Patio Installation Options

Patios add style and function to your garden. They are usually located near your house and/or other structures in the yard to allow easy access for entertaining.

Before beginning your patio installation, decide how you want to use it. Consider sun and shade, as well as the proximity to your home. If it’s hard to get to, you won’t use it as much.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers offer a classic, natural look that enhances the value of your home. They are durable and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Clay brick pavers are fired in a kiln at high temperatures to create an extremely hard, non-porous surface. They are installed flat to line walkways, front entries and patios. They are available in a wide range of design options including diamond, herringbone and hexagonal, so there is something to suit every personal style.

Lay out your patio using a garden hose and stakes to get the general layout, then mark a clean outline 8 inches beyond with paint. This is because you will need to avoid walking on the leveled base material as it can cause cracking. Install border bricks along the edges and a retaining wall or steps if desired. Fill with fine sand to lock in the brick pavers and prevent weed growth. Apply a good sealer to the sand joints and brick surface afterward to protect against rain and sun damage.

Stone

When installing stone pavers, it’s a good idea to hire a professional who knows how to properly excavate the site and grade it. The final surface of your patio should slope away from structures and toward the street to prevent flooding.

Before laying your pavers, you should mark out the area using grade stakes (like foot-long pencils) and string. This will help you set each 90-degree corner of the patio square or path. This is an important step because a misaligned paved surface can cause your pavers to crack or shift over time.

Paver patios are a beautiful option for your outdoor living spaces. They’re also more durable than poured concrete and can stand up to cold winter weather, freezing and thawing, and seasonal expansion and contraction.

Concrete

Concrete pavers are an increasingly popular option for homeowners and contractors. They’re inexpensive, durable, and offer a huge range of design options in terms of texture, tint, and pattern. Concrete patios may be poured in-ground, like a porch or deck, or they can be laid over existing concrete slabs.

Before laying the field pavers, scrub the concrete surface (Photo 1) with a concrete cleaner or muriatic acid mixed with water (check the label for mixing and safety instructions). A deck stripping brush on a broom handle makes this job go faster.

To set your edging, string lines along the edge of your intended patio area and stake them at each foot with 8-12 inch spikes. After the edging is in place, lay the pavers and tamp them down with a mallet. Finish by pouring polymeric sand over the pavers and sweeping it in tight with a push broom.

Tile

If you don’t want to be bound by the restrictions of brick or concrete pavers, there are many other options available for a patio surface. Tile is one option. It offers a wide range of colors, shapes and textures that can add an element of visual interest to your yard.

Before you start laying tiles, make sure to compact the soil thoroughly. This will prevent movement and gapping. It’s also a good idea to use an edge restraint. This helps keep the shape of your patio over time and is especially important if you choose to install a pool.

You can also choose to create a border around your patio with plants. This is a great way to soften the look of your patio and can be relaxing for you and your guests. However, be sure to choose plants that don’t require a lot of maintenance. Avoid rose bushes, lavender and other plants that will be overly demanding of your time.

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