Can you lay natural (raw) stone outside for an outdoor living area and how would you do it?

I don't like manufactured stone and would like to use flat stones I have found for outside flooring in a garden- to put furniture on. What would I use to lay the stone/ how would I go about doing this?

Can you lay natural (raw) stone outside for an outdoor living area and how would you do it?
yes natural stone will work well and look grate. to start mark out the area you will lay the stone, level it out as best you can. if close to the house ,grade it so water will run away from the house.lay down a base of coarse sand.level it out and moisten it with a garden hose fine spray,then tamp it down to settle it in good. start laying your stones down make sure you level each stone to the one next to it.when all the stones are down spread sand over the whole area.with a broom sweep the sand into the spaces between the stones, when done spray the area once more to settle in the sand..and your done.let it dry and if needed add more sand to fill in any spaces
Reply:Q do you have to dig down and how much is in your budget and will you be doing it ?


if you have to dig down you will have to bring in sand and alot of it . you will lay the stones like you will a swimming pool . using the sand to level the surface as each stone will need a bit more or a bit less . then wen you have them all laid out you will need to fill in between the stones . but if you can avoid digging out and your yard is nice and flat you can lay some cheep paneling out then lay the stones then take some mortar and sweep it into the cracks and pound it in well then let the rain or a sprinkler do the rest . you will want to border the area with 2/4 so you will have a nice edge . but if you want it round you can use some of the paneling and some re barb to hold it in place you can buy it pre cut . but the paneling will work as both a grass stopper and give a solid place so that the stones will not sink . and just a thought but have you seen the lights that go in the ground with the thick plexy glass top that will make a good liting mixed in the stones

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