Steps And Items Needed To Build A Slate Patio
If you want to build your own slate patio but you don't know about the procedure then you don't have to worry about this issue because you are on the right place as we will help you to build your own slate patio, you just need to collect all the tools and materials and follow the steps. Here is the list of required items and steps for this process:
Tools And Materials Needed
- Concrete Float & Rake
- Tile Spacers & Sod Cutter
- Sponge & Trowel
- Hammer & Shovel
- Bucket Of Water
- Base Rock & Stakes
- Mortar & 2x4 Boards
- Concrete & Grout
- Slate Tile
Steps For This Process
- Clear The Area: First of all, you need to clean the area by using a rake, picks, sod cutter, and shovels, remove all grass, weeds, and plants.
- Mark And Level The Area:The next thing is to mark your area and then level by using rakes and then remove any excess soil.
- Secure The Patio Frame: Next you need to use recycled forms or inexpensive 2x4s, create the frame for your patio. Secure your frame by using 1' stakes.
- Add The Base Gravel: Next you need to apply the two inches of your base rock inside of your frame & then compact your area.
- Pour The Concrete: Since the pieces of your slate will be the top layer of your slab, your concrete doesn't have to look perfect underneath. Simply pour your concrete to the top of your forms and then float (smooth out) your concrete using a floating tool or wood 2x4s. Let your concrete harden for an overnight or at least for 12 hours. Check your concrete and make sure that it is hard enough before continuing onto the next step. By using a hammer, carefully remove the forms used to frame your concrete.
- Decide On A Tile Pattern: Before securing your tiles to your concrete slab, just make sure they will fit and also decide on a pattern that will work well with your design. Now you need to place your tiles and then figure out where they will sit on your slab and the one which needs to be cut.
- Cut The Tiles To Size: Now you need to use a wet saw or tile saw in order to cut your tiles to size so they will fit easily on your slab. Slate is exceptionally delicate, so you need to buy more than you think you'll need the slate. Some will break in your work process.
- Mix The Mortar: The mortar, or the thin-set, will easily secure your slate to your concrete slab. Now you need to mix a small amount of your dry mortar with the water to the right consistency by following the instructions on your bag.
- Apply The Mortar: Start your work from the center of your slab and working to the outside edges, and then begin to apply your concrete thin-set. The best tool for your job is a trowel with 1/2" grooves. Next, you need to apply your mortar tile by tile so it doesn't dry out wholly.
- Set The Tiles: Now you need to slowly lay every piece in your chosen pattern & then you need to place plastic "X" spacers in each corner of your tile and make sure that each of your tiles is an equal distance apart and will also leave spaces for the grout. Your spacers should be 1/4" or 3/8". If you don't like to see your grout then you just need to jam pieces together.
- Apply The Tile Grout: Finally you need to remove your plastic spacers. Now you need to mix your tile grout as specified on your package. With the help of a sponge and the bucket of water within reach then you need to begin applying grout inside of your cracks. Wipe away any extra grout with the help of a damp sponge. Let it dry & give your patio overnight before walking on your surface so your tiles won't shift.