Installation Series: How to Wet Lay Natural Stone Pavers or Flagstone

Installation Series: How to Wet Lay Natural Stone Pavers or Flagstone
STONEarch
June 24, 2021
Installation Series: How to Wet Lay Natural Stone Pavers or Flagstone

When planning to update your landscaping, the best material you can choose is STONEarch natural stone pavers. Our collection of flagstone is durable, long-lasting, and can enhance the appearance of your space naturally. When incorporating your walkway or patio with the timeless elegance of natural stones, one of the decisions you have to make is the installation method that will work best with it.

You can install natural stone pavers or flagstones using the following methods:

  • Wet laying natural stone pavers
  • Dry lay or granular base for natural flagstone pavers

Each option can take your project from something just nice to truly remarkable and special. In this article, you will learn some key steps on how to wet lay natural stone pavers or flagstones. Keep me mind, the information here is purely directional and we recommend consulting with expert installers to assess your specific project’s site conditions and applications to provide the right guidance for your project.

What Is A Wet Lay Installation for Natural Stone?

Simply put, a lay is what your paving stones will sit on and how they are joined together. A wet lay installation is often used for stone patios. This method of installation is where natural stone pavers or flagstones are laid on a mortared surface or concrete slab. Then, they are mortared together, providing you with a luxurious, smooth, clean, and even look.

A wet-lay installation can last for many years when correctly planned and installed. Moreover, it is extremely durable, making it a permanent installation. But aesthetics aside, it’s also a practical option since it will not cave under heavy loads and pressure. On top of that, its maintenance is minimal, given you seal the surface periodically.

Natural Stone Steps Brown
STONEarch Brown

Wet Lay Installation of STONEarch Natural Stone Pavers or Flagstone

Mortared Installation

Mortar bed installation involves either directly applying wet mortar to an existing concrete slab or on a subbase of compacted sand and gravel. The stones are laid on a bed of mortar. Next, joints are filled using additional mortar, colored grout, or sand.

Step 1: Layout the area for your walkway or patio. When done, excavate the soil.

Step 2: Install and compact your granular base. Form a concrete slab with a thickness of about 4 to 6 inches. Next, pour the concrete, smooth it out, and let it cure.

Step 3: Pour mortar into a bucket or wheelbarrow, add water slowly, and mix thoroughly. Your water should be just enough for the mortar to form a ball. Apply 1 to 2 inches mortar bed over the cured concrete.

Step 4: Butter up the back of your STONEarch flagstone or natural paver by applying some mortar to it. Lay your first stone carefully into place, starting in one small corner area of your walkway or patio. Check and ensure the gaps between them are as equal as possible.

Step 5: Firmly embed the stone in the mortar by tapping its surface using a rubber mallet.

Step 6: Apply some mortar to the sides of the stone you just installed. Make sure you don’t get the mixture on the top surface. Next, set another stone paver alongside the first one. Push them tightly together so that the mortar of the first flagstone holds them together. Continue with this process, laying your STONEarch stones, one flagstone at a time.

If there are irregular spaces, use smaller stones to fit in the space. If this is not possible, you may cut your natural stone pavers to make them fit.

Step 7: Once you’re done wet laying all your stones, sweep sand in between the joints of the pavers. You can use either polymeric or dry sand, whichever you prefer.

Bonus: Design Tips

STONEarch Silver Antique Porcea Greige 1
STONEarch Silver Antique and Porcea Greige

STONEarch natural stones are available in a wider range of sizes, colours, and textures. That means our products can easily make your outdoor area stand out.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind on your next project:

  • To achieve a striking yet clean look, consider matching natural stones with porcelain pavers. A good example is the combination of STONEarch Silver Antique and Porcea Greige by Porcea Stone.
  • If you’re aiming for a distinctive, finished appearance, use different textures or colours for inlays, borders, and other style accents.
  • When you want to incorporate sophistication to your modern patio, consider mixing and matching three or even four various sizes or pavers. This will give your space a more random appearance similar to that of a traditional flagstone patio.

Do not be afraid to get creative when designing the landscaping of your home. This is especially true now that you know how to wet lay natural stone pavers or flagstone. And for high-quality, premium paving stones, our expert team is just an email and phone call away. So do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries. You can also visit us on-site to see our products up close. Our staff is more than happy to help you along the way.

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