How to Pave a Patio
A patio can add the space of another room to your house. It can be an easy addition if you choose to pave it. If the space has straight edges and if you have a strong back, you can easily do this project yourself. With the wide variety of pave stones available, you can let your patio make a statement about your personality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flat bladed shovel
- Vibrating plate compacter (rental)
- Class 2 base material
- Sharp-edged sand
- Pave stones
- Edging material
- Stiff broom
- Hose
- Sealer
Instructions
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1
Determine the size and shape of your patio. Draw up a plan. Obtain any construction permits you may need in your community.
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2
Pick up your supplies. Also rent the compacter unit at the rental store. Be sure you know how to run it.
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3
Dig out the sod and topsoil with the flat bladed shovel. Level the workspace as you go. Run the compacter over the ground. Start at the outside and work your way in to the middle. Overlap each pass about two to four inches.
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4
Place a two-inch thick layer of Class 2 base material. It should have rocks as large as ¾ inch in size as well as smaller rocks and even dust. Use the plate compacter to level the rock base. Use the same technique described in Step 3.
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5
Pour a one-inch layer of sharp-edged sand. Compact it well using the same technique as Step 3 and 4.
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6
Secure the edging material in place around the perimeter of the patio. Set the pave stones in the pattern you wish. Be sure to allow space between each pave stone for the sand in the next step.
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7
Sprinkle more sharp-edge sand in the crevices. Brush any extra into the cracks with a stiff broom. Run the compacter over the pave stones. Repeat adding sand and compacting until all the crevices are full.
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8
Hose down the entire patio area. Let it dry. The next day you can coat the patio with a sealer to help prevent stains.
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Tips & Warnings
It's a good idea to allow for some slope in your patio so water can easily run off it.
