Patios provide an excellent place for outdoor entertainment, relaxation and can add value to a home. There are different sizes, shapes, and designs available for them.
Before beginning patio installation, homeowners should contact their local utility companies to have underground lines located and marked. This will save time and money in the long run. In this article we are hoping to help you be prepared for your upcoming patio installation!
Preparation
Patio installation is a big project that can be very rewarding. Whether hosting family and friends or relaxing alone, a new patio will provide years of enjoyment.
Before beginning any work, check with local utility companies to have all underground lines marked. This will prevent accidents and costly repairs down the line.
To lay the foundation for your patio, create a level line around its perimeter using a garden hose or a string of thin rope or twine. Make sure it’s perpendicular to the house; doing so will help reduce the shifting and sinking of pavers.
Next, place a layer of gravel in the area to form a base for your pavers. You’ll need a base that compacts and resists pooling water, such as crushed rock or 3/4 minus gravel (depending on your location, it may be called class 5, crusher run, or roadbed gravel). Cover the gravel with a layer of polymeric jointing sand, which you’ll sweep with a stiff broom to fill all the cracks.
Materials
The type of material you choose for your patio will determine its style and durability. Popular options run the gamut from poured concrete to pavers of recycled plastic and natural stone.
Concrete is an inexpensive option, but it can crack and chip over time. Also, concrete must be poured and allowed to cure before you can install your patio.
If you prefer a more natural look, consider a gravel patio. Made from round, earth-toned stones under one inch in diameter, this type of patio is reminiscent of English cottage gardens and Tuscan courtyards. This type of patio is relatively easy to install and offers superior drainage.
A concrete slab is a versatile option, but it can be challenging for homeowners to install. You can purchase ready-mix concrete that can be shaped to create a custom-shaped patio or use a flexible polyurethane stamp to imprint concrete before it hardens. The resulting patterned concrete can be dyed any color and may mimic the texture of stone or brick.
Layout
Patios often serve as the focal point for an entire backyard. Innovative water features offer a cooling accent to hot summer days, while a fire pit can provide a cozy gathering place on chilly evenings.
These landscape features must also be positioned and scaled to work with the individual home’s geographic location, visual style, maintenance demands, and design details. Modern homes suit contemporary materials and design tricks, while more traditional houses need period-style or authentic sourcing.
Similarly, the layout of a patio should be determined by how it will be used. A seating plan must be incorporated if the space houses dining and lounging furniture. Similarly, if the space will feature planters, a flower garden, or scent-led climbers, it is best to incorporate these ideas at the initial stages of the patio’s conception. This way, the desired zones can be laid out before the furniture is found to ensure compatibility and adequate circulation.
Installation
Patios are made to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. They can also serve as an outdoor dining room or relaxing place with a good book. But it needs to be installed before you can enjoy your new patio.
Patio installation is a project that requires some DIY know-how and the ability to follow directions carefully. It’s best to consult with a landscape professional, especially if your patio design is nontraditional or requires infrastructure installations for electricity and gas lines. We hope that the above steps will help you understand everything that goes into a patio installation!
