MILESTONE IMPORTS
MEXICO PORPHYRY RESOURCE

Installation Guidelines

Sand Setting of Porphyry

The foundation is the most critical element of sand setting and includes the features of solidity and durability. A sound sub-grade is the skeleton for stability and is a critical important condition.

1. For a solid sand set, a soldier course is advised. By soldier course we mean a mortared solid frame. This can be achieved by an existing wall or imbedded frame of stone or cement. The purpose is to hold the sand and material in a solid composition.
2. The foundation laid within this frame is composed of a minimum of 6”-8” of crushed stone base course which may be dry mixed with different types of gravel, clay or cement and is compressed smooth with a vibrating plate compacter until firmly compacted. This is followed by a layer of 2”- 3” of course sand, leaving a depth of the thickness of the specified stone plus ¼”.
3. Porphyry is available in cubes or paving tiles of random lengths or fixed dimensions and offers extreme durability. 1 ¼”- 2 ¼” material is applicable for pedestrian use and light motor vehicle use such as driveways. The thicker material from 2 ¼”- 3 ¼” and the 4” cubes are applicable for heavier more sustainable usage.
4. Set the desired levels (drainage of ¼” drop per foot minimum) with strings. Place the pavers or cubes on the sand at a distance approximately 3/8” from each other and set lightly into place insuring a firm set in the sand. Remember that the use of the measuring strings helps to insure both the alignment of the stones and the levels. With square tile it is recommended to use crossed strings in order not to lose the square alignment.
5. With brick or other gauged material, leveled or screed sand is advised. The setting proceeds from the brick forward to the sand.

With natural, ungauged stone, screeding is not required and the setting progresses from the stone to you, with the setter in the sand bringing the material towards them, adjusting the sand level to the thickness of the stone. The top level of the stone being set at ¼”to ½” above the desired finished grade.

6. At this point you have the option to sand the joints or use dry mortar.
1. Sand:

Sweep a medium course sand over the stone into the joints

2. Mortar Set:

This is done only in dry non-freezing conditions

Sweep a dry mixture of 2 parts cement and 3 parts sand into the joints

(Variations of mixture due to regional conditions and practices within Marble Institute of America guidelines are acceptable)

7. A plate compacter is now used to set the stone into the sand, firmly setting the material against the soldier course, locking the stone firmly together and compacting the sand or mortar mixture completely into the joint. Using long 6-8 foot levels to establish the finished grade and level, finish leveling and smoothing with the compactor.
8. If using mortar mixture, soak with water to set mortar.
9. Use a pole squeegee to clean stone and adjust grout or sand levels removing any excess grout material.

10. Finish cleaning with a thick firm wet construction sponge making sure to remove all residues.

11.After the mortar has set and is dry, a light acid cleaning is advised.

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