How to Build a Patio Guide in 5 Steps

How to Plan for Building a Patio You can prolong the life of your pavers and save money on replacements by adding this easy step to your regimen. The angle of slope that allows for proper drainage for your patio is 1” per every 4 feet. For instance, my patio was 9’ deep, so I created a slope of 2¼”. For my top level,  I used paver dust, but in your area, sand may be recommended. Once the surface is flat, compact it with a plate compactor, available at tool rental stores for about $50 a day. If you haven't used one of these machines before, it's a good idea to work in the center area of the patio site first. These machines can be hard to control, so it's smart to get comfortable with your machine before you work close to the house.

Mark Cutting Line

Verify that the stones are level and firmly in place, and fix any loose or broken edging. The way to fix this is to gently remove the paver and check for the larger gravel that is raised. Lay one the first spacer down, and use a squaring tool to lay down a crossing spacer. Then go ahead and carefully place your first concrete paver against the two spacers. Then carefully place your first concrete paver against the two spacers.

Crushed Stone

But, mixing, pouring, and finishing concrete is labor-intensive. Beginners may struggle to achieve proper concrete consistency, slope, and smoothness. Consider starting with a smaller concrete path to build skills first. Gravel is inexpensive, and installation involves digging, tamping, spreading, and adding borders. That said, patio installation requires significant labor.

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If you get to the end and you meet a wall, like the foundation of your house, use a mason float to scoop out the additional sand.It’ll take time and patience, but the reward is great.Building a brick and stone patio like ours doesn’t take special skills.Before you begin to excavate the area for your concrete patio, it's important to do some planning.This exterior 'room' often adjoins our main home, leading off from the kitchen to create an informal dining and entertaining area.

Use the float to level it and place the paver back into place. I recommend only screeding one section at a time, for two reasons. One is that if it rains before you have placed your pavers, you will need to add more sand and relevel with the screed. Stonework can certainly be beautiful and can add value to your property. Unlike consistent building units, like bricks or cast concrete pavers, natural stone comes in variable thicknesses. When you order nominal 1-in.-thick stones, for example, you get pieces that have one flat side but that vary in thickness from as little as 1/2 in. Incorporate a stone DIY patio into your backyard or garden for an easy outdoor room addition. The hard surface gives patio furniture firm footing, so you can create a seating ensemble for outdoor dining, morning coffee, or simply relaxing with friends. Once you have figured out the location and know you won’t hit any cables, use stakes and string to make an outline of your patio’s area. The size and complexity of a patio determine how much time and work it will take to build. Before beginning the process, determine the necessary quantity based on the size of Let Foamin' Carpet Care handle the dirty work your patio. If necessary, seek professional guidance to ensure the building of a stunning and useful patio. Prioritize safety when working at heights on a patio renovation by using strong ladders or scaffolding. A strong base is essential for the longevity of your paver patio. Start by adding a layer of gravel (also called crushed stone or road base) about 4 to 6 inches deep. Spread it evenly across the entire area and compact it using a hand tamper or plate compactor to create a stable surface. The easiest DIY brick patio uses the sandset method. Your first line of pavers should be along the edge of your house. Place your pavers in a pattern, such as in a herringbone or basket weave design. Not only does a pattern give your DIY patio character, but it also increases its strength and stability. Roll out a fabric weed barrier across your patio area to keep weeds from popping up between your pavers. Overlap the rows of fabric by 2 to 3 inches for full coverage.