How hard is it to reset (relevel) a bluestone landing

Question

Hi, I have a small landing (5x5) going to my front door that is set in bluestone (Set on/with sand, not permanently set in concrete). Over the years (we live in the northeast), it has become unlevel. I want to try and level it out myself). How hard is this to do, and does anyone have any internet resources that can help me out? I have seen lots of instructions about how to build a bluestone patio, but this seems like it should be much easier. Do I just lift the stones up and relevel the base (tamping down while doing it, and then reset the stones. There is a good gap between the stones (about an inch between stones), so I should just refill with stone dust when done? Or should I take all the stones off (again, its not a big area), and retamp everything and reset it all? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Your answer depends on the number of stones out of level. If it is a few stones, then pick them up, pour enough sand to level them, and reset them. If it is a third or more that are out of level, then it will be quicker and more efficient to pick them all up, pour a coat of sand, rake it level, tamp it down and reset the stones.

If you want the same pattern you have now, mark the bottom of each stone with a number when you pick it up. That way you can put each stone back into the same position it was before you picked them up.

Answer 2

Remove all stones....level the sand by pulling to level guides you can install (2x4's and stakes)...use a level, make sure that everything is level with the sand...DO NOT TAMP...sand does NOT settle, does NOT need tamping in any matter! Only dirt needs tamping. USE Dry sand...Now, place the stones back in place..if some are thicker, you will have to make adjustments to the sand under them...once done, I would use cement mix and pour into all the spaces, then lightly spray to soak the cement between the stones, wipe up the stuff on the stones and allow to cure 7 days before walking on it...NOW, using rubber gloves, purchase a quart of Muriatic acid at the hardware store, stand UP WIND and mix acid with 2 parts water, use mix and scrub stone clean, rinse and you are done!  

By the way, once you have a level "ring" around the area of 2X4's with the top of the 2x4's the height you want the porch to be (minus the thickness of the stone), pour or level sand with a straight 2X4, starting at one side, allow the "pull rod (2X4) to rest on the leveling guides (2x4's anchored to drive in stakes) by shoving back and forth in small movements so not to fall off the back 2x4....this is called "pulling." You do the same thing with concrete...you may want to consider filling this with concrete instead of sand...sand gets everywhere, and over time, will need to be releveled...3" of concrete will be more than enough bed, and then you can thin-set the stone in place with mortar mix...your choice. Good luck, Goldwing