in certain parts of the country the freeze/thaw cycles can really cause the mortar to flake and chip away between the stones.
Have you thought about just building the flagstone walkway upon a sand base and then upon completion using Sand Loc to help make it more durable. You can pour this material on top of the flagstone walkway after construction, and then broom it into the cracks. After this water down the walkway with a low pressure water and it will help solidfy the walkway. This is not a no hassle way of course as flagstone does require maintenance to maintain its look.
Comment by missourilandarchitect — April 27, 2010 @ 12:31 am