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How to Build a Patio with Concrete Pavers
Instructional Tips on Building a Concrete Paver Patio
By Mark J. Donovan
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Building a patio off the backside of your house is a great way to extend the
living space of your home. A patio is ideal for having summer cookouts and
simply relaxing outdoors in the afternoon shade. A patio is also lower
maintenance than a deck. There are three common types of materials used in
building a patio, concrete pavers, bricks and poured concrete. In my
personal opinion building a patio with concrete pavers is the best choice.
Poured concrete is susceptible to cracking, particularly if you live in
colder climates, and standard bricks lack the interlocking capability, and
the shape, size and color variations that concrete pavers offer.
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To build a patio with concrete pavers
first mark the patio borders. Use stakes and string for marking the outer
dimensions of the patio.
After defining the patio boundaries next prepare the patio bed for setting the
concrete pavers into. All of the sod and topsoil must be removed. A flat-blade
shovel works well for removing the sod and topsoil. In addition, another several
inches of soil should be removed. If you live in colder climates I would
recommend removing about 12 inches of soil in total from the planned patio area.
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Next place landscaping fabric into the dugout area followed by several
inches of angular crushed stone. The crushed stone should be placed into the
patio area and compacted firmly. Note that it is important to use angular
crushed stone as the stones interlock with each other to create a stable
bedding surface. The landscaping fabric helps to ensure proper drainage
underneath the concrete paver patio.
After compacting the gravel several inches of clean sand should be poured
over it. The sand should also be compacted down such that it is
approximately 1 inch below the adjacent sod area.
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This should allow the concrete pavers to sit approximately 1 inch above the
sod.
Next use a long 2x4 board to screed the sand to a smooth and level surface.
Long plastic conduit pipes placed at the far ends of the patio sand bed work
well for helping to guide the 2x4 board over the sand, and ensuring a
consistent and smooth bedding surface.
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Now set your concrete pavers into the patio bed starting at one side of the
patio and working your way across the surface of the patio bed. As you
progress continue to smooth out the sand with the 2x4 board. Cut concrete
pavers as necessary with a wet saw.
After installing the concrete pavers next install edge trim pieces along the
perimeter of the concrete paver patio using long spikes to hold them in
place.
Apply a light coating of sand over the finished concrete paver patio and
sweep the sand into the cracks and crevices between the concrete pavers with
a broom.
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Photo by Mark Donovan
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Next, lightly hose down the surface of the concrete paver patio, using a fine
spray setting on the spray nozzle, to lock the concrete pavers into place and to
create a beautifully finished patio surface.
Finally spread topsoil and grass seed around the perimeter of the patio area to
complete the project.
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For help on building a new Paver Walkway or Patio, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet.
The
Brick and Paver Walkway Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right landscape contractor, and help to ensure that your
paver walkway or patio project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Patio Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
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