Build a beautiful patio

Choose From Concrete, Pavers, Brick or Stone

A patio is made in layers. The bottom layers form a stable base for the top layer of paving material. Careful preparation of the substrate is essential to the long life of the patio. If settling occurs, low spots can develop; large paving materials, such as flagstones or concrete, might crack.

The first step is to establish satisfactory slope and grade in the project area. To encourage proper drainage, patios should slope away from residences and other buildings at a rate of about 2 vertical inches for every 8 horizontal feet of patio surface.

Once the shape of the patio is laid out, the top layer of sod and dirt is stripped away to a depth of several inches. Protruding roots and stones are removed, and any holes are filled with dirt and tamped smooth. The first layer is about 4 inches of gravel. The gravel is raked flat, then a heavy vibrating tool called a plate compactor or tamp is used to vibrate and pound the gravel into a smooth, firm base. The compacted gravel base forms the foundation for any subsequent patio surfaces. Typical installations include:

• Concrete patios are poured directly on top of the compacted gravel. A 4-inch-thick slab is standard. Large slabs include steel rods, called reinforcement bars, and expansion joints to control cracking.
• Brick, stone or concrete pavers set over concrete make the most stable, durable and expensive finished patios. A 4-inch-thick concrete base is poured over the compacted gravel and allowed to set, then the finish material is applied. Concrete grout holds the paving material in place. For more, go to Brick Patio.
• Brick, stone, and concrete pavers set over sand are called dry-fit. Dry-fit construction requires a layer of landscaping fabric over the compacted gravel to inhibit unwanted plant growth and a bed of sand over the fabric. Paving material is set on top of the smoothed sand, and sand or dry mortar mix is spread between the pavers to hold them in place. After being soaked with water from a hose, the mortar mix hardens to lock the paving material into place. Another option is to fill the spaces between the paving material with soil and plant decorative, low-lying groundcover or grass. Dry-set patios are the easiest to construct. For more, go to Concrete Paver Patio, Stone Patio Designs, or plan a Concrete Patio.
• Tiles are always set on a base of concrete, and mortar grout holds the paving material in place. For more information, go to Tile Patio.