STONE PATIO INSTALLATION (Part 1) Mike Haduck,

[@barkershill]

So refreshing to find some KZbin vids where someone actually knows what they are talking about and can present it in a very watchable way

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Barker, Mike

[@DanielaRouge]

Splendid, just what I am doing in my courtyard now! And, of course, my luck to find my mentor. Thank you so much, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Daniela, Mike

[@shockingpinks]

Finished my first flagstone walkway here in southeast PA thanks to these videos, Mike. Client loves the outcome. Thanks for uploading!

[@T.E.P..]

All these vids have been worth waisting my time watching them, Mike. Can't thank you enough. Hope you and that music is going well.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Thor, I appreciate it, Mike

[@stevedalton9834]

Hi Mike I live in Bulgaria and have been asked to lay a stone patio in the drive carry it around to the house then build a pergola . So this video will be a great help thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks for the comment, I wish you well. mike

[@Theflagstoneexperts1]

You do really good stone work and I got some great flagstone tips for laying blue stone. Keep up the great work!! All the best, David

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, its nice to hear from professionals. mike

[@Theflagstoneexperts1]

Mike Haduck You're welcome. It looks like you have a few more years in you. My dad's 81, so he's really on his last legs. However, he'll do a small job every now and then. Keep up the great videos! By the way, would you mind if I post a couple of your videos on our site? It would help a lot of diy. You can take a look here: www.the-flagstone-experts.com/ We get about 700 people a day going there, so it could be free advertising for you. I'll make sure to mention your business!

[@MrCnAZ]

Very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing the video and your expertise.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Robert, mike

[@rusticmade]

thank you for sharing you knowledge with us Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thank you,Chris, I appreciate it, mike

[@Kupacolypse]

Love your videos, learn so much, thanks.

[@leeetchells609]

Hi Mike. I use a rubbed joint for this type of stone. I find it easy and looks good with the rustic character. I just flush mortar with trowel and then when starting to firm up give it a gentle rub with a cloth or sponge.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lee, whatever works, thanks Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

(1) I do it both ways if it is a big job I poor the concrete first but if it is sidewalks I poor them in small sections and put the stones directly in the fresh cement. (2) I don't do it but there is really no right or wrong way to do a patio as long as it is the way the customer wants it. thanks mike

[@expoundamus]

Great vid! super informative and sound was excellent. Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

first thanks for the comment, its a hard call with calculate the cement depends on the thickness and the size of the stone. I just mix a bucket at a time till I see how it goes. I always recommending starting where folks will see it less and practice. good luck mike

[@MikeHaduck]

becaue you are close I would look at it but it is way late in the year for that type of work. thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I thought I commented on that. my policy its to break the lines at least every 3 stone.. God bless. mike

[@glowluz1]

You are such a great "teacher" THANKS!

[@MikeHaduck]

only thing I could say is it is a washed sand, no mud, anything that works. thanks mike

[@miticamonoran840]

foarte frumos,si eu lucru piatra in Romania,bafta in continuare

[@MikeHaduck]

thank you, mike

[@MikeHaduck]

many times I do. thanks mike

[@andrewbochicchio57]

Hi Mr Haduck, My name is Andrew Bochicchio. I am a 25 year old with a small masonry company. I very much respect your work. Wish I lived closer to Pennsylvania I would have liked apprenticing with you sir.

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, Andrew, I wish you well with your business, mike

[@gleissonrodrigues2949]

Youre work is very good, comgratulations!

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate it. thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I always use two buckets of sand to one bucket of portland cement, and then I just keep adding water till I get the right result, sometimes the sand is wet or sometimes it is dry so, I couldn't give an exact amout, thanks for asking mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks If it possible I try it give it a 3 inch pitch, that means for ever hundred inches of stone patio it should drop almost 3 inches for water run off purposes, this reduces the small water puddles from when it rains. also cement is a time thing, the water comes to the top with portland, so you got to pad it off with the sponge and clean the stone at the right time. next day use a hose and scrub brush and the film should come right off. check our my how I install colums for more clean tips.

[@RobertsLife]

Thanks for the great info for easy to understand

[@leeetchells6372]

Mike they got this jointing compound here in England that you just brush onto the surface and it fills the joints then sets. I prefer the trowel method but for a novice it's an easy option.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lee, I know every area is different techniques, appreciate the comment, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

all depends on who your talking too. everyone got a different opinion, many times we start putting the stone on the concrete that day, and sometimes right into the concrete. all depends on the job. most small sidewalks I make my own concrete mix and set the stones in as I go.. see my how I build stone step video part 2. never had a problem either way. good luck. mike

[@morebeauty]

thanks for sharing all the great know-how! that is great.

[@marulalala4652]

Awesome video! Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mark I appreciate it , mike

[@stevetbm850]

Very helpful Mike, thanks!

[@hatzlmike1]

Mike, first as always thank you for all you teach in the nicest way...ain’t nothing fancy but no call backs.....and all the other content as well. Watch you forever and we have written back and forth. Thanks for that cordial nature. If you have time to answer.....I some how tricked a rich guy to maintain his mansion and all his rentals. The mansion is the deal....slate over poured concrete St Louis climate all exterior patios. They are all large areas that failed with mold he says. The pitch’s etc are wrong and it has been removed. It or something needs back in. Was it just wrong to use, or is it just basic install hack? I can’t imagine slate done proper failure? Or is slate bad for current modern outdoor patio “tile” over our new concrete? Thanks for everything. I have to solve this and you were the first person I thought of because all you do. 🙏

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mike, I did slate sidewalks before and haven't had a problem, as long as they are not slippery, I have seen a lot of slate patios usually near quarries where they got the stone cheap, as long as the water runs off and it's not slippery I would think its fine, thanks mike

[@hatzlmike1]

Ok Thanks Mike. I wanted to check with the best🙏 and all the rest. God Bless. Happy Thanksgiving. Have a great day.

[@michaldejdar1245]

Hi master I´m Michal from Czech rep. last 15 years living and working as brick/stone layer in Piemonte, Italy. I hardly ever post a comment, but seeing your way of doing, I must share the way I learned here from piemontese craftsmen. I find it easier, long lasting with good results (opera d´arte in italian). No hates, I love your chanel and the american ways of doing. Done this way small patios, yards, parking places: Dig out the soil an level with gritstone about 10 - 15 cm below the final level. Lay down 8mm rebar web. Then we cast concrete, not too grease, but thick and lay the veneer directly to fresh, leveling well, of course, by pressure. Lhe stone we use is called Luzerna, like the swiss moutains and city. The stone comes in radom shapes, sizes and thicknesses (from 3 to 8 cm sometimes), but it has always a finely straight surface. Grinder cuts are allowed only around borders of the total shape. Stone is worked by percussion, the less, the better. Waste stone can ´t be more than 10%, joints around 4 cm wide. Grinder cuts in the middle are a sing of poor fantasy or craftsmanship. To check the level we use short (30 - 60 cm) pieces of bar blown vertically to the ground. 1 guy mixing and casting and 2 guys laying stones is an optimal ratio. Next day the joitns: fine sand x portland 2x1 with little watter, mixed by showelling, then with a small trowel stiffed in with an aboundance above the level. material really dry and hard, the worst thing is the sudden rain in that day, it spoils all the stones. After few hours (weather) we scratch the abounace (no drying cracks) ad smoothen the joints with a metal tool (kind of "V" shaped profile). No exta watter any time. Watter + cement stains the stone and ruins your work, leaves cracks etc. The third day just sweep with a birch broom. Respect. M.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi michai, great to hear from a Czech stone mason working in Italy, I have to say they are of the best in the world, many from Italy worked here on the old building in the old days, (not many more that 150 years old around these parts) much of that art is almost lost, I got to work with a lot of Italian masons and some from Russia and Poland,,, I understand what you are saying and one thing I always preach is you always got to ask the local guys in their area what works, with our weather that would not work, our winter are killers of masonry, but I am sure where you are it works perfect,, also with much Respect, thanks for the comment, mike

[@michaldejdar1245]

thx for this gentle anwer. If you ever happen in Piedmont, let me know. I´d be gladly your guide and translator. Ciao

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks, mike

[@saltyolbroad2962]

Just video I need! My stones are coming up. Thanks to your videos, I think I missed my calling! I love working with cement! Question: my patio seems to have some parts that are compacted sand (and other parts are just cement underlay). Is this a "thing" that was done back in the day? I started cleaning out the sand; but it was deep--so I stopped and put it back in and wet it to compact it. Then I wet it, and put the portland on top of the sand and stuck the stone back on. Will this work? If not, suggestions?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Salty, a lot depends on the climate you are living in, florida I see a lot of things won't work in the north, I can't say unless I seen it, thanks Mike

[@saltyolbroad2962]

@Mike Haduck Masonry NJ, but I already did it, so Ill let ya know how it works! 😅

[@jaredjames7046]

When I do it I lay a bead around the the shape of the stone and I want it high so I tap it in place, larger stones get a blob or two so it doesn't sound hallow and gives it saport then with a small trowel I seal around it after it drys then we do the joints with a pastry bag and a tuck point. Much cleaner

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jared, , nothing wrong with that but with our weather it won’t work here, joints and bottom has to be done at same time or I will be back fixing it in two years, our family been in business over 70 years, but what you are saying will probably work in your area, thanks, mike

[@oasisonthecoast3921]

Amazing 🤩

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@hanks2567000]

good job..excellent info

[@MikeHaduck]

@sdkaelin I have a few of them. It is a bosch 1357 , but anything like it will work. the diamond blades are about 15dollars. good luck. mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I did a lot of brickwork in the 70s and then in the NJ union but I havent been getting calls for it like I do stone. but thanks for asking. mike

[@MikeHaduck]

well the our family has been in business for over 60 years, and I hope we have certainly learned from past mistakes,, but If you can send me the link of your "how to video" I am always eagar to consider a different way. God bless Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I am learning thanks for the comment. mike

[@btarvinrdh]

Contd: you mentioned something about making random "lines" every few stones, and I wanted to a) clarify that and b) what should I do/ how to handle these wide existing joint gaps...ie: do I dig out the old wood and fill these joints in with cement? (that doesn't sound right, surely there's a logical reason for these gaps..expansion and contraction) and FYI I live near Houston, tx. Very dry hot summers and occasional, brief freezing in our rather short winter season! You may need that info! Than

[@MikeHaduck]

everybody does it diffrent, If I don,t fill in at the same time when I lay it it will fall apart, this is NE Pa, freeze and thaw. over and over. I got to be doing something right if I have no call backs, thanks for the comment mike

[@joedmac78]

Im thinking of doing a walkway/ 47' × 3'. One edge is on grass the other is going to go against my driveway asphalt. I know eventually someone is likely to drive off the driveway edge. Maybe just do it in concrete? By the way great video.

[@beanballsandcake]

Hi Mike, Thanks for posting these videos. I'm in the middle of building my first flagstone walkway and your videos have been a big help. What is the circular disk you have the wet mortar resting on? Thanks again! -Gary

[@saltyolbroad2962]

Flagstone is slippery! Be aware. I had flagstone stairs and I had to remove the flagstone because they were deadly when wet!

[@picajoool]

Very nice tutorial! Have two questions: 1.) Have you poured concrete slab under the stones first or our doing this dirctly on the ground? 2.) I see a lot of people using sand for flagstones patios as a grout. Is this wrong? Thanx a lot

[@CookieZ3353]

Hopefully, this is my last question to you for my front steps resticking-the-stone-treads project. I'm working on my second level of steps--removing the 1/2" of mortar with a grinder. I've made tic-tac-toe cuts through my mortar and now I'm ready for the hard part of chiseling the mortar off. Would I damage the brick risers (they're made of brick, no concrete insets involved) if I rented one of those hammer chisels to get the mortar off quickly? Otherwise, I'm talking days of chiseling this stuff off. Looking forward to your answer.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Carolyn, I got a whole, playlist on brick step repair, and another on brick steps installation, Mike haduck, I am sure you will find a lot of different techniques and options, it's hard to say unless I was there to see it, thanks Mike

[@CookieZ3353]

@@MikeHaduck Thanks anyway!

[@NNHVAC]

Hey Mike, have you ever done a patio like this with wall stone like the wall behind you in this video? I have a bunch of it around and was thinking of splitting it and using it for a patio. Thank you!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi N, usually , I use flagstone so it is not so much a tripping hazard, but I guess you could, mike

[@NNHVAC]

Makes sense. Thanks for all your videos. I have learned a lot from you.

[@leeetchells6372]

Thing with old stone is you can be a bit rough and slap it down but somehow it still looks great !

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Lee I agree, thanks Mike

[@btarvinrdh]

2 questions mike,so I understand: 1-this is over an 'existing'concrete patio, correct? Bc that's what I'm wanting to cover-I like the look of the flagstone but I'm not too crazy about the idea of jackhammering all of that existing concrete out... 2-this patio has fairly large gaps where they separated the slabs (right now has yucky rotten wood between, which I assume I need to dig out first) I'm guessing these are 'expansion' joints...Cont'd

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Gary, the circular disk is just an old top of a 55 gallon plastic drum, you can use anything you want, good luck and thanks for the comment . mike

[@msparacino4191]

Hey mike. Do you ever use natural cleft bluestone? If so, any issues with pitch or standing water. Thanks. Videos are priceless!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks M, there is always a little with bluestone but the secret is a good pitch, thanks mike

[@samchamberlain1389]

hey mike, love your videos. ever do much bricklaying? if so have you got any videos? thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

I couldn't comment unless I seen it. but with some time I am sure you will come to the right decision. thanks for the comment , Mike

[@TheColombo83039]

mike i am sticking 2"tick stone to a inside wall first i put 3/4 ply then i put the mesh nailed it wood roof nails the stones are heavey should i use portland or morter . and can i stick it to the mesh or should i skim coate it first thanks joe

[@lynnchpin]

Don't you just love the "you should" comments? It's not like it hasn't already been overstated. Anyway, I have a similar project, 200 sq.ft. area w/ various surfaces, mostly concrete / exposed pea gravel, brick & stone paving, and smooth concrete, heights vary in respect to each area but nothing too extreme and everything is completely intact and solid. Been thinking about flagstone or sandstone with sand base layer to slope away from the house, but this portland / sand mix might be just what I need...I might even incorporate some flat brick to outline the stone. I would be trying to make up about 2 inches in the thickest part eventually getting down to maybe 1/2 inch. Would you think this method would be ideal for what I'm trying to do or would I be wasting a lot of mix to set these in the thick areas?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Joey, every situation is different and it is impossible to give advice over the internet unless I was actually there to see it. but If I read you right I have done a lot of the same type of fixes, check out the rest of my patio and sidewalk videos, they might, help, thanks mike

[@djexclusivee]

I was thrown into the deep end by one of the contractors I work for, asked me to do this with no experience. This was the final steps & Im going to look like I actually know what Im doing!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks DJ, I am sure it will work out, mike

[@shelbo241]

Hey mike, I’m laying a 500 square foot flagstone patio, you think I should get a 12 yard load of masonry sand for that job? Would that be enough, it’s going over a cement slab.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Shelby, I can’t really say, I would bring the sand as I need it, so wouldn’t be in the way, and I used to leave it on the trailer, and what was left I take home, so I never did it that way , I hope it helps, Mike

[@brenthawkins204]

I find it easier to seal the stones before i lay them. They clean up alot easier when sponging and no staining from mortar.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Brent, I heard other guys do that too, thanks Mike

[@brenthawkins204]

@@MikeHaduck Ive used natural and semi gloss and high gloss. Some darken the stone like its in the river and it gets rid of the chalky apperance. The best stuff Ive used was a 2 part. Stone glamor first then Mex seal

[@hatzlmike1]

Mike....can I make an indoor shower base like this (1part Portland 2 parts sand) on 6 foot by 6 foot area shower in with hard tap water, 4 person family home? Or should I use a different material?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mike, I have seen it done, it's a bit cold on the feet, but if it is a summer thing outside a pool or something, I don't see a problem, thanks Mike

[@SonnieScripts]

When i make cut,I like to cut the back side of the stone about half way through then snap the rest.gives for a more nature edge

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Philip, anything that works, I do it myself depending on the stone, thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks I appreciate it. Mike

[@chsapeak]

Hey mike, Love your vids. Is there any chance you do seminars? I'm getting ready to place a broken blue stone floor on my uncovered front porch which is now 8" concrete. Still a little scared about the cutting and fitting part. I've seen good and bad fits. Would really like to see or be part of a "hands on" project.

[@MikeHaduck]

howdy chsapeak, No I ain't that important to do seminars. but I always say do a practice piece on the side first and see how it comes out before you tackle the big job. I wish you well , thanks mike

[@allisondodson8382]

Hi Mike--- thanks for he great video! My husband and I are going to attempt this over the weekend. We've laid the stone, and are now ready to add the concrete. How do you calculate how much concrete to purchase and mix at once? I know it depends largely on the surface area of your stone, but it would be helpful to ballpark estimate it :) Thanks!

[@W333dm4n]

what do you do about that efflorence crap? whenever i do sandstone they come out so hazy. maybe its cuz i work too dirty and have to sponge the whole stones? but i use clean water.. some say its coming through the stones from the portand..

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Baca, I have had no problems, if there is any film the next day I usually wash it down with a scrub brush and water , I did a video called, " efflorescence, what is it?" Thanks Mike

[@PhillyRealEstateDiva]

Hello Mike, I live in the Northeast where we are subject to freezing. The current cement in my yard is uneven and cracked. Rather than pulling it up, is it ok if I put the slate pavers right on top of the existing cement? If so, what method should I use?

[@MikeHaduck]

I can't say unless I was there to actually see it. but do a little testing by yourself and give it a try, I am sure you will figure it out and it will come out great.. I wish you well , thanks mike

[@tmish969]

Mike, I have seen from your videos that you go right over concrete with any type of paver installations that you do. I believe in your work and your logic behind the work. Could you explain why you choose to do a concrete slab first? Won't the slab just crack up and cause similar cracking up in the pavers, espescially in PA? Please explain that a little if possible...thanks, Trevor

[@MikeHaduck]

after all those years in the family business I know what mostly works in my area. I make sure the pad is on gravel (like a railroad track) but there are exceptions to every rule , and because I know that it is a solid concrete base (with wire) I won''t have to worry about the flagstone top. every area in the country is different of course, It is just my way. but the gravel base is usually the big secret from having it crack up. I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@nosanoda3890]

Mike Haduck

[@cashflow3465]

Thanks Mike. Love your videos. Any advice on how to make a stone sidewalk less slippery? When my front sidewalk is wet it is surprising slippery. Searched your videos but didn't see anything. Purchased a product called "Stone grip". Tested in a back area but didn't help. Thanks in advance.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Mark, I haven’t had that problem. , usually the stone I use is course enough, don’t know what to tell you there, thanks mike

[@saltyolbroad2962]

I had a similar issue. I have read that using stone sealer with fine sand mixed in or sprinkled on top makes them less slippery but I just took the flagstone off the stairs. Flagstone is super slippery in flipflops! At least mine were!

[@williamcowans3739]

Can you only fill joints with mortar ? Is it necessary to mortal bottom of flagstone on a gravel base ?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi William, I don,t do any other way than what I show, thanks mike

[@samchamberlain1389]

whats your back like these days. i feel terrible after spending just a few days laying a patio

[@shelbo241]

You said early on in the video you use a board to make sure the stones are flat, how do you know each end of where you are setting you straight edge is the height you want? Are you inserting a pvc pipe on each end then sliding your board on top of that?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Shelby, I always do my edges first, and this patio we poured concrete first and then a year later we put the stone in but I poured the concrete with the idea that they were going to put stone on it in the future otherwise I would’ve had my expansion joints to height , So you’ll see on my other videos what I did with stone patios, but I just get a flat board to height and go to that. I hope it helps, thanks Mike

[@EdStaniszewski]

Mike i wish you went over preparing a proper base. Like how far to dig down? Then modified stone? Im in Pa. also. Isnt there some sort of adhesive to ad to the mortar to help with adherence and stop the mortar from cracking? Also what is easiest way for mixing the mortar? by hand or rent a mixer? We are building big stone patio around a big inground pool. thanks for your videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

+E Stan I do the base the same way I do on my paver patio videos, this was one of my first videos and I poured the base the year before. I am not much for additives. just Portland and sand, thanks mike

[@EdStaniszewski]

+Mike Haduck Hi Mike, what are your thoughts using 3/4" stone and stone dust for the bottom pack., tamp. Then on top of that mix Portland and sand, then lay stone. Also do you ever use the polymer sand between the joints?

[@MikeHaduck]

+E Stan I did a video on how I install stone on gravel, I can not tell folks what to do I just show them what I done. then it is food for thought, I hope it helps thanks. mike

[@tonykari5124]

Nice video. ... would the concrete between the stones last in Chicago winter ? Or would it crack eventually

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi tony, the winter will eventually get To it like anything, but ny dads patio has been there 50 years and still holding up, thanks ,mike

[@gregbrooks9546]

Mike, Where did you buy these flat irregular stones. Just the look I am looking for with making a hearth for my wood stove.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Greg, you could probably get them at any brick / stone yard or landscaping place, here it is called Pennsylvania blue stone or Flag stone, or broken flag, Thanks, mike

[@AnonyMous-br9fu]

Mike, My front door has a small concreted area, approximately 4x4 with a step that is also concrete. I have. I idea if it’s really concrete, mortar or something else. I would like add field stone on top. DO you have a DIY video for this? I have been searching and so far found nothing. Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

Check out my video how i install a stone sidewalk part4 I think that should help thanks mike

[@dirklentfer383]

Can I do that over older cement driveway (has a few cracks) ???

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Dirk, It never worked with me going over cracks, they always come thru, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

going to have to get a new one soon. lol mike

[@therios6143]

can you please let us know what materials are you doing this?

[@MikeHaduck]

everything cracks in time. I know their are old Roman roads that are still used. I figure it is how much time and money you are willing to spend to make it work. thanks for the comment. mike

[@pauli2062]

Hey Mike, great videos. Wondering how this technique holds up to PA freeze and thaw cycles? I'm considering doing something like this to my patio in NY but I'm concerned about these stones loosening up constantly. Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

I never had a problem with my techniques, as long as under the stone and the joints go in at the same time, I know everybody does it different so I would do a sample and test it over the winter to make sure you are satisfied, everything depends when it comes to summers and winters, I also show the techniques on my stone sidewalk videos ,thanks mike

[@pauli2062]

+Mike thanks for the reply Mike, I'll give it a go.

[@Goldenrod12381]

Usually they get lose.no Metter how nice you do it .the best way to it is to use 1"1/2 instead of 1"

[@saltyolbroad2962]

I have a cinderblock porch with flagstone on top--like this one but up higher. Yes. It will work. Mine is 50 years old and the flagstones are just becoming loose. So, it should do you for 50 years!

[@vilsonj.castaneda31]

Great video sir. Wish I had seen it before hiring a guy who made a mess in my backyard. He did not sponge. He didn't joint. The stone is dirty even after acid wash. Grout cracked.. Any advice?

[@MikeHaduck]

it is a hard call over the internet Vison, maybe a sample with a wire brush and water will helps, I wish you well thanks mike

[@razorburns8651]

steel wool

[@ps7462]

Do you think it would be OK to do part of the patio One day and finish it the next day?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Philip, sometimes you have to, especially large areas, I never had a problem, thanks, mike

[@ps7462]

Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

I appreciate the feedback, thanks hope it helped. mike

[@sikkinixxmc]

Mike I did a small version of this. I used 1 portland 2 sand mix and the grout lines dried gray, like the color of the portland before its even mixed. Your lines are lighter, why is this? Also, how come new curbing has such a light color? Do they add light coloring to the mix or is it less portland, or maybe a white portland? I've researched online and can not find a good explanation. Thank you

[@MikeHaduck]

I have found that every manufacture of cement comes out a different color. they grind if from the limestone at their quarries and all limestone is different, and the sand color is another factor. that would be my first guess, I stay away from colors because they only fade after a while anyway, it all depends where and how,. hope it helps. thanks miek

[@nosanoda3890]

Mike Haduck

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks for the comment, mike

[@arlenelach1996]

I laid some flag stone over lime stone screening, but would like to put concrete between the stones. Can I sweep dry concrete ready mix into the cracks and then apply a spray over the patio to set the concrete?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Arlen e, No it will make a mess and stain the stones, maybe try a sample of the pylomer sand they use on pavers, I hope it helps, or you got to do it like I did on part 2 where I patched the old, ,thanks mike

[@jdzcloud]

What is the name of the stone you use or recommend?

[@evilfalconmedia]

Mike, you should have your own TV show instead of these Yard Crasher DIY Network/HGTV jokers. Helpful advice for projects that are built to last.

[@cpoul]

2 parts sand, 1 part portland...with regard to water what consistency do we want? ty

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Vintage, I would say whatever it takes, if it is too wet the stones sink, I try to make is so I can tap it down with a rubber hammer, I hope it helps thanks, mike

[@cpoul]

@@MikeHaduck Hi Mike follow up question if I might. How thick of a bed do you put down and how far into that bed do you want your stone?

[@W333dm4n]

you actually had to cut each stone to fit the puzzle? that seems like a lot of work man

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, it is, Mike

[@jonmarcoux2836]

hello, im a high end tile setter who is getting ready to start a fresh set flagstone project similar to this. It will be our first time doing this type of project and was wondering what a good price per sq. ft. would be.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jon, my next video I am going to put out is how I bid on a mason job and then the one after that is another flag stone patio. I do not do it by the sq ft, I got to look at it first, lot of thing to consider, I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@jonmarcoux2836]

it is a wide open area inside. 300sqft. was thinking in the range of $30 A FT plus material, but dont want to be to high or low.

[@MikeHaduck]

Jon Marcoux Hi Jon, I never do it by sq ft. I average 10 x 10 a day with labor, I got to buy the stone, sand, cement,deliver, clean up and add a day or more and I am usually ahead, don't know what else to tell you, thanks mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I always try to tell folks that my videos are the way I do it,, and I try to tell everyone there are more that my ways to do patios. So if what your doing is working for you , then you must be doing something right. God bless thanks for the commet Mike

[@benborsa8266]

Hey another question. How do you estimate for stone for a patio? Now much extra sqft do you order?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Ben I always figure at least 15% extra and it’s so cheap they the pallet sometimes I’ll just store the other pallet in my backyard and use the extras for other jobs but I never figure by the square foot I figure by how long it’s gonna take me and what’s involved and I had extra on for that depending who I work for I hope it helps , Thanks Mike

[@benborsa8266]

Thanks Mike!!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Every mason has thier own style , I personally am carefull to make the pattern as random as possible (so when you look you don,t see strait lines) check out Part 2 for your last question. Houston is not as cold as Pennsylvaina so masons there might approch it different. ask the local contractors. thanks for the comment mike

[@jasondepietropaolo4825]

interested in doing a flagstone patio in pittston ?

[@benborsa8266]

Hey is the portland and sand mix better then a mortar mix? Or is it equal?

[@MikeHaduck]

HI Ben, in my area of the country (NE pennsylvania) the winters are brutal, and mortar for me only falls apart, I use all portland no mortar on the ground, others may say different., I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@benborsa8266]

Mike Haduck Masonry im up here in the great white north of Canada eh :) So that would probably be the same boat i would guess?

[@MikeHaduck]

Ben Borsa Hi Ben I would ask the local guys weather plays a big issue when it comes to masonry I hope it helps thanks Mike

[@benborsa8266]

Yes Thanjs Mike

[@toddgesshe108]

Great video Mike. Thank you. Your vid mentions the stones are laid on a concrete base, but would it be possible to lay mortared flagstone on well-graded bed of compacted screenings - 3/8" or smaller? I suppose climate would be a factor...I'm in a mild area

[@MikeHaduck]

It will not hold up in the area of Pennsylvania where I live. I have done it on gravel in the past, (no cement) I hope it helps, thanks mike

[@cindramccoy]

Hey Mike, Did doing it on gravel work out? We are wanting the stone with the concrete in the cracks but know nothing about pouring a concrete base.

[@shelbo241]

I quoted a 500 square foot flagstone job to be laid over a slab at $5700 that sound about right?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Shelby, I never do it that way, I figured it out by how many days how much the stone cost and think about it a couple days see if it’s worth it for me to do it, and then give them a price, but I never figured by square foot, I hope it helps thanks, Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

I call it Pennsylvania blue stone or some call it flag stone check out my Quarry and stoneyard video , It might help thanks mike

[@utaka78]

Wont cement crack, when it freezes in winter?

[@MikeHaduck]

utaka78 many times yes, it is the nature of the beast, thanks mike

[@MrNorsewise]

out here in earthquake country cracking is inevitable half the time finally my stones in a bed of coarse sand which is laid on top of Virgin soil that would be compacted. next I Lay My Stones pavers or bricks and depending on the thickness of the joints then use a combination of fine sand and Portland cement they get swept in. then I mist with water he gradually seeps in and solidifies to a point where it holds them in place firmly. enduring this method I never get cracks in my stones and if a nearby tree or bush grows the lift in the patio is easily remedied. I can pull up the affected area remove the root and reset everything for many more years satisfaction. The only drawback to using the mortar mix the wet mortar mix is when it cracks it'll crack right through your stone or brick what really gives a unsatisfying appeal.

[@MikeHaduck]

I always say ask the local guys in their area to see what works, and I am sure in your area you know exactly what works, God bless, thanks mike

[@donj5128]

Hey Mike, Former Old Forge guy now living (Retired) in Florida. Enjoy your videos but you really should use a mask when cutting the stone, or any other dusty job. I cut stone, did sheetrock, spray painted and other dusty jobs and never used a mask and I am suffering for it now with lung problems. A mask is a small price to pay to keep your lungs healthy.( Can,t get good kielbasa down here I have to ship it down from Komensky's Market)

[@MikeHaduck]

+Don J thanks Don, I am actually careful with the cuts and miss the old forge pizza, hope you are doing well in florida, thanks mike

[@gr8dvd]

Add water gradually, mixing as you go until the consistency of peanut butter (as seen in the video).