You are here:

Construction & Contractors/Bluestone patio thickness

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/11/2008


Question
Hello.  I am going to replace a wooden deck with a 300 sq.ft. bluestone patio
set in either stone dust or sand.  I have an opportunity to purchase about 400
sq.ft of irregular "lilac" bluestone, measuring between 3/4" to 1 1/4" rather
cheap (approx. $1.50 sq.ft.).  Most appears to be about 1".  Is this thick
enough for a patio?  I live in NW PA, so freeze/thaw cycle is an issue.  I'd
rather not create a constant maintenance issue if its going to heave often.   
Also, I am assuming the "lilac" simply refers to color, and not any indicator of
quality.  Thanks.  

Answer
Sorry for the delay, i just returned from a business trip. If you wish to set stone in sand or stone dust rather than over a concrete pad using mortar set, then you must use thicker pavers. I suggest 2-1/2" thick. This will provide enough support for foot traffic and keep the pavers from breaking or moving. You can use the thinner pavers in a mud set application over concrete.
I hope this helps.
Tad Dixon

Construction & Contractors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Torin Dixon

Expertise

Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration

Experience

I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products

Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association

Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT

Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.