Create Stone Patio Designs

In planning do it yourself stone patio designs, the first step you need to take is to determine what type of stone and what size.

Even for a patio, you can use the larger stepping stones, but while flagstone patio designs are popular in their own right, it is more common to use a cobblestone or patio pavers with patio paver designs, which are usually more uniform in shape and size, making it easier to lay in unison.

There are endless varieties of colors, shapes and sizes of paver stones, so this is often a good choice to go with for more options when it comes to creating stone patio designs.

Once you have determined the type of stone you will use and the quantity necessary from the supplier or hardware store, it is extremely important to determine the design you will use on the stone patio before you get started. You will not be successful at laying the stones yourself if you wait until you are in the middle of the project to determine how you want them laid. There are a variety of design books, landscaping magazines and online tools that can help you with patio design ideas.

The steps you need to take to create your stone patio design, is as follows:

1. Excavate the area, to between 2 ½ and 4 inches deep. How deep you excavate will depend on how thick the stones are and will also depend on how much slope you need to consider in the patio design. Also make sure to consider where you will place all of the extra soil and dirt once it is removed from the design area. You may want to create a frame out of 2 by 4s, to allow you to stay within your desired area, if your excavated area is not that deep.

2. Compact the excavated area. It is necessary to completely smooth out the area to ensure that there will not be any unevenness in your design.

3. You will likely be using compacted sand for your base material and will need at least 1 inch to cover the entire excavated area. Pour the base and use a 2 by 4 to even out the base material. Remember if you are using sand, you will need to dampen the sand before placing it in the excavated area, to allow for easily laying the stones. Be sure to place at least 1 inch of material before moving on to the stones. You may need more base material if you live in a cold climate area.

4. Although it is the most simple of instructions, placing the stones will be the most time consuming, as it is important to place them evenly so that you will not have to go back and fix them at a later date.

5. After all the stones have been placed correctly, it is important to restrain them around the perimeter before compacting the stones. Most experts will recommend an aluminum or plastic edging to help in maintaining the stones in bad weather.

6. The next step is compact the stones. In order to properly compact the stones, it is suggested to use a vibrating plate compactor for the best results.

7. The final step will be to pour the remaining cracks with sand. Almost all patio designers will suggest using irregular sharp sand, which helps to create an interlocking action between the stones. It will help to keep the stones from coming loose. Be sure to fill the joints to the top.

8. Compact the stones again after adding the sand. If necessary spray down the stones to clean up and your stone patio design is complete!

Care For Granite Countertops,Natural Stone Floors, and Surfaces

The two most important things that you can do to care for granite countertops, stone flooring, or any natural stone surface are:

1. Remove any dust, grit, and sand from the stone's surface.
2. Clean up accidental spills as soon as possible.



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Marble, Limestone, and Travertine Floor Care

Protect your natural stone floors near entry ways with non slip mats or area rugs. This helps to remove any loose dirt or sand from shoes.

Frequent dust mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping of your natural stone floors will prevent the accumulation of grit and grime. This will also slow the rate of deterioration caused by foot traffic grinding in dirt, sand, or grit.

Wet mop using a mild vegetable soap and water solution OR a stone cleaner made especially for stone. Many qualified stone technicians believe that damp mopping with clear water EVERY day to clean soiled areas is all that is necessary to keep your stone floor clean. Most often, the floor will be damp mopped less frequently and a soap and water or stone cleanser should be used.

Quick daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings. How often you deep clean your stone will depend on the usage. Having children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning. This is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.



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Care For Granite & Natural Stone Countertops

Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of the stone. Beverages such as coke and orange juice contain acidic materials that when in contact with calcium based stones (marble, limestone, travertine, and onyx) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your stone, it just loses its finish in the area of contact.

Use coasters or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for calcareous natural stones such as marble, onyx, and travertine.

Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish.

Daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.



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The DON'TS of Natural Stone Care
DON"T use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids on your stone.
DON'T use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
DON'T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
DON'T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

The cleaning products you use should only be strong enough to do the required task and no more.

AND, always call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat yourself.