Creating A Concrete Patio: A Diy Guide

36 DIY Patio Ideas to Transform Your Backyard Depending on your location, you might spend a lot more or a lot less as you figure out how to build a patio to your style. Pack the sand or stone dust into place with either an ice scraper or a mason's trowel like the one we used. When all the joints are full, sweep any of the excess off the patio, then rinse the surface with a gentle spray of water from a garden hose. Avoid spraying a strong stream right into the joints because this will flush out the packed sand or stone dust. Building a patio is no easy task- but it’s also one of the best upgrades you can make. Even a small and simple patio could form the foundation for a small seating area. Use graph paper to create a to-scale plan of your patio. Or, for an even easier approach, try an online floor planning tool (there are many free options) to create an ideal layout. Once you’ve got your stone set in the trenches, you’re ready to finish the patio! Simply wheel the gravel to the stone edge, dumping the gravel over the side and into the patio.

Plan for Building Patio

Probably the toughest part of installing a concrete paver patio is figuring out the slope you need and then working this out “on-site”. If you'd like to learn more about building a paver patio, check out our in-depth interview with Tony Hoang. Paver patios are a time-consuming and physically demanding project. We recommend the more durable crushed granite or limestone over pea gravel or river rock. With basic tools, you’ll be able to create a smooth area for sitting and dining that will last for years.

Crushed Stone

Make sure the patio is properly drained while building it to avoid water buildup and any damage. For effective drainage and to create a safe, non-slip outdoor area, use landscaping fabric and a gravel base. Use concrete pavers or another edging material to define the patio's edge. Consider adding a border for aesthetics and stability, then fasten it with adhesive or spikes. With all the pavers set as you need them, you can start filling in the gaps. Use the square nosed shovel to scoop the sand or paver dust and place it into the joints, but only add about ½- ¾” of the paver dust/sand.

You can use plastic or metal paver edging, which is designed to hold the pavers in place.Once your soil is compact, spread only half (2”) of the base layer on top, as you’ll do this in two layers.How to build a patio is not common knowledge- and the task certainly isn’t simple.

Proper gravel base installation is crucial — it must be dug out, tamped, and leveled. During paver installation, getting the drainage and the slope right is key. Beginners can install a paver patio but should expect the work to stretch multiple long days. Excavating, hauling, and leveling materials takes work. You'll need to rent tampers, compactors, and concrete mixers to do the job right. You’ll then spread a four- to five-inch layer of angular gravel. Our patio was a little unique because it is surrounded on three sides by timbers and the fourth side is the foundation of the house. https://www.biztobiz.org/sacramento/%EF%BB%BFreal-estate-construction/clear-view-builders With pavers, there are different types of pavers so you’ll need to choose among a variety of sizes and shapes. Had I chosen that option, I likely would have been looking at over $1,000. The lumber should be joined using #10 x 3-1/2-inch deck screws, with three screws per corner. If your patio is large, you may need to use multiple pieces of lumber for each side. Make sure the opposite sides of the form are the same length. Double-check your calculations for gravel and sand and arrange for deliveries. Then call the rental store and reserve a gas-powered plate compactor or “tamper”. This is a heavy beast; you’ll need a trailer or pickup truck and a couple of strong bodies to move it around. 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.