How to Install an Outdoor Patio
Patio pavers are a great way to construct an outdoor patio and create an outdoor living space. Homeowners wishing to build an outdoor patio with patio pavers will need to know the proper way to install the patio. With a little bit of preparation, a patio made of patio pavers can look beautiful and be highly functional. Knowing where to start can help ambitious people with the project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spray paint
- Shovel
- Sod cutter
- Compactor
- Gravel
- Water
- Landscape edging
- Sand
- Rake
- Rubber mallet
- Broom
- Garden hose
Instructions
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1
Decide where the patio is going to be built. Use a can of spray paint to mark the grass where the patio will be.
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2
Use a shovel and sod cutter to remove the grass in the patio area. Remove all of the grass so the area is dug down approximately seven to nine inches. This ensure that there is necessary room to install the patio pavers, sand, and gravel.
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3
Compact the soil in the patio area with a plate compactor. Compactors can be rented from a rental store.
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4
Add a five inch layer of gravel. Compact the gravel with the compactor. Adding water to the gravel may help to compact the gravel.
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5
Install landscape edging along the edges of the patio. There are various kinds of edging, so choose the edging that will look good with your project. Do not skip installing the edging because it helps to keep the patio pavers in place and keep out grass and weeds from your patio.
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6
Add a one inch layer of sand to the top of the gravel. Use the back of a rake to level the top of the sand.
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7
Place the patio pavers in place on top of the sand. Gently tap each of the patio pavers in place with a rubber mallet. Place each of the patio pavers in place until all of the pavers are set.
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Spread sand between the joints of the pavers with a broom. Wet the patio with a hose to help settle the sand.
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Tips & Warnings
Always contact your utility company before doing excavation in your yard. The utility company can help you determine where gas or water lines may be located.
References
- Photo Credit patterned brick patio image by David Levinson from Fotolia.com
