[neophyte]

Hi all, I live in Northern Virginia and am about to install a dry laid flagstone patio. I'd planned 4"+ compacted sub-base of bluestone under 1.5" thick natural cleft flagstone.

Is there value in putting landscape fabric on top of the bluestone sub-base and then adding 1" or 2" of stonedust atop the fabric as a base prior to placing the flagstone?

I'm worried about diminishing returns, but do want the finished product to stand up for 20 years and don't want to skimp. is this overkill? thanks very much.

[VoodooChile]

Is your bluestone sub-base an aggregate or some sort of uniform sized chip? It should be an aggregate.

Most contractors prefer geo-textile to landscape fabric, some don't use it at all, and those that do would put it between your base and sub-soil to prevent migration.

The best way to insure that your patio holds up for twenty years is to hire a qualified, experienced hardscape contractor to install it.

[cpitt]

Absoulutley use the geo-text. First compact the soil in the hole you excavated with a vibrating plate compactor or hand tamper...next is the fabric, the object is preventing the fines from the soil from penetrating your sub-base thus weakening it. At a negligible cost..about $25 bucks for a 150sqt roll. You will have long forgotten about that extra cash as you enjoy you first afternoon on the new patio.

[TerraSerenity]

Lets understand your needs first, What is the size of the space?
What do you plan on using your patio for?
How much will you use it?
Will it have to hold heavy loads like a hot tube. Monster Grill, tables.....

Your soil - Clay like with stones?
Do you have any drain problems-is the ground flat or slopping...
POST a pic of the area.

What have you been reading to come up with Sub-Base, and Compaction...

"The best way to insure that your patio holds up for twenty years is to hire a qualified, experienced hardscape contractor to install it."

I DON'T AGREE
Last time I checked walls in Scotland and England were built by farmers. But at the same time I have a accountant and a Lawyer for a reason!!! You do the math. You want to take on the job- DO IT.
Your on the right track by asking questions on this board. Second great thing about dry laid stone is that in one year if your having problems with your work you can always pull it back up. The best idea of Recycling. Sorry getting off track with your Patio.

So lets get back to your Soil and Use. Then lets move on to How To! after