Weekend Warriors

I usually jump at the chance to assist friends in weekend warrior projects, but this one was different. The project wasn't any more difficult but it was "HOT." The heat this time of the year makes most weekend projects take multiple weekends. Busy schedules didn't not allow for this so we put in two solid 12 hour days to finish up a beautiful bluestone patio.

Our friends John and Jessica Tabb have been staring at an ugly concrete pad for years and as a 8 year anniversary gift decided that it was time to spruce up the backyard. They stopped by our showroom and looked through countless materials like travertine, slate and coral stone. They decided on a traditional full color squared bluestone patio. Take a look below to see the before and after.

Luckily they already had a concrete pad, so the installation was slightly easier. 

I started in the corner and made sure the existing patio and house are square

As I worked my way out I laid stone to the right and left to ensure that water will run off with the correct pitch. 

As you can see I was in full sun most of the day and it was HOT.

I usually try and lay out 6-8 stones dry ahead of time to make sure that I don't have any "+" sign's or long joints. 

It is easier to bring the mortar over in buckets so you don't have to keep dumping a wheelbarrow or getting up to trowel some more mortar.

Almost there...

Finally there was some shade at the end of the day. 

I let John and Jessica lay the last couple stones

Hopefully he doesn't quit his day job.

Jessica uses the grout bag to fill in the joints

Trying to keep your joints consistent is a very hard thing to do.  Luckily the grout covers up most of your errors.

When grouting make sure you get plenty of mortar in the joints and wait to work the joint until you can no longer put your thumb through the mortar.

The finished product.