What Type of Fill for a Concrete Patio?

Gravel and sand work well as concrete patio filler material.

Concrete patios require a very level base in order to be poured properly. With pavers or stone you can deal with a few uneven areas by adjusting your materials. Pouring concrete, however, requires a completely level surface for proper application. This is where fill, the material used to fill in the base before the concrete is applied, becomes important. You can use several different types of fill materials based on your project.

Sand

Sand is one of the most common fill choices for preparing an area for a concrete patio. Sand is readily available, and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and types. If you are planning on using stones or pavers somewhere in your patio design, sand can also make an excellent filler material between them, as well as below the concrete. The grain type is not important, since most types of sand can easily level a surface enough for concrete.

Gravel

Gravel is the other common option for concrete patio filler. Gravel shares many advantages with sand, but has some key differences. First, gravel will not wash away as easily as sand, which can be an important consideration depending on the climate and position of the patio. Second, gravel comes in different grades. The smaller the grade the better, because smaller gravel pieces are easier to level out into a smooth plane for the concrete.

Other Landscaping Materials

If you do not want to spend money to bring in sand or gravel into your patio project, think creatively instead. The purpose of the filler is to make the area you have dug out smooth enough for a good concrete application. You may have other materials from your landscaping that will serve the purpose. Fine dirt, a spare gravel patch and mounds left over from gardening activities are anong other potential sources of filler. These may not be as high in quality as sand or gravel, but they are easier on the wallet.

Compacting

Consider renting a compacter for your filler project. A compactor vibrates dirt down, getting rid of any air pockets and ensuring that what is even now will stay even for years to come. While a compactor isn't necessary for gravel, it can help stamp out and render your own landscaping materials into suitable and permanently level filler.

References

• Minneapolis Concrete: Cutting Sod and Preparing the Ground
• Belgard: How To Install Concrete Pavers
• Ask the Builder: Concrete and Flagstone Patio Tips