Planning And Excavating A Raised Patio Construction Project
If you are unable to build a patio following the existing grade, then you are likely looking at building a raised patio so that you can have a usable space. Planning the space for your raised patio involves first deciding the approximate measurements that you want your patio to be and what products you want to use to build that patio. By defining the measurements including the height from grade to top of patio, you can then narrow down decisions especially when it comes to retaining walls.
Essentially a raised patio is a patio encapsulated by a retaining wall. The height of your raised patio may have to be taken into consideration as certain areas may have different building codes on having to build a railing if the patio is a certain height above finished grade. Knowing the height of your raised patio from grade depends on the slope of the yard and is essential to the build of the patio.
Calculate the dimensions of your patio, add another minimum of 6? to each side, and spray paint your area that will be the area of excavation. Call your local utility marker which is generally free for them to come out and locate underground obstructions if any in your excavation area. From these, as well as the access available to the space, you can decide which equipment you can use to complete your excavation, what equipment you will need to rent, and if you need to have bins on site for excavated soil.
Step 4: Relocate The Spike That Marks The Wall Center Point
Relocate the spike that marks the wall center point; it may take a little trial and error. Spray-paint a new arc 6 in. shorter than the radius of the face of the wall. Then spread a 2-ft. wide swath of base material from this line to the back of the excavation. Start with two 2-in. thick layers, compacting each. Spread about 2 in. more and use your straight 10-ft. 2×4 and 4-ft. level to make it roughly level. Compact again.
Install the gravel footing
A wall is only as sturdy as the base you build it on-in this case, crushed gravel that ranges in size from 3/4 in. down to a powder. Suppliers may refer to this material as crushed Class II or any of a number of other names. Build a 6-in. deep layer by spreading 2 in. of base, dampening it, compacting it, and then repeating the process.
Compact the gravel at least four times. The compactor’s tone will change from a dull thud to a sharp whack and the machine will start to hop when the surface is hard enough. If you’re unsure if it’s packed well enough, pass over it a few extra times. The gravel layer should be 3 in. or more below the sod on the ends of the arc and be within an inch of level all the way around.
Step 14: Pull The Sand Away From The Perimeter Of The Patio
Pull the sand away from the perimeter of the patio with a steel trowel until you reach the base material. Snip the backside of the edging with garden pruners to bend it to the arc of the patio. Hold the edge restraint tight to the pavers, then drive 10-in. long, 3/8-in. spikes every foot through holes in the edging. Connect the edging, leaving no gaps between the pieces.
The final details
To contain the pavers and sand, install a paver edging around the perimeter . We used Snap-Edge. It costs a little more, but it installs easier and offers better support than less expensive alternatives. Before installing the edging, be sure to scrape the sand away to expose the base material. Conceal the edge with soil or mulch when you’re finished.
Run the compactor over the patio to set the pavers, compact the sand and vibrate sand up into the joints, locking the pavers together . The steel plate won’t hurt the pavers, but it will make your ears ring. Wear hearing protection. Spread coarse, dry sand over the patio to fill the joints and repeat the compacting. The sand has to be thoroughly dry to jiggle into the joints. Don’t try to save money on a tamper rental by skipping this step. The last tamping will vibrate the sand into the joints, locking all the bricks together.
Use A Push Broom To Sweep The Excess Sand From The Walkway
The slate walkway and patio are great features on this house, but they�re both in need of serious repair. Do’s and don’ts of paver installation: Draw in your paver project. Cover the pavers with ½ inch of sand, and then run the plate compactor over the walkway to drive the sand down into the joints between the pavers. Think about where you want your path, driveway, or patio, and then use graph paper to make a scaled drawing of the immediate area. Step 4 set your first course of pavers directly onto the sand/cement mixture, checking for level after you lay every stone to ensure the pavers fit flat against the ground and each other.
If you want a planting bed on the other side. By admin | december 24, 2016. How to design and build a paver walkway. A paver walkway can add an attractive touch to your landscape. It clearly shows two curves with a wider entry area.
A curved walkway has a unique charm that appeals to a lot of homeowners. Have you ever wondered how stone masons laid those wonderful curved stone patios and paths in formal english gardens? The next step is laying the pavers where you can finally begin to see your plan take action! Use a masonry blade to cut along the marked line. Depending on the size of your blade and the thickness of the paver or block, you may have to turn the object over and make another pass.
Prepare And Build Paver Patio With Curves And Border Diy
Make a simple backyard beautiful and extend your living space to the outdoors with a paver patio.In this video I show you guys step by step how to build your own curved paver patio.
I go into detail how to prep your ground, how deep to dig, how much gravel and sand you will need and most importantly how to lay pavers to make your patio look fantastic with curves. Watch the video from Komar Project for more info:
Excavate the area within the stakes to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Spread gravel over the entire area, rake smooth and tamp down to a level surface using a hand or power tamper.
With a few tools and some patience, you can create attractive and functional curves in your pavers made of concrete, brick, stone, or other material.While a paver patio can be a relatively easy and inexpensive addition to your house landscaping, installing one requires careful consideration and planning.
Step 8: Reset A Spike At The Center Point Of The Patio
Reset a spike at the center point of the patio and spray an arc 8 in. larger than the radius of the patio. Spread two 2-in. layers of base material over the stabilization fabric, compacting each layer with the plate compactor. Build up the perimeter with soil to keep the base material from spreading outward as you compact.
Laying the base
After excavating, we laid a special woven ‘ground stabilization fabric’ over the patio area. It’s cut off a roll from the landscape supplier. You don’t need it in stable sandy or gravelly soils, but in other soils it’s cheap insurance for a flat patio for years to come.
Reestablish the patio’s center point. Keep the spike in until you start laying the pavers; it’ll mark the starting point for the paver circle. Mark out the patio perimeter plus an extra 8 in. with marking paint. Add and compact two layers of base material in 2-in. layers. Position and slope the screed pipes so the patio will drain water away from the wall .
The third layer should be no more than 3 in. below the sod at any point. A few inches higher than the sod is better. Add more base material to raise the entire patio if necessary. Slide the 2×4 side to side along the pipes to distribute the base material and create a flat surface. Compact this final layer four times, changing direction each time-north to south, then east to west .
How To Build A Raised Patio With Retaining Wall Blocks
Once you have determined the location and design of your raised patio, stake out the location and use a string line or paint to mark out the area. A garden hose is an excellent tool for marking out curves. Then excavate the area by removing all the surface vegetation and organic materials from the area. These cannot be used as backfill material.
- Starting at the lowest point dig a base trench 24 in. wide by 6 in. deep plus 1 in deep for each 1 ft. of wall height.
- Compact the base trench as well as the entire patio base area, making a minimum of 2 passes with a walk behind plate compactor. Compaction of these areas are very important as they make up the foundation of both your wall and raised patio.
Like any other Allan Block retaining wall, your raised patio needs to have proper drainage. A drain pipe is used to prevent water pressure from building up behind the retaining wall. Place the drain pipe at the back of the trench and vent to daylight at the lowest point.
In addition to managing the water the drain pipe, you will need to manage the water flow around the house foundation . To do this you will need to waterproof the foundation wall. Check with your local building officials or with the material manufacturer on recommended installation of this waterproofing material.
To begin building the retaining wall that will make up your raised patio, start by preparing the base.
Step 15: Run The Plate Compactor On Top Of The Pavers
Run the plate compactor on top of the pavers. Pass over the patio four times, switching direction after each pass. Compact around the outer edge after each pass.
No maintenance!
This type of patio and wall requires little to no maintenance. Don’t let dirt build up on them or you’ll provide a home for weeds, and be sure to wash the patio down periodically. Sealers are available for enhancing the paver color, but once you apply them, you need to repeat the process every few years.
Dangerous Trees You Should Never Plant In Your Yard
Some trees are more trouble than they’re worth. Before you head to a nursery, see our slideshow. Then, see even more trees readers hate.
- Only spread as much gravel base and leveling sand as you think you can cover with pavers in a day .
- When putting down your base and setting bed, work in big segments, not little ones. This minimizes subtle changes in height/slope between sections.
- To move quickly, have one person lay the pavers and have a helper hand them to the person laying them.
- Wear knee pads and gloves. Get gloves that fit snugly — not those bulky garden gloves — for dexterity.
- For a level, smooth surface to lay your pavers on, place two one-inch-diameter PVC pipes on the gravel. Level the pipes. Spread leveling sand between them, and then use a long board to smooth out the sand .
- Cover everything with tarps in-between sessions.
- Make sure you budget enough time, and add a day for surprises or bad weather.
How Do You Build A Paver Patio Without Digging It
How to Lay Pavers Without Digging
Making Curved Walkways With Rectangular Pavers
Tom wants to know how to make a curved walkway with rectangular pavers.
You can simply fan out rectangular blocks, filling in the space with sand. The catch is that you cannot leave too large a space. The shorter the blocks, the easier it is to make the curve because larger blocks create larger spaces along the outside of the curve.
So with rectangular pavers, lay them with their short sides touching and fanning out, then the next row overlapping rather than matching the first row, for a tighter curve. To make serious curves, you need to either cut the rectangles into pie shaped pieces, or purchase matching pieces that are pie shaped. You can rough cut pavers with a guillotine type of cutter, and you can make neat precise cuts with a special masonry saw.
++ Installing Paver Walkway Curved Information
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Installing Paver Walkway Curved. By admin | december 24, 2016. Installing a paver walkway on a slope is only slightly different than installing a normal paver walkway. The slate walkway and patio are great features on this house, but they�re both in need of serious repair. There are many different types and colors of brick to choose from.
Part 2 Of 3:excavating And Leveling Your Yard
Building A Raised Patio With Retaining Wall
Building retaining walls for a raised patio begins with knowing the dimensions of your patio and where exactly your retaining wall should land to provide the layout for your pavers. If you are unconcerned about the final look in terms of cuts for your raised patio pavers, then you do not need to be as concerned about this. However, we measure the exact dimensions of our raised patio based on the pavers we are laying and where our final caps of our retaining wall will land and ensure our retaining wall is built according to this. You also want to ensure that you are hitting the exact elevation of the raised patio. We measure where we want that to be and prepare our first block course from this, understanding the height of our blocks, how many courses of block there will be, and the height of our caps as these are usually a different height compared to the wall blocks.
We use a string line to map this out and ensure our retaining wall is level and begin to screed and lay our base course. As we build up our retaining wall, we will add geogrid every 4? to 8?. Uniaxial is a typical geogrid that is installed in our retaining walls. This provides strength in one direction. However, in a raised patio we want strength in both directions so we opt for a biaxial geogrid and install it throughout the entire raised patio. This helps to tie everything in together and stabilize the base material of our raised patio.
Steps In Cutting Pavers Around Curve Edges
1. Map out the area
The area where the pavement should be placed needs to be clearly marked. Then, dig out and level the surface by spreading sand. If the area is to have some straight lines, use an edge restraint to clearly mark them. Doing this leaves spaces where the curved areas can be accommodated. On circular areas and winding pathways, the straight lines can be used to frame the curves.
2. Lay out the curves
This can be tricky but there are a few ways to make it a little simpler. Firstly, for large slow curves, use some garden hose instead of twine and pegs. This is because hoses curve smoothly. Then, sketch the curves on the ground using a piece of chalk. The garden hose technique suits the winding pathway too. However, the curves will be faster and the hose would need to have greater flexibility. Use pegs to fix the hose in place, then, mark the curves using the chalk.
3. Lay on the pavers
The next step is the easiest. Lay on the pavers as though filling a square or rectangle. The pavement can be practically completed without having to worry about cutting pavers to complement the curves. Just be sure that the pavers are properly laid, are flat and extend adequately over the curve lines. As you lay the furthest pavers, etch the curves over them. That way, you can easily follow the chalk markings beneath.
4. Spray pavers with lacquer
5. Install a flexible restraint
How To Lay A Curved Paver Walkway At Home
If you’re looking to lay a curved paving stone walkway on your property, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to show you the exact steps to take so you can do-it-yourself as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
In this specific tutorial, we’re going to be laying a walkway with a lot of curves and runs downhill, which means it’s a bit complex. But don’t be intimidated! If you can grasp the basic principles in this tutorial, you’ll be able to lay any curved paver walkway.
Step 2: Dig Into Hill To Create Flat Area
Dig into the hill to create a flat area for the patio and wall. Dig 9 in. below the sod, using a point 3 ft. in from the lowest edge of the patio as a reference point. Hire or rent a skidsteer loader to make quick work of removing the bulk of the material. Clean up the perimeter and flatten the bottom with a shovel.
Tools
You’ll need several heavy-duty tools to do the job right. You’ll have to rent a plate compactor. This 200-lb. beast is the secret of a long-lasting patio. Rent it and move it around with a dolly. You’ll need it for two days: one day to pack the gravel footing for the retaining wall and a second day for the patio.
For excavating, you’ve got two choices: a good shovel and strong back, or a skid-steer loader . If you’re just doing the patio, dig it by hand. But for cutting into a hill like we did, a skid-steer is the only way to go. If you’re a tool junkie, you can rent one. Bear in mind, though—by the time you’re done hauling it, learning how to operate it, using it and replacing the neighbor’s hedge you destroyed, you can probably get the job done cheaper and faster by hiring a contractor. A skid-steer loader will rut your lawn, so plan on filling in the path with topsoil and grass seed when you’re done.
Building A Brick Paver Patio Without Cuts
- Yield: 10 x 10-foot patio
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $600 – $800
Patio bricks can be laid in a variety of different patterns. The pattern is strictly for looks, and the brick surface will perform the same regardless of the pattern. For beginners, it makes sense to use a simple pattern that requires little or no cutting of bricks. Perhaps the best option is the basket weave, which is decorative and eye-catching but also very easy to install. And if you choose to build a square or rectangular patio and size it to fit the bricks, you shouldn’t have to cut any bricks at all.
The best bricks to use for this project are paving bricks or brick pavers. These are about 2 inches thick and have smooth, solid faces to create a nice walking surface. For a basket weave design, which has a checkerboard pattern, you want the widths of two bricks to equal the length of one. Therefore, an ideal size of paver is 4 inches wide by 8 inches long.
The easiest way to install a brick paver patio is the sandset method. The bricks are laid on the ground, over a layer of compacted gravel topped by landscape fabric and a smooth layer of sand. After the bricks are laid, you sweep sand into the cracks between the pavers to lock them in place.
Preparing The Base For Your Raised Patio
Preparing the base for any project begins with the subsoil. We need to ensure that we achieve proper compaction of the subgrade in order to move on to the base of our raised patio, especially if it was disturbed during the excavation process. With our clay soils, we typically will spread a thin layer of 3/4? angular clean stone or ASTM #57 with a dusting of Portland cement throughout the subsoil and compact it using a heavy reversible compactor or a ramming compactor. These two pieces of equipment provide sufficient compaction of clay subsoils. If your subsoil is sandy, you can use a plate or reversible compactor to achieve compaction. You do not want to over-compact, as this will decrease the water penetration of the subgrade. Two passes perpendicular to one another is generally good for this step with a minimally disturbed subgrade.
The next step is to install the geotextile fabric. We typically install a woven geotextile, though in some cases we resort to a non-woven geotextile in our raised patio applications. Patios we always use a woven geotextile and retaining walls we always use a non-woven geotextile, but because a raised patio is constructed of both and integrated as one whole system that will have minimal water penetration in behind the retaining wall with proper drainage pipe installed, we are less concerned about using a non-woven geotextile in behind the wall of our raised patio.
We Promise Youll Appreciate Your Pavers
Need paving stones for your curved walkway? We make paving stones and retaining wall systems just for the Northwest. Plus, we stand behind our pavers with a lifetime guarantee on their structural integrity. We’ll replace any material that proves to be defective, without cost. If you want more information, you can read our full manufacturer guarantees.
We’re also on a mission to take the hard out of hardscaping. If you want to learn more about how pavers work, how to install them, or how to repair them, watch or read our step-by-step tutorials at DIYwithWI.com.
Building A Raised Patio Against A House
When building against a house, you want to ensure that you are not installing that patio directly against the house. Doing so will cause pressure from any movement in that patio to be placed on the foundation which will only lead to problems that you do not want to deal with. It is much better for you to spend on the extra materials and time to install the final side of a raised patio against the house with a minimum 1/2? gap between the retaining wall and the house that can be closed off with the wall cap so that gap is not visible while on the patio.
When built properly, a raised patio will create a functional space out of a sloped yard as well as add depth to a backyard. There is a lot that can be designed in a space that has a sloping yard when it comes to creating various levels. This is when raised patios become an exceptional tool to use in your design process.
How To Build A Patio Or Walkway With No
A small no-cut paver patio or walkway is a straightforward do-it-yourself job. We have a guide called that covers all you need to know to complete the project.
Although the first step in the Seven Steps is calculating the materials you need, we recommend step 1-A to begin and that’s doing a little prework planning so you work smart-not hard! For instance, if you are building a patio, figure out how you are going to use it so you build it the right size the first time. If you are doing a walkway, the walkway should be 4 feet wide so 2 people can pass one another comfortably. It’s very hard to add on to your pavement at a later date. And don’t forget to call 811 the national call-before-you-dig phone number to identify the buried utilities below the area you want to pave.
No-Cut Double Basketweave DIY Patio
One aspect folks don’t think about often enough is what pattern do I want to lay my pavers in? Herringbone is by far the most popular pattern in use and it looks beautiful. However, it requires cutting pavers on the perimeter to finish the job. Cutting is time consuming and requires renting either a diamond blade saw or paver splitter to complete the project.
The work smart-not hard solution is to avoid cutting all together! Below are they most popular paver patterns with the no-cut paver patterns highlighted with a red box. Don’t like any of these? Create your own variation.
Red Squares Indicate No-Cut Patterns.
Double Basketweave Pattern
Single Basketweave Pattern
Tips For Cutting Pavers To Fit A Curve
- Put down all your paver stones.
- Make sure they extend beyond the final finished area.
- Using a string and stake, sketch out your curve with a marker on the paver stones.
- Then pull the bricks up, numbering the bottoms as you go. You can take them all to the wet saw and make a bunch of cuts at once. You’ll also end up with a neater edge, since the cuts will line up nicely with each other.
How To Cut Pavers For Curves Learn Now
When it comes to cover outdoor surfaces, people instantly think about pavers, since they are very beautiful, durable, and can boost your home value instantly. Unlike a concrete slab, you can use your imagination with paving stones and create different patterns.
Since every project is unique, it is really common to cut pavers in order to fit them in the chosen layout.
Cutting paving stones for a project is more normal than more people think, especially for areas that have curves, and for obvious reasons, cutting pavers for rounded shape projects is more complicated than straight cuts.
In this article, you’re gonna learn how to cut your pavers for curves properly and safely.
How To Add Pavers To An Existing Patio
Do you live in a brand new home that was sold to you with a concrete patio? Or, perhaps you moved into a mature home with an existing patio that is still in good condition? In either of these situations, homeowners often find that the current outdoor living space isn’t a perfect fit with their family’s needs. Either it’s too small, not functional or the design doesn’t reflect their personal style.
So, what’s the solution? We’d recommend adding onto the existing patio with pavers. Here are some tips and tricks to do so, so that the expansion looks like it was there all along and it doesn’t break the bank:
- Use a color that picks up the colors in the existing patio. For example, if your current patio uses brown or tan tones, consider paver colors that pick up these tones. Most of our Unilock paver products use a blend of colors like tan, buff and grey in one single product. Always ask what the breakdown is, this way you can tell if similar colors are used in your home’s exterior brick or siding.
PRO TIP: Always bring home samples to lay next to the existing patio and your home – this will also allow you to assess if the textures work well together too.
PRO TIP: A seat wall not only helps you create different rooms, it also adds function to your outdoor space with extra seating aside from your patio furniture. The bonus is you don’t need to worry about storing it all winter!
PRO TIP: With a border, you can use a contrasting color for visual interest
Pick The Perfect Patio Building Blocks
Creating a new living area outdoors is a whole lot easier than adding one indoors. Sure, you’ve got to furnish both. But in the backyard, there’s no fussing with walls, ceilings, doors, or windows. All you really need is a floor.
That’s why one of the first steps in planning a new patio design idea is deciding which material to put underfoot, typically brick, concrete, stone, or gravel. The surface you choose plays a huge role in establishing not only the style of your patio but also its cost, whether you can build it yourself, and how you’ll care for it over the long term.
Read more learn which patio material is right for you, get guidance on coming up with a design, and find installation tips for cost-conscious DIYers.