Homes with a patio create more livable space, provide a level surface to do your summer grilling and dining, and they cut down on yard work and require little maintenance. If your home doesn't have a patio, don't fret! Patios are generally easy to install and don't always require any city permits.
Things to consider
For the most functional patio design you'll need to consider exposure to sun and shade, proximity to the house, outdoor views and activities that will need to be accommodated like cooking, dining and sunbathing.
What will you use your patio for? Outdoor dining patios can range from 12 to 14 feet to accommodate a 48-inch round table. The standard size for an "outdoor living room" is 16 to 18 feet. A smaller sundeck is about 2 to 6 feet and can accommodate lounge chairs and a small table.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How many people do you entertain on a regular basis?
- Do you also have large parties? How many people do you typically need to accommodate at these parties?
- What is your favorite patio finishes? (Stamped concrete? Pavers? Brick?)
- What style, size and quantity of patio furniture will you be using in the yard?
Once you've answered those questions, you should have a better idea of what kind of patio you'll need.
Concrete or Stone
Patios are most commonly constructed from paving slabs (also known as paving flags). There are two main types of slabs; concrete or stone. Concrete slabs are cheaper because production costs are much lower than their natural stone counterparts. Natural stone is extracted from quarries.
Other options for your patio include:
- Tile
- Bricks
- Cobbles
- Paving stones
- Block paving
Maintenance
Patios are solid surfaces, sloped to allow water to flow off into the yard. Both pavers, concrete and stone patios are extremely durable and resistant to the elements on their own without additional sealers. Sealers are available to make them shinier or to make them even more durable, but they are more of an option and not a necessity.
The only maintenance would be occasionally sweeping more sand into the joints, but even that step can be eliminated by using Polymeric Sand, a glue element that bonds it permanently in the joints. You will need to consider weed control in between cracks if using pavers or stones.
To further protect your patio you can install an enclosure and you'll be able to extend the time you use your patio throughout the year.
Building
You'll need to calculate how much material you'll need to purchase. Once you figure out the basic measurements of the area that you're trying to create, a home improvement store should be able to help you figure out the other information.
- Decide a location and dimensions for your patio and mark off the area with stakes/twine.
- Dig to a consistent depth of about 7 inches throughout the area of your patio.
- Install edging to keep soil, plants and patio materials within bounds and present a finished look. Take the time to install the edging properly.
- Lay 4 inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole. The gravel will provide a stable and firm foundation upon which your patio will lay. Take care to make sure it is as level as possible.
- Lay 1 inch of sand on top of the gravel. Take care to make sure this layer is as level as possible also.
- Lay out your brick design. Start laying brick in one corner and work outwards following your guidelines.
- Leave 1/8 to 1/4 inch between the bricks for the paver sand to lock things into place
- A rubber mallet and 2 x 4 are essential for keeping things level
- Keep things straight using a carpenter level
- Set paver bricks in place using sand.
- It's recommended to use a funnel or bag to set sand directly into joints and to minimize dust
- If using polymeric sand follow manufacturer's instructions on how long until sand "sets"
- Patio is complete!
Once your patio is finished, you will have successfully added value and usable living space to your home.