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Dry Set vs. Wet Set Hardscaping.  Which One is Right For You?

11/15/2013

8 Comments

 
PictureWet-Set Installation in Progress
** Editors Note -- The following is a reposted article from part of a larger hardscaping series we ran last year.  But it is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions during the sales cycle.  Certainly worth revisiting.

As I've stated in the past, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made in conjunction with planning for a new outdoor living space.  This week I’d like to discuss the differences between a wet-set installation and a dry-set installation, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

First, a quick lesson.  Hardscaping projects generally fall into one of two basic categories; Wet Set or Dry Set.  While there are a lot of options to consider when selecting materials, no matter what material you choose they will be set using one of these two techniques. Wet set refers to setting the materials in a bed of mortar.  (The mortar was mixed and was wet when we set the stones, get it?)  Dry set refers to setting the stones atop a bed of compacted crushed gravel and sand.  No mortar, no concrete, thus the “dry” label.

In either case, the process begins with excavating out the footprint a minimum of 8”.  What happens from there depends on the technique.

A wet set application includes a base layer of gravel to separate the native soil from the new install.  Forms are then set at the necessary grade along the perimeter of the new install, be it a path, patio, or combination of the two.  A 4” thick rebar-reinforced concrete pad is then installed to serve as the base.  This pad is typically rough-finished, as the finish will be concealed by the eventual installation of the flagstone.  The grade of the concrete should be approximately 2” below the desired finish grade, to accommodate the flagstone and mortar thickness.

Once the concrete has set, the perimeter forms are removed and flagstones can begin being mortared to the surface.  When all is said and done, you will have a solid, rigid, impermeable surface.  It is long lasting and durable, however it can be more difficult and/or costly to repair or reset if necessary.  The technique is also subject to any impermeable surface requirements that many municipalities are requiring for stormwater management purposes.

On the other hand, a dry set application includes approximately 6” of compacted crushed gravel as the base, in lieu of a concrete foundation.  Once the base gravel has been compacted (typically compacted in a series of three-inch lifts), a thin layer of sand is spread evenly across the gravel base. Flagstones are then set atop the sand bed, allowing for a slightly permeable installation that offers some degree of flexibility.  We typically use thicker heavier stones on dryset installations, as the weight of the stones offers strength and weight to hold the stones in place.

PictureDry-Set Installation with "Butt" Joints
Because of the flexible nature of the installation, dry set installations are less likely to crack, and can be easily lifted and re-set if necessary.  The flexible nature is slightly more prone to frost heaving and settling however.

As for costs, typically the dry set technique runs about $5 to $6 cheaper a square foot then the wet set technique, assuming the stone selection is comparable.

So again the question becomes which one is right for you, and again the answer is that it depends on your personal taste (I’m not going to make all the decisions for you, you know!).  I can tell you that we don’t do too many irregular shaped dryset installations, mostly due to the wider joint widths and the potential of joint material washing out.  But we have done them, and we can address the joint material issue as well if that’s where your heart truly rests.  Linear designs lend themselves quite nicely to either dry or wet set applications, and you do have the option of “butt” joints (meaning near-zero joint widths) on the dry-set option as well.  

If you'd like to discuss which application is right for your project, just give us a call.  Consultations are always free, and I'm always open to discussing ideas and how to make sure your project best fits your needs.

8 Comments
Anna link
11/15/2013 02:27:57 am

Nice summary of the processes. Interestly enough, we almost never install irregular flagstone wet set. It's alway dry.

Reply
Clark
11/15/2013 09:37:08 pm

Regardless of whether it's a smaller pathway or larger patio, we probably do about 50-50 of each dry and wet. I'm just curious Anna, do you do mostly dry because of the harsh winters in your area, or is it more a case of going with what you're experienced with and utilizing your resources?

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Matt link
11/16/2013 02:11:13 am

Always dry-set for me on new installs. I will dry-set over an existing slab too if I can..don't like mortared flat work with large format stone. Gauged travertine or other stone pavers is something different, and I treat those like a tile install.

Reply
Sungcha H. Cha
10/2/2014 07:13:06 am

Would you please recommend me a contractor as knowledgeable as you are in the greater Washington, DC area? I live in Arlington, VA 22207. Thank you.

Reply
Sungcha H. Cha
10/2/2014 07:11:12 am

Thank you for your wonderful article. My patio has drainage issue and a contractor is going to add an additional drainage by installing a wet set, but I am going to change it to a dry set, so that it will be easier to repair if needed in the future.

Reply
Joe Pacheco link
9/1/2017 12:51:20 pm

Really great info! My patio has been having some issues and I will certainly be addressing some of the tips in this article with the contractor!

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Braden Bills link
5/26/2021 07:37:30 am

I want to bring my landscape together nicely, but I'm not sure how to go about that. It makes sense that getting some nice gravel installed would be beneficial! That's definitely something worth looking into.

Reply
Devendra Bahri link
10/20/2021 08:42:22 pm

Thanks for sharing such an informative blog. Porous texture with deliberate pin and bug holes. Travertine wall panels create a subtle yet dramatic appeal at indoor and semi indoor spaces. Elements and holes are randomly infused on the texture during the manufacturing process to create an unrefined feel which effortlessly blends into the contemporary style of design. As I came across your blog and found it very useful, I would like you to visit this article and share your valuable comment : https://bit.ly/3aUPO6X

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
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    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
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    Serving Delaware County, PA

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    If you like the content of my blog posts, here are a few other blogs that I check in on regularly:

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