How to Use Portland Cement for Patio Base
Portland cement can be used to create a concrete base for a patio. Sand typically is mixed with Portland cement to create a mortar, which is used to bind stone or brick paving stone to the concrete base. Before the mortar is made, however, the area for the patio has to be laid out and properly prepared. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Wood stakes
- Spray paint
- Shovel
- Garden rake
- Crushed stone
- Plate compactor
- 5-gallon bucket
- Sand or stone dust
- Portland cement
- Garden shovel
Instructions
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1
Measure the outline for the patio with the tape measure. Drive the wood stakes into the ground with the hammer to mark the corners. Make lines from stake to stake with spray paint.
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2
Excavate the area inside the outline with the shovel. Remove at least six inches of grass and dirt. Smooth out the dirt with the garden rake.
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3
Add two to three inches of crushed stone. Spread out the stone with the rake. Compact the stone to make it smooth with the plate compactor.
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4
Mix three gallons of the sand or stone dust with 1 1/2 gallons of Portland cement in a 5-gallon bucket. Make sure these are blended thoroughly with a small garden shovel.
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5
Add water to the mixture slowly and mix until it is the consistency of cake batter.
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6
Pour the mixture over a small section of the crushed stone. The mortar mixture should be at least two inches thick.
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7
Lay the stone or brick onto the mortar mixture.
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8
Continue to make more mortar mix and add additional stone or brick until the patio is finished.
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Tips & Warnings
A plate compactor can be rented at your local home improvement store.
