Helpful Tips If You Are Thinking about DIY’ing a Bluestone Patio
A Quick-Read Guide to Saving Thousands & Doing It Right
1. Know What You’re Getting Into
Installing a DIY bluestone patio isn’t a weekend hobby—it’s a project. Heavy lifting, precision grading, and planning are key. Expect challenges, especially with root removal and material weight. This project took us about 8 weeks to complete from demo to landscaping.
2. Get Quotes First
You might be shocked. We were quoted $30K–$40K just for the patio, which is why we tackled it ourselves. We also wanted to add landscaping and to build out our fire pit area.
Cost breakdown for our DIY version:
- Concrete Saw Rental: $165
- 1-800- Got-Junk Rental: $813
- Crushed Limestone Gravel: $809
- Mini Excavator Rental (Handy Rents): $1263
- Skid Steer Rental: $604
- Plate Tamper Rental (Handy Rents): $69
- Masonry Sand: $202
- Bluestone Natural Cleft and Sandstone Steps: $6358
- Grout: $125
- Landscaping: $2,100
- Fire Pit: $300
- Metal Landscape Edging: $172
- Total: $13,142
3. Rent the Right Equipment
Don’t DIY without the right tools. These saved us time, energy, and our backs.
Must-haves:
- Concrete saw
- Mini Excavator
- Skid Steer
- Plate compactor / tamper
- Wheelbarrow
- Cardboard (for templates!)
👉 We used Handy Rents for all our equipment needs.
4. Expect Root (and other) Surprises
If your patio is near trees, be prepared to excavate roots—big ones. This was our biggest challenge and slowed us down more than anything else. We also stumbled across old pipes and railroad ties.
5. Grade Before You Lay
Proper grading is critical. Remove all debris and roots first, then use an excavator or landscaping rake to level the area. Compact your base thoroughly.
Foundation Tip: Very important if you live in a climate where you freeze over winter.
- Use 10″ base: ¾ gravel + sand mix
- Compact in layers!
6. Plan Your Pattern First
Bluestone is natural—no two pieces are exactly alike.
Pro Tip: Use cardboard templates to map out your layout before lifting a single stone. It will save you hours (and your sanity).
7. Level Every Stone
This is the most tedious part. Each stone will need sand adjustment underneath to sit flat. It’s time-consuming but worth it for a smooth surface that won’t shift. There is nothing worse than a wobbly patio stone.
8. Work in Sections
Don’t overwhelm yourself. Focus on one section at a time. Lay, level, compact, repeat. We worked in sections, partially due to jobs getting in the way and the heat.
Bonus Tip:
Work in early morning or evening hours if you’re DIYing in summer—it gets HOT!
🛻 9. Prepare for Disposal Hassles
Soil, roots, and concrete are heavy—and not every company wants to take them.
What worked for us:
- 1-800-Got-Junk (for concrete + roots)
- Rented dumpster for soil (and a little Venmo “tip” to get it hauled) 😉
🏁 10. Finish with Care
Once your last stone is in place, take a moment. You did that.
Seal your patio if desired (we left ours natural), and plan your landscaping around it.
Want the full scoop on our Bluestone Patio DIY? Click here for the whole story — mud, sweat, and stone included.
✅ Final DIY Bluestone Patio Tips Recap
| Tip | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Budget Smart | Expect ~$10–13K DIY vs. $30K+ professional |
| Rent Tools | Concrete saw, excavator, tamper |
| Clear Roots | Especially from old trees |
| Grade Thoroughly | Compact gravel + sand in layers |
| Plan the Layout | Use cardboard templates |
| Lay with Patience | Level each stone manually |
| Stay Cool | Work mornings/evenings if possible |
| Problem-Solve | Be flexible with disposal options |
| Celebrate! | This is no small feat |
