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HomeBuildHow To Make A Brick Patio On Uneven Ground

How To Make A Brick Patio On Uneven Ground

How To Clean A Brick Patio In Your Backyard

How to Fix Uneven Patio Pavers

If you notice that your brick patio looks grimy and dirty after the weather or a busy weekend, there are some ways you can make it clean again. The process is quite simple and can help you make your patio look new.

Once you know the proper steps, you will never have an unattractive patio to enjoy. Read on to find out the best process for cleaning your patio!

Plan Ahead And Schedule Your Cleaning

Your patio should be cleaned every two months. Every two months keeps your patio in pretty good shape and ensures the wear and tear will not degrade the patio.;

You can always clean your patio more often, but every two months should be the starting point. Patio bricks can also stain, which can permanently ruin the bricks if not taken care of.


Also, just keeping up on patio maintenance if something breaks or a problem with laying the bricks every two months can be an excellent time to check.

Reasons Why Your Patio Pavers Arent Level

Posted by Chase Coates on July 06, 2016

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has nothing on your patio, and watching things roll across the pavers has actually become your least-favorite pastime. But no matter how hard you try, one thing is constant: yourpatio pavers are not level. How frustrating.

Before you can fix your problem , you need to figure out whats causing the uneven surface. Here are five reasons your patio pavers arent level.

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Theres Space Between Your Pavers

The once evenly spaced pavers now have unsightly gaps. But more than being an eyesore, this problem is also making the patio uneven throughout.

Several things can cause extra space between the pavers, such as edging issues, a faulty base or a lack of compaction. Find the source of the problem to figure out the next course of action.

How To Repair A Paver Patio That Has Dips And/or Bulges

How To Make A Brick Patio On Uneven Ground

Posted on:Rick Hamilton

If your paver patio was not properly installed and/or it has shifted underneath, it may have developed dips and/or bulges that are unsightly and drain poorly.

No need for despair! ;Unlike concrete and asphalt surfaces, paver patios can be easily repaired with a few tools, some additional materials and little bit of your labor. ;Of course, if your patio is still under warranty, just pick up your phone and ask your contractor to come fix it! ;To keep this as short as possible, well focus on minor repairs you can do yourself.


And if our considering a new paver patio, dont let this repair article discourage you. ;Most of these kind of problems arrise from poor workmanship and contractors that dont stand behind their work. ;Paver patios are;excellent;solutions for areas with freeze/thaw cycles like in Cincinnati and will provide years of enjoyment if done right! ;And thats the only kind of patios Distinctive Patios installs. ;Now, on with the repairs.

  • How big is the problem? ;Is this a small isolated problem or is the entire patio a mess. ;With the former, you can use a string line or level to mark the problem area with chalk since it will be harder to locate the problem area after your start the repairs. ;For the later, you may need to remove all the pavers to do the repair. ;This is a much more involved project and you might want to get some help.

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Add And Screed Your Bedding Sand

It is essential that you use bedding sand for this step and not some other type of sand. Bedding sand is made up of sharply angled grains that make it more efficient at locking in your pavers. Set up your screeding guides, pour your bedding sand over the installation area, use the rake to level it, and use a 2×4 to screed the sand evenly at a one-inch depth.

How To Build A Patio On A Slope

A well-built patio adds beauty, value, and a place for fellowship to your home. If your backyard backs right up to a hill, you may be concerned that you wont be able to make your patio dream a reality.

Im happy to tell you that whether youre using pavers, stone, or paved concrete, building a patio on a slope is not really that different than building on a level surface. Stay tuned, because Im about to share what I know about how to build a patio on a slope.


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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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You Didnt Use The Right Paver Edging

Part 1 – How To Build a Paver Patio on a Slope

You need a fence to keep your pets from running loose and thats true for your pavers, too.

Without the right edging to contain your patio, the pavers can shift and separate during time. One sign this is the issue is if the pavers along the edge of your patio are moving away from the rest. You need something around the entire patio tokeep the pavers in place.


Having a solid edge system starts with the paver base: It needs to be several inches beyond the edge of the pavers. That way, your edging is going into the base and not soil or the sand. You want it to have firm footing.

Once you have the edging laid where you want it, drive it in with metal spikes to keep it in place.

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How To Lay A Brick Patio On Uneven Ground

A brick patio enhances the exterior of the home as well as provides a place to enjoy the outdoors and grill outside. The most important part of the installation is preparing an even base for the bricks to lay on, which greatly extends their life. If you have an uneven area where you want the patio, a little excavation is all you need to transform it into a flat, sturdy patio base.

  • Shake up a can of spray paint and spray the ground to designate the perimeter of the patio. Once you are satisfied with the results, drive a wooden stake into the ground at each corner point with a hammer.

  • Tie a piece of string to the bottom of one of the stakes at ground level. Wrap the string around each of the remaining stakes to define the perimeter then tie the end to the first stake.

  • Position a shovel on the outside of the string then drive it into the ground 2 inches. Dig all the way around the perimeter to create a small trench. Move to the inside of the patio area and dig out the top 7 inches of ground with the shovel. When you reach an area that is clearly mounded up, remove more soil until the area appears even.

  • Place a long board over the top of the excavation site so that it rests on the ground at either side. Use a tape measure to determine the height from the board to the ground all the way across the area. This lets you know if the ground is even. Dig out any areas that are too high.

  • References


    Order The Base Materials And Stone

    It’s what’s underneath that counts. Stone and brick are what you see, but the landscape fabric, gravel and sand are what hold them together and make your patio last.

    Landscape fabric stabilizes the soil underneath the gravel base by keeping them apart while allowing water to drain through. We used 12-1/2 ft. wide, heavy, woven stabilization fabric purchased from our stone supplier. If this isn’t available, use the widest landscape fabric you can find.

    Class V limestone forms the foundation of our patio, but there may be different materials available in your region. Any granular fill will work as long as the size of the granules ranges from 3/4 in. down to a powder and they’re angular, not smooth and round. These qualities allow the fill to be tightly packed for a firm base that allows water to drain through. A mixture of recycled concrete and asphalt is widely available and is a good substitute for Class V.

    Depending on your soil, you’ll need a4- to 10-in. thick layer of gravel. Sandy soils require less gravel than soils with organic matter or clay. Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard. One cubic yard covers about 50 sq. ft. at a 6-in. depth by the time it’s compacted and weighs 1-1/2 tons. We used 12 tons of gravel.

    Coarse washed sand is spread over the gravel in a 1-in. layer to form a setting bed for the stone and brick, and later to fill the cracks between the bricks and stone. We used 5 tons of sand.


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    Lay The First Row Of Bricks

    Lay the first bricks, starting in one corner and running along the edging to complete a row. Alternate each pair of bricks so that;two are horizontal, then two are vertical, and so on.;Press the bricks gently into the sand, and put them together as closely as possible. Tap the bricks with a rubber mallet to settle them into the sand, if necessary.

    Run a mason’s line across the first row, aligned with the leading edges of the bricks. Pull the line taut and secure it at the ends with stakes, or simply clamp them to the edging. Straighten the bricks in the first row, as needed, so all leading edges are even with the line.

    Mm Of Concrete Is More Than Enough If Its Only For A Couple Of Course Of Brick Block But Would Also Take A Few More Courses

    How To Install A Paver Patio On Uneven Ground For Your ...

    How to make a brick patio on uneven ground. Deep and pack a 6 in. Uneven ground can be managed in a short amount of. Building a brick floor or patio over dirt is not as simple as flattening the ground and laying down bricks.

    O f installing your patio base on uneven areas because the earth is not flat. Use a few simple tactics to lay down the patio paving stones on that uneven ground. That will explain how patio paving can take place on the lawn as well.

    With the right steps however a brick floor over dirt can last for decades. Whack each brick hard a couple of times with a rubber mallet to make sure they re securely set. Regarding a foundation start at your low point me personally would go 200mm under ground level for some frost protection.

    Sweep fine sand into the joints to fill the gaps and to lock the now level bricks in place. It s a big project but we ll tell you how to build a patio. But uneven ground can derail the paving effort right from the start.

    Set the patio stones and brick in a layer of sand and tamp them down so the surface is even. Save some sand to sweep in after the next rain. The patio paving stones can then be laid in to place without any hassle.

    Some slope is desirable because it allows. If the ground under the bricks is not properly prepared the bricks will quickly move out of place succumbing to erosion as the ground beneath them wears away. How to install pavers on unlevel ground.

    Dig a hole about 10 in.

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    How To Level The Ground For Pavers

    This article was co-authored by Scott Johnson. Scott Johnson is the Owner and Lead Design Consultant for Concrete Creations, Inc., an award-winning landscape and design company based in the San Diego, California metro area. He has over 30 years of experience in the pool and landscape construction industry and specializes in large estate outdoor environment construction projects. His work has been featured in San Diego Home & Garden Magazine and on Pool Kings TV Show. He earned a BS degree in Construction Management with an emphasis in Architecture and CAD design from Northern Arizona University.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 226,436 times.

    Available at most home improvement and supply stores, pavers are small, specialty stones that can transform any yard or garden into a work of art. Like all outdoor decor, pavers require some preparation to install properly, especially when it comes to making sure your ground is level. Though it may seem daunting at first, knowing the ins-and-outs of the process will help you tackle your paver project with poise.

    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.

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    Best Gravel Patio Ideas

    Welcome to our gallery featuring the best gravel patio ideas. A gravel patio is an excellent addition to any home not only because of the added beauty it gives, but also because of the multiple purposes it can offer. It can easily transform your backyard into an extension of your living room space, a place to dine and bond with the family, to enjoy a grill out with friends, or a personal sanctuary to enjoy a book or relax after a long tiring day.

    The contemporary themed gravel patio in the picture above evokes an inviting and cozy ambiance, perfect for spending the afternoons outside. Make the most of your gravel patio design by furnishing it with woven outdoor furniture, neutral drapes and a white pergola. The accents of blue from the pillows add a calming effect to the overall style of the space

    Among the available materials in the market, gravel is one of the most desired ground cover for patios. It is well loved because of the numerous advantages it gives. If looking for a more practical solution and alternative to an expensive stone patio, wooden deck or interlocking bricks pavement, pea gravel is your best option. Design it however you want, either alone or mixed with other types of stone aggregates or incorporated in your landscape setting. ;Since it also offers ease in installation, making your own gravel patio can be one of your next DIY projects.

    Laying A Shallow Base

    Part 2 – How To Build a Paver Patio on a Slope

    The second most common mistake is not digging a deep enough area for the base. When you read our recommendations for laying a base, you may think to yourself, Thats a lot of digging! The truth is, yes, it certainly is. However, gravel is cheap insurance to protect and preserve your pavers.

    We recommend that you excavate enough dirt to lay a proper gravel base; 4 for common foot traffic areas and 610 for driveways and residential parking lots. The general rule is to add an extra 24 to your gravel base if you live in colder climates with continually wet or weak soils.

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    Optional Step 1: Install Extra Bond Beams

    Concrete bond beams are typically installed on the outer perimeter where the pavers abut up against any soft-scape surfaces such as grass, gravel, dirt, etc. and its purpose is to inhibit the pavers from moving laterally. For added assurance, you can include/insert a concrete bond beam every 10-15 feet. What this does is add another layer of support and essentially locks down and/or contains the pavers within each 10-15 foot span which disperses the pressure/load.

    Lay Bricks Along Layout Lines

    Lay a row of bricks along the baseline, aligning the end of the first brick with the perpendicular layout line. Butt them tightly together. Lay another row, aligning the end of the first brick with the second line. Continue laying bricks until one section is complete. Then work out from this section to complete the patio.

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    Covering The Site With Landscape Fabric

    Heres where the process of making the brick patio begins. Place a roll of landscape fabric on one side of the area and unroll it to the other side.

    Make sure that the excess fabric is cut off with a utility knife. And keep laying additional rolls of fabric while overlapping each piece by 4 to 5 inches until the entire area is covered.


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