How to Build a Backyard Wooden Patio
Patios are the center of your backyard social space. They create a visually defined space for seating, entertaining and outdoor dining. Instead of making the standard flag stone or brick patio, you can make one out of wood. Use cedar log rounds laid into a gravel base for an earthy take on your outdoor entertaining space. The organic shapes and sizes of the log rounds will make for an attractive and original patio surface. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Rope
- Shovel
- Gravel
- Tamper
- Cedar log, approximately 18-to-24-inch diameter, 96 inches long
- Chain saw
- Rubber mallet
Instructions
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1
Lay a rope out on the ground in the area you have selected for your patio space. Form the rope in the shape desired for the perimeter of the patio.
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2
Dig out the space inside the rope perimeter of the patio to a depth of 6 inches using a shovel. Remove the rope from around the patio space after you have it dug out.
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3
Fill the dug-out space with a 4-inch layer of gravel. Tamp the gravel down with a tamper by striking the surface of the gravel in an even up and down motion.
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4
Saw off 2-inch-thick rounds from the cedar log using a chain saw. Lay the rounds on top of the gravel. Space the rounds approximately 2 to 4 inches apart in a manner that is visually pleasing. Continue cutting the rounds from the log with the chain saw until you have enough to cover the entire patio space.
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Tap the surface of each round with a rubber mallet to seat it firmly in place against the gravel surface. Fill around the rounds with more gravel so that the patio surface is level with the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Make a wooden path leading from your home or driveway to the patio using the log rounds.
Wear ear, eye and face protection when operating a chain saw. Wear heavy work gloves when landscaping.
