How to Install Patio Blocks

Patios are a great addition to any yard. They not only add to your landscape but they get a lot of use too. Patio blocks come in many different sizes and shapes, so you can truly make it your own design. This project is quite a bit of work and takes some time, but is well worth the effort when you're done. You'll be the envy of all your friends and neighbors when they see the new patio that you built yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Patio block
• Crushed stone
• Sand
• Landscape fabric
• Tamp
• 4-foot level
• 2 X 4
• Shovels (spade and flat)
• String and stakes
• Push broom

Instructions

1. Measure the area. Measure out the area for the patio and add 3 inches to each side for edging. Use the stakes and string to outline the area. To make it easier for yourself, make your measurement equal to the amount of blocks you're going to use. This way you won't have to cut any of them. For example, if you wanted your patio to be 10 ft across, but whole blocks would be 10 feet 2 inches, then measure out the 10 feet 2 inches. and save yourself from cutting 2 inches off the block all the way down.

2. Dig down 2 inches for crushed stone, 1 1/2 in. for sand and the depth of the block. Some blocks are only an inch thick and some, like patio bricks, are 2 inches thick. Once you have it all dug out, use a flat shovel to grade the bottom and make sure it is level. At this stage it does not have to be perfectly level, because you will level out the stone at the next step.

3. Put in the crushed stone. Push the stone around until it looks even and then tamp it down. It helps if you wet the stone down a bit with a hose. If you're building a big patio, you might want to rent a plate compressor for the tamping, but for smaller patios a hand tamp is fine. You want to get it as tight as possible so it doesn't shift later, when the patio is all built. Use a 2 x 4 and level and check in all directions to make sure the base is level. You can move the stone around from the high areas to the low ones and tamp it again. Lay down some landscape fabric over the stone. This will deter the weeds from growing up through the patio.

4. Pour in the sand. Pour the sand in about 1 to 1 1/2 inches and spread around. Use a 2 x 4 and pull it toward you, leveling out the sand as you go. Lay the 2x4 on its end, put the level on top and check to make sure things are level in all directions. Move the sand around as need and pull the 2 x 4 across again. Avoid walking on the leveled sand as much as possible.

5. Install the edge restraints. If you are using edge restraints, put them in now. If you are using a block or brick on end as an edging wait until you get done with the flat block or you'll just have to adjust them later. Edge restraints come in a wide variety, so follow the manufacturer's suggestions on installing and timing for the restraints you purchased.

6. Put down the patio block straight down into the sand. Don't drag it across or you will end up digging a hole. Fill in the whole patio with the block in the design you want. If you are using brick, you can turn on the side and use it as an edge. If you are using a decorative brick or block for the edging, put these in and gently tamp them down.

7. Pour a fine landscaping sand on the top and sweep it into the cracks between the block. You will have to do this more than once, because it will take a little time for the sand to settle. Walking on the blocks a lot will help it to fall down into the cracks faster. It will also settle after the first rain.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the weather forecast before you start this project. It could take you a couple of days and you don't want it to rain on your unfinished project.

• Build the patio on the higher part of your yard to avoid the rain pooling on it.