Tips for Building a Patio

A patio is a place to gather and relax. It’s also a great way to showcase your style and add value to your home.

Decide what you want your patio to look like and use graph paper to create a to-scale plan. Include dining areas, a fire pit or grilling area and enough space to move around the patio easily.

Lay the Base

Patios are usually built at ground level and can be made of any material, including paving stones, bricks or concrete. Unlike porches, they are not usually attached to the house and do not require railings. However, patios are still exposed to weather and other environmental factors, so they need to be durable to withstand regular wear and tear.

To build a patio, begin by clearing the area of any grass and soil. Then excavate the desired location for the patio and make sure all phone and gas lines are marked before digging. When you’re done, slope the site away from your home, using a level to create 1 inch of drop for every 4 feet.

Spread a 1-inch layer of coarse (not fine) bedding sand over the surface. Then lay a pair of 3/4-inch pipes across the patio base and smooth sand over them. After the sand is even and firm, remove the pipes and spread a 2-inch-deep layer of leveling sand over it.

Lay the Pavers or Flagstones

Both pavers and flagstones are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures, making it easy to find the perfect style for your home. Our hardscape contractors can help you decide which material is best based on the look and feel you want, the amount of maintenance required, and lifespan.

To prepare the area, excavate to a depth of 4-6 inches and remove the grass and soil. Then, use a shovel to add the base material. Spread it evenly and use a two-by-four to smooth and compact the area. If the patio will be on a slope, make sure to follow that grade and ensure a level surface.

Before you start laying the stones, lay landscape fabric over the excavated area to prevent weed growth. You should also put a layer of gravel and coarse sand on top. Then, fill the spaces between the stones with masonry sand. Make sure to brush it in the cracks and lightly mist the sand with water to settle it.

Fill in the Gaps

You can use a level to create a datum line running perpendicular to your patio’s edge and the highest point of the base. Ensure that this line is level and check it frequently during construction.

We recommend using crusher run (also known as hard pack or processed gravel) for your base material because it packs well and drains quickly. A cubic yard of this material will cover about 80 square feet at 3 inches thick unpacked. You will also need a yard of coarse aggregate sand to go between the base and paver stones.

Bricks, pavers and flagstones can be laid in a variety of patterns. To make the project easier, choose a design that doesn’t require cutting of the paver or brick materials. It’s a good idea to lay edging along your patio edges for a finished look. Once all the pavers or bricks are in place, spread a shallow layer of polymeric jointing sand over the surface and sweep it into the gaps with a broom. Hose down the area to further settle the sand and fill any remaining gaps between pavers.

Seal the Surface

A good quality patio sealer protects a stone patio from moisture damage and the impact of UV rays. A penetrating stone sealer such as Dry Treat can be brushed or sprayed on to the surface of the stone and can be color enhanced for a wet-look effect.

Before you begin to lay the pavers, make sure your base is properly leveled. To do this, run a taut nylon masonry line between two metal spikes 12 feet apart and mark it at the height you want your finished patio to be.

Before beginning to lay the paving stones, have a broom and a garden hose on hand for cleaning away dirt and debris. Also, a rake and a wheelbarrow is necessary for moving the materials around. A manual tamper or a plate compactor should be on hand to pack down the base. Lastly, have a level handy to check your work as you go and a rubber mallet for setting the pavers.



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