Build Slate Patio in Easy Steps

Patio is a wonderful place in home that gives home a freshness and a space. You can have a fun family time there so make it as presentable and comfortable as possible. Do not use the stone and accessories that needs very frequent and regular maintenance. In spite of this you can use hard and sturdy stones for flooring that is very easy to maintain. Exceptionally well and water acid resistant slate stone is the remarkable choice for this.
Material Required for Slate Patio

• Sand
• Slate tiles
• Stamper
• Shovel
• Spade
• Level
• Measuring tape
• String
• Stakes
• Wood: 8-feet long and 2-inches thick
• Landscaper's fabric
• Saw
• Hammer
• Nails

Steps to Build Slate Patio
First of all you will have to select the area where you want to install the slate stone. Clear this part from weeds, rocks, debris and other unwanted material.

Measure the area and check out how many slate tiles are required to cover the said part.

Take spade and loosen the soil. Plough at least 4 inches deep soil and tamp down the soil after this.

Use leveler to level the soil. Leveling is very important part so do it properly.

Again make the excavated area wet with water and tamp it further down and then lay landscaper's fabric above that.

To create a perimeter frame, screw the boards together to make a perimeter frame and set this frame right onto place. Make sure to level it perfectly.

Mix the inside loosen soil with sand. Put about 3 in of sand inside and then compact it with the help of hand tamper. Hand tamper has a long handle and a flat metal base that is used for tamping. You can get this on rent that is somewhere between $8 to $10 per day.

Take the lumber and nail them together and place this form on excavated area. Make sure that lumber form is placed correctly on the excavated area and it is leveled properly. This completes the groundwork.

Take rubber spacers and slate tiles and start from the corner. If you have made the border then leave the border space and start from the actual patio are.

First put some grout on the bottom and use leveler to level it. Lay the slate tile and place rubber space and then another slate tile. In this way lay all the tiles. Now do the same thing with border tiles. Keep the space between tiles even as this will enhance the overall look.

Add grout in the spaces between the tiles. Do this properly. Do not wipe any excessive grout over the tile after this but let it dry. It will take a day or so for drying.

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How to Take Care of Your Slate Patio

Slate refers to he hard natural stone which is formed on the metamorphism of clay and shale under low pressure. Since it carries beautiful colors and advantageous characteristics like being non-porous and easy to maintain, slate has invariably become a preferred choice among people for decorating patios etc. Slate patios call for a considerable amount of money during installation and one has to be really careful about taking its proper care and maintenance. All one need to do is put a little efforts towards the cleaning and care of your slate patio and your slate patio would last for quite a number of years to come. Here are few tips which can help you maintain it properly:

Tip 1
To safeguard the slate tiles, it is wise to seal the patio with a penetrating sealer. Sealing the patio with a sealer would help in preventing water from penetrating into the tile. Though, this also has a drawback of making the patio become slippery when wet. Hence, one has to be careful with sealed slate patios. One can easily apply the sealer personally by following the instructions on the pack.

Tip 2
The easiest way of cleaning a slate patio is hosing down the dirt, dust grime with water. Dust particles can render scratches on the slate hence, the hosing should be done in a single direction to prevent it.



Tip 3
Mix one part of bleach to ten parts of water and use this solution to clean the algae and moss from your slate patio. Dip a soft bristled brush into the solution and swipe clean the algae while making sure not to scratch the finish. Rinse off the patio with water after the activity.

Tip 4
Try to clean the accidental spills on the slate as soon as possible or else it would leave stains on the slate making it look ugly. Warm soapy water is best to use for cleaning such stains rendering your patio sparkling clean and clear.

To know more about slate crafts like slate walkways, slate coffee tables etc, click here.

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