Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

[Drowned Rat]

Hi guys. I'm going to build a flagstone patio in the back yard myself and I was hoping for some hints to make life easier. This patio will extend off an existing concrete patio and will cover about 250 sq. feet. I've researched the subject and feel pretty good about it, but I'm not sure how I'm going to excavate the sod and soil in a timely manner. Is there a power tool I can rent from the Home Depot that will help? The only thing I can think of is a trencher or maybe a tiller to break up the soil so I can remove it. I need to dig down about 6 to 8 inches. A daunting task with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Any other tips you guys have would be greatly appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Check at your local rental center for a sod cutter. It's like a push mower, but instead of mowing it will undercut the sod, then you roll it up into the rolls like it was deliverd to you.<br /><br />Matt

 

[ob]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

If you don't plan on saving the sod for use elsewhere ,the roto tiller wil make the digout job easier.Too bad you don't have a few eager young lads that would do the work for a few bucks.Far and few between these days.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Bobcat is by far the fastest way to move the soil. And put it and other materials where you want it. This is if you can get it to where you need to use it....

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Thanks for the help guys. <br /><br />Matt, I hadn't thought of that. I don't plan on saving the sod, but it still could work. I'm not sure how that machine works. After I skin off the sod, could I run it over the ground again to pull up dirt?<br /><br />ob, After thinking about it, I will follow your advice and hire some folks to help dig. I'm afraid the tiller would disturb too much of the soil and then I would have settling problems after the job is complete.<br /><br />Rick, Agree on the Bobcat, but the rest of the yard landscaping is too fragile. I'd spend more time fixing the damage caused by the Bobcat than I would save by using it.

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

I don't see why not as long as the ground isn't too rocky. I should state that I've never used one but my landscaper buddy uses them all the time. I'll ask him what he thinks.<br /><br />By the way, what this wetish stuff falling from the sky?!? My 13 week old Golden pup is really freakin out!!

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

I heard on the news they call it rain. It's snowing in Cave Creek just north of here, and the McDowell's are covered in snow too. Amazing!<br />My Border Collie, GA born and raised, is loving it. My prima dona Viszla is also freaking out.

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

DR-<br />Spoke to my landscaper buddy and he said if it were him we would use the sod cutter for the grass and then a flat shovel and wheelbarrow to get to the grade your looking for.<br /><br />We're looking at doing something with flagstone in our courtyard entrance - make sure to post pics of your progress!!<br /><br />Hope this helps,<br />Matt

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

We're digging as I type. I will definitely post some pics. 675 square feet. Originally thought it was going to be about 300 feet.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Okay. Here are a few before (in progress) pics.<br /><br />My yard before the digging started.

<br /><br />After the digging started.

<br /><br />Should I be worried?!?

 

[Ron G]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Not as long as there legal You got a beatiful yard looking forward to seeing the finish product.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Don't ask, don't tell.

 

[hatetobewrong]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Wow. That's going to look great.<br /><br />Agreed. Real nice property. Awful big lot for the valley. I'm jealous.

 

[ob]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Nice place DR!!Beautiful scaping.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Hey thanks guys. Appreciate the help too. We're about halfway there. Should be done by the middle of next week.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Well I'm finally finished with the patio project. It took about 3 weeks, 24 tons of sand and gravel, 8 tons of flagstone, 8 trips to the dump with the excavated material. A little over 800 square feet and $6 G's later, it's over! <br /><br />All I can say now is never again. Although, this is my 3rd last landscaping project so I don't seem to learn. Anyway, here it is.<br /><br />This is the main patio with a smaller one in the background.<br />

<br /><br /><br />With some left over stone, I made some steps and a small sitting area at the back of the yard.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Notice the small fire pit. There's a nice mountain view from here.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Now I just have to let the lawn heal and we're ready to go for Summer!

 

[JRJ]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Real nice, congrats

 

[beezee28]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

That is really nice. In total how many hours did you put into it? Congratulations.

 

[RPJS]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

Great Job DR. <br /><br />How did you find time for that and still be at the trivia every week. <br /><br />Note to self: When planning USA trip must call in on DR for BBQ.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Flagstone Patio **FINISHED**

WOW, that's awsome!