The Installation Of A Rock Patio

This blog is all about communicating effectively with your general contractor—before he or she starts work.

The Installation Of A Rock Patio

6 May 2022
 Categories: , Blog


Rocks are made up of stone and mineral matter. Flagstone, travertine, and granite are a few patio rock varieties. Your contractor will clear a spot for your new patio, install forms or stakes, and supply the rock types you prefer. 

The Rock Types

Natural rocks may contain various shades and textures that will provide a patio with veining and visual depth. Some rock products may contain a mix of natural and synthetic components. For instance, manufactured rock products may contain a smooth coating that will protect rock slabs.

Other rocks that are manufactured may contain two or more hues. Textured products may be stamped during the manufacturing process. The stamping application is often used to create lines and designs across rock slabs. Custom patio rocks can contain initials or unique design work. 

Some Considerations

Some rock categories consist of a group of rocks, each with its own distinct properties. Flagstone, for instance, is a collective term for many rock types. Each rock may possess a unique texture or color, which will set it apart from the other rock varieties that fall into the same main category. If you like a rock type that encompasses several subcategories, your contractor can explain in detail how the rocks all differ from one another.

The Installation Of A Patio

Your contractor will need to measure the plot of land where the rock slabs will go. They may need to clear this section, plus an additional portion of land that surrounds where the group of patio rocks will be installed. Some contractors may use a form or a series of stakes to create a border around where the rocks will be laid out.

Since both uniform and asymmetrical rock slabs are used to create a patio, a contractor may need to cut some rocks or use various alignment techniques, to ensure that all of the rock pieces will fit neatly within the cleared area where the patio is being installed. A sublayer may be installed within the form or stake outline. This sublayer will act as a buffer, protecting the soil that is underneath it.

The sublayer will prevent the rock slabs from shifting, once they are laid out. Sand or a grout mixture may be used to fill gaps that are located across the surface of the patio. Either product will add a contrasting color and texture to the paved surface. After the rocks have been installed, the form or series of stakes will be removed from the land.

For more information on getting patio rock, contact a local contractor. 

About Me
Communicating With Your General Contractor

Nothing is more frustrating than deciding on a construction project, only to be bombarded by a long list of problems during the construction phase. Unfortunately, if you work with the wrong person, you might become pretty familiar with issues. About five years ago, I hired one of my neighbors to renovate my bathroom. Although the mere idea sounds ridiculous now, at the time it seemed like a natural solution to a real problem. Unfortunately, as soon as he got started, I knew that he didn't know what he was doing. This blog is all about communicating effectively with your general contractor—before he or she starts work.

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