Have you decided you want a flagstone, limestone or Nashville Custom Patios  Wondering how to get it done and who you should use? Well, I'm going to tell you how. I'm going to give you a step by step process stating the 3 red flags that signal a bad or uneducated contractor. These 3 things will ensure you get it done the right way, by the right contractor.

First step, first things first. Every Stone Installation Needs A Patio Contractors in Nashville Footing. This is not opinion but fact. If you want it done right and want it to withstand the test of time, this is the way it's done, no exceptions. A red flag should go up when any contractor is offering bypassing a concrete foundation as a cost saving option. Unfortunately 85% of the contractors out there will tell you they can lay the stone right on top of compacted granite or base material. This type of contractor is exactly who you want to avoid. While what they are recommending to you gives the appearance of a patio, it won't withstand the climate,erosion and soil movement beneath the patio. You might get a few crackless years at best, until it begins to fall apart.

This method is the most recommended scam or shortcut of trying to lower pricing and still get the job. Notice the price came down because the concrete footing was removed from the job cost. This option of " no concrete necessary" is most often offered to those with strict financial limitations. The contractors offering this solution don't care about your patio or home, they just want your money.With no concrete footing you get a type of patio, but it's really just a veneer laid on the ground.

A concrete patio or sidewalk slab or footing should be a minimum of 4 inches thick. This is sometimes reduced to around 3 1/2 inches due to preexisting structural limitations. If you encounter space limitations, you really do need a good masonry contractor to resolve the issues with other options. this leads us to our next step.

The 2nd step is hire a knowledgeable masonry contractor. Do a little research before you start getting pricing. Most good masonry contractors will be able to talk concrete chemistry and technology with you. Yes, I said technology. In the last 10 years there have been some really cool advances in concrete additives and mixes. These advances have provided solutions for the problems and limitations of old. A true patio or masonry professional will be able to talk shop with you, it's his livelihood.

A contractor who can't do this or doesn't seem comfortable is more than likely a novice at best. This should be the other red flag that goes up. Basically, Concrete slabs and mortar are like a cake mix. Correctly mixing the ingredients and correctly letting the slab or masonry product cure, are the factors that determine a good solid installation. Again, Talk with your contractor and Make sure he's knowledgeable about the chemistry, additives and curing process of concrete masonry. If he is this will ensure the likelihood of a great patio.

3rd step and last but definitely not least, Check references, check reviews and ask to see work they've done. Really check this stuff out and try to look at at least 1 job they have done. Ask point blank if the previous client is related to the contractor. Any resistance or confusion in this process would be red flag number 3.

So, in order from 1 to 3. All masonry installations need a concrete footing. Make sure your patio contractor is knowledgeable about masonry chemistry, additives and enhancing solutions. Check references, reviews and stay away from the dirt cheap deals of a lifetime.