DIY Network

Blog Cabin: Cobblestone Patio, Flagstone Path and Outdoor Fireplace As the Blog Cabin team nears the finish line, they head outside as DIY's gardening pro Ahmed Hassan helps create a stone patio and flagstone walk. Also on the agenda: constructing the frame for an outdoor fireplace. From "Blog Cabin" episode DBLG-112

The finished pad for the cobblestone patio

DIY's online bloggers voted overwhelmingly for an outdoor fireplace, so the Blog Cabin team is giving them one. In this phase of the project, the frame for the pre-fab fireplace insert is installed and covered in natural stone.

And with the help of Ahmed Hassan, host of DIY's TheDirt On, the team gets their hands dirty installing a cobblestone patio and flagstone pathway, and transforming the rustic cabin site into a beautifully planted landscape.

The basic steps in these outdoor projects are summarized below.

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The completed walkway and outdoor fireplace

Installing a Cobblestone Patio

Tools:

bench broom
measuring tape
squeegee
compacter

Materials:

clean sand
2x4 boards
cobblestone mats
epoxy mortar

Figure A

1. Measure the area for your patio. This will help you determine how much sand, stone and mortar you'll need for your project.

• Note: Measure and place 2x4's around the perimeter to make sure your area is perfectly square.

2. Lay out an amount of sand base on your area, distributing it evenly (figure A).

• Tip: We dragged 2x4's across the sand to ensure a level surface.

3. Use a compacter to compress sand firmly in place.

4. Spray sand with a fine mist of water and repeat process until sand is packed tightly.

5. Beginning at the corners, begin to lay a border of cobblestones into the square area you've measured, pressing each firmly into place (figures B and C).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

6. Mix your epoxy mortar per the manufacturer's directions.

• Note: The mix we used includes mortar, sand and water.

7. Brush epoxy grout over cobblestones using a squeegee, making sure to press between the joints of the stones (figure D).

6. Allow 24 hours for mortar to cure before walking on your new patio.

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