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A barbecue becomes a major frustration when you have only sloping ground to grill and eat from. To remedy this problem, you can build a simple patio from paving stones. You will need to prepare the ground to create a level space for the surface. From preparation to assembling the paving stones, this yard improvement project will take one weekend and you can start enjoying your yard and garden within three or four days. Instructions as follows: Firstly, choose a site for your patio. Avoid placing the patio over a septic tank water meter or other underground utility hook-up you may need to access later. If necessary, obtain a digging or building permit before starting your building project. Secondly, excavate the sod from the patio site. Use a garden spade to remove only the sod from the area and cart the soil away for another project or to fill low spots in your yard. Thirdly, check the excavated site with a level. Remove any high points in the site with the spade. Apply herbicide to the area to prevent the growth of grass and weeds in the cracks between natural stone. Fourthly, wet the excavated site with a garden hose and begin to tamp and pack the soil down, using a soil tamper. Pound the flat end of the soil tamper down against the ground several times to produce a level patio base. Check the level and adjust as necessary, by adding or removing soil. Fifthly, pour a two-inch layer of sand into the bottom of the excavated site. Smooth the sand down with a 2x4 board and check the level. Apply a sprinkling of water all over the leveled sand. Sixthly, tamp the sand down with the soil tamper, checking the level often. Allow the packed and level sand to dry overnight. Cover the sand with a plastic or canvas tarp, if necessary. Seventhly, start placing the pacing the rolling stone into one corner of the patio. Set the first stone into the corner and push it up against the edge of the excavated site. Place the level on top of the stone and use the rubber mallet to tap the paving stone level. Tap the stones down to make them flush with the ground surrounding the patio, if you want the two surfaces flush; this is not always possible with sloping ground or you may wish to avoid dirt seepage onto the patio. Eighthly, continue to place more paving stones into place one row at a time. Push the stone as close together as possible and check the level of each stone, tapping into place with the rubber mallet. Ninthly, dump a load of masonry sand on top of the patio surface and use a broom to sweep the sand into the small cracks between stones. You do not need much sand, as you have sit the stones as close together as possible. Tips & Warnings Outline the patio with a border, if desired. You may make the border from another type of stone, landscape edging or a narrow strip of sand gravel.
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