Patios made of pavers, bricks or flagstones use the same marking, excavation, tamping and leveling methods as concrete patios. Other considerations include budget and taste, as well as heat retention and relative tolerance to freeze-thaw cycles.
Builders outline the shape of your DIY patio using stakes and string (or a type of eco-friendly spray paint). The base should slope away from your home, to allow rainwater to drain. Visit https://www.cleanstoneconstruction.com/patio-outdoor-living/ to learn more.
The layout of a patio is determined by what functions it will serve, including dining, lounging and entertaining. It should also be in balance with the architecture of the home and surrounding landscape. This ensures a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces and a unified visual aesthetic.
The type of material used to construct the patio will also have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Concrete, pavers and brick are common options but natural stone offers a timeless look that complements many architectural styles. Some materials are more durable than others, but most require periodic resurfacing or repairs.
Orientation and sun/shade patterns are other important considerations when planning a patio. If a patio is near a home or other buildings, a screen of shrubbery or an attractive fence can help to conceal them and protect the patio from unwanted views.
Other elements often found on a patio include an innovative fire feature with highly visible flame effects and a gathering area for cool evenings. It is also helpful to consider year around shade structures that can provide the most protection during the hottest months.
A retaining wall is a useful structural addition to a patio and can be built to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. They can be built to hold the soil back against slopes and create raised planting areas, and they are an effective way to manage grading for a patio without the expense of excavation.
If a patio is on a flat surface, steps can be added to allow for easier movement around the area. They can be constructed from wood or concrete, and are an inexpensive and easy solution to making an area more accessible.
An elevated patio adds a dramatic element to a yard, and provides the perfect spot for a barbecue grill or a small pool. It is also a great place to grow a variety of plants, flowers and vegetables. A small fountain or pond is a simple and cost-effective water feature that can be a focal point in the garden.
Materials
There are many materials to choose from when building a patio. Ultimately, the best choice depends on budget, aesthetic preferences and practical considerations. The main options are concrete, brick, flagstone and pavers. Loose materials like pea gravel are also an option, especially in regions with drought conditions. Combinations of materials can add visual interest and are often less expensive than choosing a single material for the entire patio.
Poured concrete is an affordable, durable choice for patios and comes in various finishes and colors. It can be stained or stamped to resemble stone, brick or other materials. It’s easy to maintain, but can crack over time. Concrete also doesn’t work well in wet areas and may not tolerate freeze-thaw cycles, Birkholz warns.
Brick offers a classic Old World look and can complement almost any landscape design. Its uniform size and shape makes it relatively easy to install, but it is vulnerable to weed growth through the cracks. It may also become slippery in wet weather and can be difficult to clean.
Stone is more expensive than concrete, but offers a warm and inviting look that can blend in with the natural surroundings. Granite is incredibly hardwearing, but can be susceptible to damage from ice and heavy traffic. Limestone is a good alternative, with its honey-like tones, while slate can offer a moody look.
Pavers are interlocking modular slabs that come in a variety of styles and sizes. Some are made of concrete, while others are natural stone like slate or sandstone. They are easy to lay, and require less maintenance than a poured concrete patio.
Porcelain tile starts out as clay, which is shaped and fired in high temperatures to make it dense and water-resistant. Its durability and resistance to fading and staining makes it an excellent choice for patios, although it can be pricey. Another alternative is permeable concrete, which consists of pavers with spaces that are filled with small stones, allowing rainwater to filter into the soil rather than running off and picking up pollutants on its way down a sidewalk or patio.
Installation
The construction of a patio varies depending on the materials chosen. A patio can be poured in place with concrete or dry laid and built from pavers, bricks, flagstones or other hardscape materials. The first step is assessing how the patio will be used and determining a site. If the patio is intended for entertaining, it makes sense to locate it close to the kitchen so food can be easily served. If the goal is to sunbathe, it is a good idea to choose a location with full sun exposure. A proper base is essential to ensure that the patio withstands weather and use.
For a dry-laid patio, builders follow the same marking, excavation, tamping and leveling methods as they would for a concrete patio. They build up the sub-base using layers of gravel, a finer crushed gravel and clean washed sand that is free of rocks and debris. When they have reached the required depth and slope, they begin to lay the surface material. They work according to the pattern that they agreed upon during the design process.
Before building begins, a contractor may need to clear the work area of existing fences and landscaping. They may also need to remove and reinstall any garden beds or trees that are in the way.
Once the stone is laid, a thin layer of polymeric jointing sand is applied and brushed into the joints. This sand helps to prevent the stones from shifting and offers additional grip for furniture legs. A broom is used to sweep away any excess sand and the surface is watered with a hose. Typically, the patio can be walked on the same day.
When building a concrete patio, the foundation is poured in place with a form that reaches below the frost line. The form is then covered with plastic sheeting to prevent the concrete from becoming exposed to the elements. Next, a layer of landscape fabric is installed around the foundation. This not only adds extra support, but it inhibits the growth of weeds. The excavated area is then filled with gravel and tamped down to compact it. The gravel is then followed by a layer of sand and tamped down again to smooth the surface.
Maintenance
The Patio Construction industry consists of contractors that design, build and maintain outdoor living spaces like decks and patios for residential and commercial clients. This industry has a strong correlation with the health of the housing market and the overall economy. While the industry thrived during the housing boom, heightened interest rates have caused a decline in new projects.
Before patio construction begins, a contractor will survey the space to determine the amount of work that needs to be done. For example, they may need to remove existing landscaping or grade the ground in order to prepare it for the patio construction process. They also need to consider whether a patio will be freestanding or attached to the house and how it will be used.
Once the site has been prepped, they will mark off the area where the patio is going using stakes and string. This is a simple way to show the builders where the perimeter of the patio will be. Occasionally, they will use a type of eco-friendly spray paint to mark off the shape and size of the patio.
When the area is marked off, a layer of gravel or crushed rock is laid in the area and tamped down to compact it. Next, a layer of concrete sand is spread on top and again tamped down to create a firm surface that is level and ready for the paving materials.
Depending on the patio construction material, a contractor will lay the surface materials in their pattern that was agreed upon in the design phase. If the patio is made of pavers, bricks or stone, they will set them in a dry-laid style. They will then cover the surface with sand or a fixer that is brushed into the joints of the paving stones. The sand or fixer is then watered in with a garden hose so that it locks in place.
Once the surface has been laid and watered, a sealant can be applied to help protect the materials from stains, moisture, and UV damage. This is a good idea, but it is important to remember that natural materials like slate and bluestone do not need this extra protection because they tend to self-seal under normal foot traffic.
