How to lay Stone patio

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/10-things-you-must-know-about-paver-patios-pictures

Our paver area started with digging a portion of the ground out (just make sure everything is level). We marked a square with some twine and stakes. Then a layer of crushed stone, then a layer of paver sand (Quickrete Paver base), then the paver stones. I have been very happy with it and it has stayed in place for over 2 years.

Step one: Measure you area

Step two: Mark out your area and get it square (drive wood sticks in the corners; and use string and measure - to get it square look up a youtube video)

Step three; Dig out area a couple of inches deep.

Step four; Lay down a heavy weed block the size of your area and build a wood frame around the area to help with leveling.

Step five: Fill Area with a base of gravel

Step six: Fill over gravel with builders sand

Step seven: Scree area to make it level

Step eight: Water it in and let it settle

Step nine: Put more sand and Scree again

Step ten: Put block edging to keep block in place

Step eleven: Use pieces of board to kneel on or stand to not distrub the sand (this is where that wood frame comes in handy)

Step twelve: Lay the stone

Step thirteen: Pour more sand over the top and sweep it in

Depending on what stone you are using; you may also need a wet saw. If using the small square stones; be sure to measure your area accurately.

Considered pea gravel ;)

or - try growing something for the shady area like moss.

I did my sitting area out front the easy way. We took out horrible shrubs and wanted a seating area in that space between the house and sidewalk. We leveled the area somewhat by eye. We leveled as we put down the pavers using the sidewalk as the starting point. When we had all the pavers down and level we took them up a row at a time and put landscape fabric underneath so that we had one long row of fabric from start to finish. The seating area is still level and enjoyed at least three times a day weather permitting.

Make sure the area is level by digging out areas as needed. Then, lay a thin layer of gravel to form a firm base for your stones. After that, add a layer of sand for the stones to sit in. Then, add your stones on top, and fill in the gaps with more sand or small gravel.

Measure out the width and length where you want it , make sure the ground is level. I'd put some kind of tarp down under where the stone goes. It has to have a run off, the (pitch) must take the rain away. Stop in some nursery and ask, I'm sure they will be glad to help. Good Luck!

We have stones in a section of our backyard and the area was cleared and level and sand was laid down. The stones went on top and more sand was added to fill the gaps. It's been more than 12 yeas since we did this and they are still there. The only thing is we do get weeds growing between the stones but you can take care of it by killing or pulling them. Also, because we are in Florida and get lots of rain the summer, we do pressure clean them once a year.

Fill in a couple inches of sand to level the ground, place your slates & wiggle them in securely, fill in with sand, spray lightly with water to set in place.