7 Covered Patio Ideas

How to Plan for Building a Patio From foundation to landing to joists, these steps will make your DIY patio extension easier, step by step. There are a wealth of clever patio ideas to suit every taste and budget, and having a smaller backyard needn't limit the scope of your ambitions for this space. HUGE thank you for my dad for building this patio Homepage with me! I furnished the patio with a new hammock and a gorgeous six person teak dining set from Lowe’s. Then move the stones out of the way and use the pick axe to dig a shallow trench wide enough to nestle the stones into the ground. You want your pavers to sit at or slightly above ground level. After you dig, use a hand tamper to compact the dirt and make a firm base. This step-by-step guide will make it easy to complete this outdoor project. Typically, pavers tend to be more expensive than concrete when it comes to patio installation. An important factor to keep in mind is long-term maintenance. Pavers can be easily (and cheaply) replaced without specialized equipment or skills, but concrete repairs are more involved (expensive).

Step 10: Laying the Stone

Use the square nose shovel to scoop the paver dust and spread it onto the base layer. Do this in a sifting type of motion to get it even. Set them just in the base layer enough that they don’t roll, but not so much that they are recessed. You can add a little paver dust to help lodge them into place. Measure from the ground, up the stake to 4” and mark this. This will be your level line and also the top of your compacted base layer.

Place the Edges

When choosing the ideal materials for expanding your patio, it’s important to consider costs and the time commitment required for installation. Use an edger to create a rounded edge along the forms and concrete to prevent chipping. When the concrete can support your weight, cut grooves, called control joints, in the concrete every 8 feet. These help control cracking if the concrete shifts or settles. When you return to the first stake, tie it off and cut the string from the spool. Make sure when you put the stakes into the ground, that they are at least a foot down. You’ll also want to make sure you get rid of any tree roots that are impeding into the space you have planned for your patio. A 16 x16 paver is actually 15 ¾” x 15 ¾” and just over 1 ½” thick (not 16 x16).

Spread polymeric joint sand across the surface of your patio.Set the strings parallel to the gravel base and at a height equal to the thickness of a brick (not a stone) plus a 1-in.A standard deck or patio umbrella, or market umbrella, can offer a much-needed reprieve from the sun.It’s also likely that one side of each paver will sink and your patio will be really wonky.Before beginning the project, gather all the required supplies and equipment.

In my area, the base layer material is known as crusher run. A crusher run has granite dust and coarse and fine angular aggregate and the gravel is about ½-4” in size. For instance, if you live in an area that has a high amount of clay in the soil, plan on using extra gravel in your base layer. Clay has draining issues and larger gravel will help with this. I would opt for professional installation if I’m paying for more expensive patio material, like stone, pavers, or engineered wood/ composite materials. Now that you know how to build a patio, you’ll need to decide if this is the right project for you. Working with heavy building materials isn’t for everyone—and does pose safety risks. Before putting down the concrete pavers, plan how you are going to place the paver stones. Typically you want to start from an outside edge or corner. Create a comfortable and welcoming outdoor living area with furnishings and decor. Once you've picked out your patio furniture, whether wicker, wood, or another material, start adding coordinating design items. A water feature adds peaceful sound to a backyard, especially helpful if neighbors or passing cars create noise. Don't forget about the outdoor wall space—add artwork that's safe to hang outdoors, and install sconces for lighting. Grade the dirt so it's parallel to your string lines. Depending on the type of paver base and pavers you're using, plan to dig anywhere from 4 to 7 inches deep. Composite pavers are a new option, made from recycled materials such as old tires. It’s time to elevate your outdoor experience by learning how to build a patio. With the help of natural stone, brick, or concrete slabs, you’re just one weekend away from a serious DIY backyard upgrade.