How to Make Patios

Laying your own brick or stone patio isn't as difficult as you might think, if you go with a loose-brick design that doesn't involve mortar. If you prepare the surface properly, with a layer of weed block and enough hard-packed sand to form a good solid bed for the bricks, you can start your project on a Saturday morning and be grilling on your new patio by dinnertime. Be aware, however, that it takes some physical work, including digging sod and, of course, hauling bricks.

Things You'll Need

• Spade Large, flat snow shovel Long carpenter's level Enough sand to cover the patio area at a depth of 3 inches (Divide the square footage by four to get the cubic feet of sand you need. For example, a 10 by 10 foot area is 100 square feet, requiring 25 cubic feet of sand.) Enough plastic or mesh weed block, in rolls, to cover the area Enough patio pavers, bricks or stones to cover the area Garden hose with a light spray setting Broom

Instructions

1. With your spade, dig out the sod in the area you want the patio to be. Get it as smooth and level by sight as you can. Roll out your weed blocker, overlapping the long edges and cutting as necessary with your razor.

2. Spread your sand over the area, at a depth of about 3 inches. Level it by sight with the back of your snow shovel. Then lay your long level at random points around the surface to check for level, adjusting and flattening it with the back of your snow shovel as you do.

3. Soak the area thoroughly, using your garden hose on a gentle spray setting to avoid disturbing the sand. Let it dry for an hour, then repeat. Do this three times, then let the area dry for several hours in the sun, so the sand gets well-packed.

4. Lay your paving bricks gently down over the sand, taking care not to disturb the sand. Lay them in a staggered pattern, so you don't have four corners meeting in one place. Leave about 1/4 inch between the bricks.

5. Sweep remaining sand over the bricks with your broom, filling in the cracks between them. Walk around the perimeter, using your feet to push the surrounding sod up against the bricks to help stabilize them. Your patio is now finished and ready for you to enjoy.

References

• Install a loose-laid brick patio