Question
Yes, I am a new homeowner and not very experienced in landscaping, but I want to put in stone tile in my backyard. My problem is the the ground I have is often shaded and wet. When I walk on it, it's very uneven and  the tiles wobble when you walk on them. How can I get my ground flat and even without using a professional and keeping the cost down?

Answer
I think you may mean you are putting in stone "pavers". 'Tile' typically refers to stones that must be set on a concrete slab and not the ground. Tiles are typically thin, approximately 1/4 to 1.5" thick. Pavers are typically 2" or thicker. Tiles are no good for setting loosely on dirt as they will easily crack.

In any case if you are setting stone pavers you should first excavate the area to a depth of 4 to 6". Use a 3 to 4' level to ensure the surface is flat and level (you should have 1/4" per foot fall away from the house for good drainage). Then put down 3 to 4" min. of crushed granite dust and gravel (commonly called crusher-run or crush-n-run).

Depending on your location the material may vary...you may use limestone or other rock types in various parts of the country. But the main idea is that the sub base be made of 1 to 2" size rocks with pulverized smaller rocks and sand between them that easily bind together under pressure.  

Then, when you have laid several inches of this material compact it with a small vibratory compactor. You can typically rent for half day from local tool rental place. NOTE: It takes two people to lift into a truck.

After the granite is compacted and leveled (screeded) you add 1" of construction sand and screed it with a 2x4 to ensure a nice level surface. (screed or screeded: strap a level to the top of a 2x4, set form boards on either side of patio area and pull the 2x4 across the sand to create a level surface of equal depth.

Then set the stones loosely on the sand in the pattern you desire and tamp them in place with a rubber mallet or tamper that won't crack the stones.

Finally, you will need to fill the joints. I personally like to grow plants between my stones so I fill joints with a mixture of "permatill" and organic soil conditioner. But if you patio is near an entrance to your home you may wish to fill it with something that will not track in the house. In that case i recommend a mix of portland cement and sand or an acrylic polymer and sand/small pebbles.

There are often magazines and garden and patio books in your local home stores that will have diagrams of these processes. Look for a book on patios.

Good Luck.


Sean J Murphy, LA,ISA, LEED AP
Please check out my blogs and articles on landscape topics like this on my websites.
http://www.seanjmurphy.com
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