Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeBuildHow To Build A Backyard Patio

How To Build A Backyard Patio

Floating Island Outdoor Deck

How to Build a Patio – An easy Do it Yourself Project

Make a shady oasis for your yard by surrounding trees with an island deck. This is a simple project for an experienced woodworker. This is a great place to put flowers, as well as comfortable cushions for dreaming the day away. This novel project will set your backyard apart from the everyday.

Size And Placement Of Your Deck And Patio

A different factor to consider is the size and placement of your deck or patio. A good thing about floating decks is that they can be installed almost anywhere. You can build a deck on water features or uneven surfaces. However, decks need to be an adequate size to support weight. On the other hand, patios can be built in any size, but you need to make sure that the land is graded appropriately before installing to avoid flooding your house. When it comes to size and placement, patios are the best choice.

Cost To Build A Patio Roof

The cost to build a patio roof averages $2,200 to $13,500. Patio roofs are a type of patio cover. Rather than a softcover like an awning, this is a permanent hardcover closely resembling a pavilion. These roofs can be made of many materials, with wood and aluminum being the two most common. You can also build a patio roof and it to resemble your homes roof. All patio roofs come in a range of styles, pitches, and sizes.

Also Check: Concrete Patio With Roof


Stretch Your Patio Space Further With Steps

We spoke with Chris Moorhouse, Category Director for Timber, Building, Décor and Garden at Wickes about the best patio ideas and he suggests ‘A great way to ensure your patio looks stylish and well-presented is by breaking it into zones. This can be achieved by adding steps, laying different materials or the addition of plants and paving circles. This will help to differentiate between dedicated areas e.g. grass, play area, relaxation, dining area.’ Not to mention the planted contour adds heaps of character to this patio space. ‘Finally, opting for low maintenance materials that require minimal cleaning, such as porcelain paving, all weather furniture and shrubs will ensure your patio looks great all year around!’

How To Mark Off Your Patio Area

How To Build a Fireplace on an Outdoor Patio

Place a stake at the corners of the area for the patio and tie mason string to mark off the area.

Prep the Area

Watch video of this step.

When considering where to build a patio, choose a flat, level area. Then have your local utility company come out and make sure the area is free of underground utilities.

Next measure the area, so you can order the right amount of materials. Our area is 11′ x 11′ square.


Once you have the materials, do a dry layout of your design . Do this in any level part of the yard. Play with the pattern and design, see what works and make sure you have enough materials.

At your patio location, measure the area and pound four stakes into each corner. We did ours 12′ square 11′ square plus 6″ on each side for edging .

Tie mason string to mark off the square . Measure diagonally across the stakes from opposite corners to make sure the patio area is square.

Don’t Miss: Replacement Webbing For Aluminum Lawn Chairs

Mark Out The Outside Dimensions

You can build an amazing-looking and long-lasting paver patio even if you dont have any experience with this sort of project. Follow these steps and you should be able to pull it off without any complications: mark out the outside dimensions of the project area and then dig out the area to a depth of 4 to 7 inches. Install edge restraints, add a layer of gravel, compact it, then a layer of patio paver sand, and level it. Its then time to install the pavers. We found this particular youtube tutorial to be very helpful and informative.


Simple Patio Design: The Supplies

There are tools and basic materials that you will need to complete most patio projects. For example:

  • Measuring tape
  • Broom
  • Diamond blade saw

A blade saw is used to cut stones to specific dimensions and is not a necessary purchase, but if you have decided on a patio style with precise shapes, you can easily rent one of these from your local home improvement center.

Safety Is First and Foremost

Remember before digging to always check with the city for locations of any underground cables. Be safe!

Check before you dig

Recommended Reading: Do Yourself Patio Paver Kits

Gorgeous Diy Wooden Gate Project

There may not be anything more iconic in a garden than a gate that leads you right to it. Garden gates can welcome your guests right into your backyard oasis without having to use the front door. Whether you are looking to hide an unattractive side of your backyard, close in a fenced backyard to just want to add a point of entrance, a wooden gate is the perfect DIY backyard project.


Privacy Of Your Deck And Patio Space

How to build a backyard paver patio yourself!

Its also quite important to consider privacy when youre thinking about building an outdoor space. To keep a deck private, you can install a screen anywhere and it would look natural. If you want to make your patio a little more private, you can build an enclosure for privacy and year-round comfort. However, theyre somewhat expensive and defenseless against moisture damage. Hence, the most affordable and accessible feature for privacy would be to choose a deck.

You May Like: How To Install Ceiling Fan On Insulated Aluminum Patio

It’s Your Call: Genius Or Cracked

Here is an interesting look for a patio. The designer has left a grass strip around each of the pavers. The resulting “crack” sets off the pavers nicely. Here’s the trade-off, though: This patio is hardly low-maintenance. Why give yourself more mowing work than you already have to do? But it’s your call.

Weatherproofing Your Deck Or Patio

Another factor to consider when deciding between a deck or patio is weatherproofing. Any outdoor structure needs to be weather-resistance for it to last. Decks and patios would require some sort of waterproofing, sealing, and coating in order for its surface to be protected from the weather.

Weatherproofing with decks is less of a hassle because since theyre composed of more expensive materials, they might just need recurring cleaning. However, wood decks might require sealing and waterproofing every couple of years and sealing alone is expensive.


On the other hand, materials that make up patios do not need as much treatment for weatherproofing, except cleaning and coating. However, if the material gets too wet constantly, it may crack and need resurfacing. Overall, its easier to protect patios from weather than it is decks.

You May Like: How To Put In A Sliding Patio Door

Stripped Down Steamer Style Outdoor Trunk

This stylish louvered style deck box will bring your yard a touch of elegance while holding all of your backyard items. Its great for pool cushions, garden items, and toys. An experienced woodworker would be able to put this project together in one weekend. You can paint or stain it for the look you want.

Cottage Garden Planters Stand

How to build a wood patio deck

If you need a planters stand, construct this easy DIY version at home. This planter is in a sweet and charming cottage style to complement the décor of your backyard. This makes a practical accent to your yard. Youll use it frequently to repot flowers. You can also use it for outdoor meal prep and serving dishes.

Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Concrete Patio


How To Build A Diy Patio For Less Than $300

Wondering how to build a large patio that looks amazing for less than $300? Keep reading!

I am immensely proud of this project. I sit in my garden every morning drinking my coffee grinning from ear to ear looking at my patio. Ive dreamt about this day for years. When I bought my house four years ago, there were two trees, an unsightly shed, and a basic concrete patio off the back door. I immediately put in a faux flagstone patio and replaced the falling down shed with my fire pit patio.

I have since added a large vegetable garden, an herb garden, tons of roses, trees, and flowers, and I redesigned my courtyard last spring. I always intended to finish out the back with another patio but Im on a budget and my yard had to be done piece by piece. If you want a private oasis but dont know where to begin: just begin! Transform your yard piece by piece, plant by plant. Thats what I did with my first yard too. Now, heres how to build a DIY patio for less than $300. For your reference, heres how bare the yard was before this project:

Compared to now:

And thats before the grass totally died under the shade of the tree. Trust me it did NOT look this cute the year before I did this project. It was a mud pit. So ugly that I dont have a single photo of it and sadly, I didnt think to take a true before.


Prep

Gravel

Stone Edge

Weed Cover

Shovel, shovel, shovel

Edging

Finish it off

I hope this article inspired you to DIY a patio. Get outside and enjoy!

Happy gardening,

Diy Paver Patio Project On A Budget

Regardless of your garden makeover budget, we still believe adding a paver patio is achievable for anyone. While we know it will take a good amount of time and effort to create a larger paver patio, it still doesnt have to break the bank. We always recommend trying to take the project at a leisurely pace, and youll enjoy the process far more than trying to get it done in a rush. Plan your paver patio out a few months before you hope to use it, and it will be ready well in time for your summer gatherings this year. Gardening Channel reminds you to always consider any plumbing and electric lines in your yard before you start digging up the ground. That would certainly be a costly mistake!

Also Check: How To Remove Spilled Wood Stain From Cement

Add Height With Lighting

Adding height to a covered space is easily done with good garden lighting ideas. Hang lanterns and over your outdoor couch, and layer up with tea lights and more elsewhere by night for a multilevelled patio look.

To really max out the space, choose a sofa that fits with your space. You can build up how many seats you want, add armrests, corner sections, pick colors and cushions to go on top just a really versatile piece of garden furniture and a great patio idea if you’re squeezed for space.

A Tranquil Solar Fountain On A Budget

How to Build a Paver Patio

Create a fountain from scratch to give your backyard a calming, tranquil feel. A water feature can truly transform your outdoor space and give it a charming, more welcoming vibe. Since fountains and ponds can get pretty pricey, this is a brilliant cost-saving approach that you can easily do yourself. This stunning and creative DIY solar fountain will instantly make you feel like youre on vacation every time you step outside.

You May Like: How To Install A Sliding Patio Door

Establish A Slight Slope

Set up a string line across the center of the patio in the direction you want the water to drain. Tie the stringline to stakes driven at each end of the patio so it stretches in the best drainage direction. Use a line level to adjust the string until it’s level. Then lower one end of the string 1 in. for every 10 ft. of length to establish a sloped reference line. Youll use this string to gauge the depth of the hole as you dig, and to set the slope of the compacted base.

Sit Around The Fire On An Elegant Flagstone Patio

The material that you use to create your outdoor patio depends partly on your tastes, but also partly on practical considerations. Most homeowners choose hard surfaces, such as the flagstone patio shown in this picture. But as we will see later, there are some instances where a hard surface is not necessarily the best option.

Read Also: Installing Pavers On Uneven Ground

A Stunning Patio Paver Area You Can Do Yourself

Looking to install a paver patio? This low cost, easy maintenance DIY can be created with a variety of materials. This stunning patio uses stone pavers, which is much easier to lay than concrete but with the same look. There are so many design ideas when it comes to designing your patio like placing a table and chairs on top for family gatherings, adding a stone fireplace for cool cozy nights, or even both.

How The Layers Go Together

How to Build a Brick Patio

When youve found a suitable spot, make a rough sketch showing trees, shrubs and gardens, then take measurements. Transfer these measurements to graph paper, letting each square equal 1 ft. Lay tracing paper over your plan and sketch in the stone border and bricks. Experiment with different designs, and when you come up with a plan you like, use it to calculate the quantities of materials and help you place the patio stones. Remember that this is a casual, free-form patio. Have fun and let the plan evolve as you work.

Note: You can download Figure A and enlarge it from the additional information below.

Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Concrete Patio

Repurposed Living Room Patio Sofa

This minimalist outdoor sofa makes a comfortable addition to your patio or backyard. The base of the sofa is done in wood, though it is painted to look like stone. This is a handsome sofa in an updated style. Choose gray paint and black cushions for a sleek look, or you can dress this project up by painting it in any color you wish.

Spread Landscape Fabric And Gravel

Double-check your calculations for gravel and sand and arrange for deliveries. Then call the rental store and reserve a gas-powered plate compactor or tamper. This is a heavy beast youll need a trailer or pickup truck and a couple of strong bodies to move it around.

After compacting the soil with the tamper and before you start filling the hole, roll out the landscape fabric, allowing it to extend at least 6 in. beyond the patio all around. Use spikes to temporarily hold it in place. Then we spread a 2-in. layer of gravel over the top.

Note: If your soil is soft or soggy, you might have to add more gravel fill to create a stable base. Ask your building inspector or a soil engineer to recommend the right base for you.

You May Like: How To Keep White Outdoor Cushions Clean

Choosing Brick Pavers For A Patio

We decided on the brick pavers for our DIY backyard patio not just because theyre budget friendly, but because they would be easier than laying single bricks. They cover a little more area and there are fewer opportunities for misalignment.

However, if you happen to have bricks available, you can use single bricks to make an easy backyard patio as well! Just be sure that you take plenty of time in the grading process, and use a level as youre laying your bricks.

Stunning Diy Deck Built On A Budget

How to Pour a Concrete backyard Patio Slab [Beginner Guide]

I think this is my most DIY favorite project I have ever done, and The Home Depot definitely made it all happen! From the friendly staff, to all of their tools, and the ideas on their , Home Depot really does have everything you need to make a big project, like a DIY deck!

First off, this is very possible to accomplish on your own! I am not a professional carpenter or contractor, but this project is easy enough to do. But if you are adventurous enough, and have a few extra hands, building your very own deck is very possible!

Why build your own deck? For me, it came down to learning some new skills and saving lots of money! It is so extremely rewarding to stand on a deck that you have created with your own two hands. The bragging rights are unparalleled! And more importantly, you can save so much money! To pay someone to build a deck my size with typical materials would cost between $6,000 and $8,000! My deck came in under $900, since all I paid for was lumber, cement, and screws. Wow, right?

Lets build a deck!

You May Like: Do You Need An Outdoor Tv For A Covered Patio

Lay The Concrete Pavers

Cut your spacer down to the size you have planned for your joint width.

In the photo above, my metal bars are diagonal because I needed to slope my patio in two directions. I thought it would make it easier this way, but I ended up pulling them out and keeping them straight. It was easy enough to follow the slope lines with the strings.

Lay one the first spacer down, and use a squaring tool to lay down a crossing spacer. Then carefully place your first concrete paver against the two spacers.

Repeat, using the spacers to lay more concrete pavers. Remember, you can walk on these as you lay them.

My metal bars are lying diagonally in the photo above because I needed to slope my patio in two directions.

I thought it would make it easier this way, but I ended up pulling them out and keeping them straight. It was easy enough to follow the slope lines with the strings.

Lay one the first spacer down, and use a squaring tool to lay down a crossing spacer. Then go ahead and carefully place your first concrete paver against the two spacers.

Repeat using the spacers to lay more pavers. Remember, you can walk on these as you lay them.


RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular