Outdoor Living & Lifestyles - tiling a grass area. where to start?

Hi,
I have a small grassed area in my backyard that I want to tile with flagstone and build a firepit in the middle.

I have few issues. I have an irrigation system underneath this area. What should do about this first?
I know I need to take off the grass but after that what do you need to put on the dirt? and should I use concrete with tiling or other materials?
Thank you

the sprinkler line if that is all there is should be ok under the flag provided there is enough soil over it 8"-10". Yes the sod should be removed and if the soil is clay type 4"-6" of that should be removed and replaced with sand for good drainage, some use aggregate and put sand over that but I prefer the sand, but ensure it is packed well.

thank you. after you put the sand do I use a regular concerte with tiling? I never tiled over sand so I want to make sure I"m doing it right.

thanks again

what is your location? when I use pavers I use mason sand and pack with a packer i then screet off the sand so it is level and at the grade desired, I then use geotextile fabric or weed barrier(woven commercial grade) over the sand and begin placing the pavers, I live in MI.so frost is a problem hence the sand for drainage. Some use crushed limestone under the sand for a base and others use 22A road gravel but I feel these retain to much water and will lead to problems in spring thaw so I believe in sand sand sand. After you have placed the flagstone you can grout with sand or for a more permanent grout add mortar to the sand grout which works better because of the large gaps common in flagstone paving. Remember the great thing about non mortared walks is they can always be adjusted and never crack! good luck!

what is your location? when I use pavers I use mason sand and pack with a packer i then screet off the sand so it is level and at the grade desired, I then use geotextile fabric or weed barrier(woven commercial grade) over the sand and begin placing the pavers, I live in MI.so frost is a problem hence the sand for drainage. Some use crushed limestone under the sand for a base and others use 22A road gravel but I feel these retain to much water and will lead to problems in spring thaw so I believe in sand sand sand. After you have placed the flagstone you can grout with sand or for a more permanent grout add mortar to the sand grout which works better because of the large gaps common in flagstone paving. Remember the great thing about non mortared walks is they can always be adjusted and never crack! good luck!

I live in Arizona and this time of year it can get very cold in the morning and night but worm during the day and in the summer.. you know... somking hot.

my friend had brough some decomposed granet that I'm going to put under the flagstone instead of sand the I will be using regular concrete for tiling and for gouting. would that be okay?

thanks

That should work fine for you but I prefer not to use concrete because of the permanence of it

That should work fine for you but I prefer not to use concrete because of the permanence of it

thank you. you're telling not to do things but you're not telling me what I should do or use....

I am saying that I donot set the pavers or flagstone in concrete, it is not needed and becomes a more permanent feature, ever tore out concrete walks or patios? if you use a good compacted base your patio will last for years without the use of concrete, however as I previously stated you can mix a little mortar with the grout sand to help hold it in the large gaps and cracks that are common with flagstone

I am saying that I donot set the pavers or flagstone in concrete, it is not needed and becomes a more permanent feature, ever tore out concrete walks or patios? if you use a good compacted base your patio will last for years without the use of concrete, however as I previously stated you can mix a little mortar with the grout sand to help hold it in the large gaps and cracks that are common with flagstone

thank you. this is exactly what I did. I placed the flagstone right on my gravel after I compacted it and will use a good quality sand (number 20) as grout.

thanks.