How To Complete The Base For Your Patio
Remove the guides and fill in the remaining space with sand.
Finish the Base
With the gravel base compacted, install galvanized steel edging around the perimeter of the base . This edging marks the outside of the 11-foot square to be filled by the pavers. Edging is also available in plastic or aluminum.
The final base material is a one-inch layer of sand.
Spread the sand over the gravel base to a depth of one inch. Screed the sand with a 2×4 using a pair of 1-inch PVC pipe and a depth guide . You can create similar guides by sawing wood into long, 1-inch thick strips. Then remove the guides and fill in the remaining sand.
Just Slab It Together
Yes, you can buy large slabs of rock just like these from a local distributor. Finding them is easy, the hard part comes in getting someone to help you lay them perfectly going down the slope in your backyard. But you will find as you sit by the firepit that the expense and effort are well-worth it.
Add Pea Gravel In Between The Pavers
Once everything was in place, the only thing left to do was add in the pea gravel in between the pavers! I just shoveled small amounts in between the pavers and used a broom to sweep them into place. I went back and forth whether we should use pea gravel, a decorative rock, or grass, but ultimately, I went with pea gravel. I didnt want a bold rock in between the pavers, and long term, I think I would have maybe hated the upkeep of grass since there are so many pavers. So pea gravel it was. Plus, it was inexpensive and also helps to hide pine needles and other debris!
Phew, well there you have it! Exactly how we made our modern paver patio with pea gravel!
What do you guys think about our patio transformation? I honestly cant get over the before and after. Dang- what did we even do with ourselves before this space?! Its going to look even better once everything grows in, too!
Were currently enjoying the rest of the summer with some patio furniture on it, but next year we plan on executing phase two of our design and making a raised garden area, so stay tuned!
Also, If youre interested in all the details on how I made this modern feature fountain or freestanding trellis, I have blog posts for both.
I hope you found this blog post helpful and inspired you to transform a weird spot in your yard into something amazing!
Until next time,
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How To Build A Pea Gravel Patio
Are you tired of the barren look of your yard? Do you want to do something about it but you do not know how to start? The best way to upgrade the look of your yard is to create a pea gravel patio.
The pea gravel patio is simply a landscaped area with a pea gravel layer that can be used to place chairs or to place potted plants. You can create a unique design for your pea gravel patio.
Why not get inspired by Japanese gardens? You can go as big as you want or a small as you want depending on how you want the pea gravel patio to look.
How To Mark Off Your Patio Area
Place a stake at the corners of the area for the patio and tie mason string to mark off the area.
Prep the Area
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.
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Some Things You Can Benefit From Regarding Your Patio
Instead of using rounded pea gravel, use coarser pea gravel. This will make the gravel hold on to each other in a more compact way.
You should also use different colors of pea gravel to great unique color ways for the pea gravel patio.
You can use yellow, red, beige, white and other colors that are available in your local home improvement store.
- What do You Know About Pea Gravel Patio?
- How to Build Pea Gravel Playground
- How to Build a Pea Gravel Walkway
How To Calculate Patio Slope
There are different ways to calculate the slope for a new patio. The easiest way is to measure the distance from the building to where the outside edge will be and multiply it by 1/4 or 0.25 for a 2% or 1/4 per foot drop.
- For example, a 20-foot patio run multiplied by 0.25 calculates the patio fall to be 5 from one edge to the other.
To calculate the slope of an existing patio, use a 2 or 4-foot builders level. Place the level on the surface, lift the end furthest from the structure, and measure the distance lifted to make it level. Divide the distance by 4 with a 4-foot level, and 2 with a 2-foot length to determine the fall per foot.
- For example, using a 4-foot level results in a 1 lift, 1 ÷ 4 = 0.25 or 1/4 or 2% fall per foot. If the lift is 1/2 when using a 2-foot level, 1/2 ÷ 2 = 1/4 or 0.25 or a 2% slope.
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Excavating And Leveling Your Yard
How To Install Pavers On A Slope
For the most part, installing pavers on a slope looks a lot like installing pavers on flat ground. The process is nearly the same as far as preparing the ground and the steps required for a successful installation. However, there are a couple of important differences, which we will point out as we go through these steps.
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Create Your Own Cliff
Not everyone gets to have their own personal cliff in their backyard. It looks like this yard had a nasty drop off the owner used to create the look of mountain cliff by using the structured planting of trees in the back and shrubs up front. Using rocks and slabs for the steps keeps the illusion alive.
Control Gravel With A Border
A border of stones, pavers, or bricks can help contain gravel and keep it from sliding. Additionally, if you have built up a deep gravel base, this small wall will keep the gravel from spreading outward. Dont worry about the border serving as a trap for water. If you have built gravel from a base of varying sizes and installed drainage alongside your gravel, flooding wont be an issue.
- Line your gravel path or driveway with concrete, stones, or even wood to keep it contained.
- A border will prevent gravel from spreading and keep it compacted and stable enough to resist slipping downhill.
- A border will not increase flooding risk to properly installed gravel with adequate drainage.
In addition to physically keeping your gravel in place, borders can also be attractive features for your home. A properly marked and bordered driveway has a much neater look than a ragged gravel drive that peters off on either side.
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Optional Step 1: Seal The Pavers
We recommend sealing your pavers after you finish installing them to protect them and help keep them looking great over time. Sealer is especially recommended on a slope due to the fact that the water will be traveling down the slope picking up speed along the way and will most likely wash out all the joint sand over time. The sealer helps lock in the joint sand.
If all of this sounds like a lot of work, or if you are concerned about your ability to successfully install pavers on a slope, give Install-It-Direct a call. One of our design consultants would be happy to come out to assess your project and let you know how we can help.
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Building Beautiful Raised Patios
Creating usable and beautiful space in your own backyard can be an exciting adventure as these homeowners in Calgary discovered when they decided to tackle their barren backyard. With several design factors to take into account, this total yard makeover took some very special planning. “We wanted to keep the yard open and inviting, while still being able to utilize the area to relax with family and entertain with friends”. In addition to the aesthetic needs of the homeowners, there were some structural challenges that had to be addressed. One of the challenges was an existing wood retaining wall built directly against the fence line.
One of the challenges was to replace an existing wood retaining wall built directly against the fence line
“We wanted to keep the yard open and inviting, while still being able to utilize the area to relax with family and entertain with friends”.
“Even though mother nature threw us for a loop and caused some delays, the project went together very smoothly” – Contractor
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Finish With Joint Sand
Pour joint sand over your installation to fill the joints between the pavers. Tamp down the sand with your tamper or plate compactor, and be sure to use a pad so that you do not damage the paving stones. Use your push broom to remove any extra sand from the pavers. Then use your garden hose to wet down all of the paving stones and sand.
Is A Paver Patio Considered A Permanent Structure
In general, paver patios do not require permits, because they are not considered permanent structures. As you get into more complex outdoor living areas that include electric, plumbing, and other wood structures, permits/inspections may be required, but it does vary widely between municipalities.
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How To Install Stone Pavers
Use a mallet to hammer in the pavers to use as stepping stones. Fill in a small area, and then, check to see that they are even. Remember, you want a slight slope for drainage. Make any necessary adjustments with the rubber mallet.
Lay the Pavers
With a firm, flat base prepared, you’re ready for the pavers. Start in the corner, setting each paver into the sand by tapping it lightly with a rubber mallet .
Using the set pavers as stepping stones. Fill in a small area then check with a level to make sure they are even. Remember, you want a slight slope for drainage. Make adjustments with the rubber mallet .
If a paver is too low, remove it, add sand and reset. Following the pattern you dry laid earlier, it won’t take much time to finish setting the pavers.
Instill Base Of The Walkway
You can utilize various materials to build a gravel pathway. But when we talk about the base of an object, the material has to be of supreme quality.
You can either use gravel, crushed rocks, or concrete stone. However, mostly crushed rocks are used, as they provide stability and sustainability.
After compressing and smoothing out the trench, add up to 2 inches of sand for keeping balance. Smooth it out using a metal rake. Gradually instill it with almost 3 inches of crushed stone.
Rake out the surface of the crushed stones and bring it to level with the trench.
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Snap A Base Line And 2 Perpendicular Lines
Snapping chalk lines directly in the sand is the best way to keep your bricks running straight. For the running bond pattern, youll only need a baseline and two lines perpendicular to the baseline, offset by half the width of a brick. Mark the rough center and snap a line at right angles using this method:
Preparing The Area For Installation
Once you have gathered your tools and materials, it is time to get to work. The first step in preparing the ground to install pavers on a slope is to remove any hardscapes or landscaping that are in the area that will soon be your walkway. This is also a chance to diminish the slope as much as possible by evening out the ground wherever possible. Always call 811 before digging to avoid hitting utility lines.
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Install The Edging Around The Patio
After all the pavers were in, we installed some black metal edging around the border as well as the inside to create a border for our modern feature fountain.
To install the edging, use a hacksaw or mini circular saw like we did, and cut it to size. Then fit the pieces together to create one continuous line or use a 90 degree elbow to create a square or rectangle and secure them in place with a rubber mallet and steaks.
Installing the edging took no time at all, and it added so much to the patio! Although, getting all the pieces needed for this was kind of a headache-
We had to go to 4 different Lowes on many occasions to find all the edging! I cant tell you how many trips we took, but it was definitely over ten. Can you relate?!
But some things are worth the headache because I think this edging is one of my favorite parts!
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.
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How To Install Pavers On Unlevel Ground
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Few lawns provide a completely level place for you to install a patio or walkway made out of landscape pavers. Some slope is desirable, because it allows for drainage. You dont want adjoining pavers to be uneven or they become trip hazards. There are a number of things you can do during installation to ensure that the patio or walkway is level. Careful compaction of the ground and base material is the key to leveling uneven terrain to make a flat surface.
Dig a trench 8 to 10 inches deep where you plan to build the patio or walkway. For small areas, use a shovel. For larger areas, consider renting a skid-steer loader with a bucket attachment to move the dirt. Vary the depth of the trench so the bottom of the trench is level. Check for levelness with a carpenters level or a laser level. Add or remove dirt as necessary.
Run a plate compactor over the bottom of the trench. These tools are available for rent at a rental agency. Check for levelness again. If necessary, add or remove dirt and compact the repaired area again.
Add 2 to 3 inches of crushed gravel to the bottom of the trench. Go over the gravel with a plate compactor to level it. Check for levelness with the level. Do not use smooth stones as they do not lock together to form a solid base like the jagged edges of crushed stone.
Things You Will Need