How to Design Patios With Concrete Blocks

Interlocking concrete pavers can be found at most home improvement stores.

Transform your backyard into an outdoor party room by adding a patio of concrete blocks and pavers. By using the basic concepts of patio design, you can develop a plan and bring your ideas to life. The tough, durable surface provided by concrete blocks and pavers allows you to add various patio features such as grills, play areas and flower beds. Building a patio enhances your yard and can increase your enjoyment of the outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Graph paper
• Local building codes
• Patio and landscape magazines

Instructions

1. Check with your local city building department for any special codes or requirements before you begin your design. This could have an effect on how your plan will develop.

2. Look through magazines about backyard living and entertaining to get general ideas of how you want your patio to look and the types of concrete blocks that are in your budget. Decide what you like and what elements you want to include in your patio, and let your design develop from these ideas. Elements such as furniture, a grill, a play area and flower beds can be added into your plan.

3. With your measuring tape, measure out the area that you are considering for your patio. Make a note of any water or gas lines that may be covered by the project and if they need re-routing. If you are thinking about installing a built-in gas grill, you may want to run a natural gas line to the area before you install your patio.

4. Draw out the area you have created for the patio on the graph paper. Include the back of the house, doors, water and electrical outlets and any nearby trees. Make scaled cut-out shapes of things like patio furniture, the grill area, planter boxes and position them on your drawing. These shapes can then be moved around the drawing to visualize different options.

5. Multiply the length by the width in feet to determine the square footage of your patio. If your design has curves you'll need to estimate this by squaring it up. Once you have your square footage, you can begin to shop for the concrete blocks or pavers that fit your budget. A home improvement store should be able to help you figure out what you will need and any extra materials that may be required. If the job isn't too large, you may consider doing it yourself, or with some help from your friends.

Tips & Warnings

• A well-designed patio can increase your home's value.

• Concrete patios are extremely durable.

References

• Ask The Builder: A Patio Of Concrete The Right Way
• Concrete Network: Concrete Patio