Whether you’re dreaming of lounging by the pool or entertaining guests, a patio is a great way to make your backyard more inviting. Consider your family’s needs when deciding on size and material.
Using stakes and string, the builder will mark the area for your patio’s footprint. The patio should slope slightly away from the house to encourage drainage. Visit https://www.cleanstoneconstruction.com/ to learn more.
A patio is an uncovered outdoor area in front or back of the house that is paved with some type of material such as concrete, gravel or bricks. While a patio is not a deck, it may be raised to the same level. Patios can be constructed of a variety of materials and can be located close to or far from the home. If they are far from the house, they should be well-secluded from the neighbors’ view.
The layout of the patio is an important part of the overall design and should be considered carefully before construction begins. It should reflect the purpose of the space: will it be a dining, lounge or cooking area? What size is the space and what furniture will it be able to accommodate?
When choosing a material for the patio, consider what it will look like once it is finished. Some people prefer symmetrical patterns while others want the space to feel organic. The style of the home will also have a big impact on the final look.
Once the layout of the patio is determined, it is a good idea to test the furniture arrangement by marking out the desired dimensions with stakes and string. This will allow you to live with the layout for a few days and make sure that it works for your family and guests. It will also help you determine if there are any zoning or set-back requirements that need to be addressed.
During the design phase, it is important to take into account the existing conditions on site as they will influence how the patio will function during all seasons. For example, if the patio is going to be in direct sunlight for most of the day, it will need to be properly shaded to prevent overheating. It is also a good idea to examine the location of large trees and how their roots might impact the concrete surface. Often times, the concrete flatwork for the patio will need to be elevated using some sort of concrete raising process such as mud jacking or polyjacking.
Sub-Base
The sub-base is the layer of material that sits underneath the paving and helps to create a solid foundation. The sub-base can be made of crushed aggregate, gravel or recycled materials depending on the requirements of the project. It is usually level and compacted to provide a stable construction base. The sub-base is tamped down using a board and sometimes a metal wacka plate to ensure it has been well compacted.
Builders will mark out the area to be paved with stakes and string lines. Once the dimensions of the patio have been established, they will dig out the paved area to the required depth. For a garden paving patio this will typically be 75 to 100 mm (3″ – 4″) for garden paths to avoid weeds penetrating through, driveways will need to be more substantial at around 150 to 200 mm (6″ – 8″) and a commercial paved surface will need to be a minimum of 250 mm (10″).
Once the excavation is complete, builders will lay a layer of MOT Type 1 sub-base over the entire area. This is the highest grade of sub-base material available and should be used for all laying applications. It is a strong and stable material, suited to supporting paving materials, with no fines or particles that could damage the surface of the paving. It is also designed to be permeable so that water can pass through freely without disturbing the sub-base or underlying soil.
This material is then spread evenly across the excavated area and tamped down using a board or wacka plate again to compact it. The level of compaction is critical as this will determine how well the paving will hold up over time. For this reason builders will often wet the sub-base before it is tamped down as this will help to bind and strengthen it.
The reason a sub-base is so important is that it can prevent the paving from lifting and settling over time. If a paved area is not properly constructed, it can start to develop cracks, ruts and gaps that will become trip hazards and allow weeds to grow. Sub-bases also offer impressive load bearing capacities; the granular material distributes point loads over a wider area, allowing heavy weights to be supported without causing any settling or deformation of the paving.
Pavers
Pavers are a beautiful addition to any outdoor living space. They offer a range of color, texture and design options to suit any style or budget. They are very durable and will stand up to the rigors of heavy foot traffic and even light vehicle traffic without cracking or breaking. They are also easier to repair than slabs of concrete.
There are a wide variety of paver bricks to choose from, including traditional clay bricks that have a natural appearance as well as high-end marble pavers for more formal settings. They can be laid in a multitude of decorative patterns, from the popular herringbone to the classic basketweave, making them versatile enough for both casual and formal applications.
The most common type of patio pavers are made from concrete, but they can also be made from flagstone, clay bricks or natural stone. Concrete pavers are typically manufactured in a mold and then colored with dyes or textured with surface treatments to give them the look of stone. They are less expensive than natural stone, and they are very durable when properly installed on a suitable base.
When choosing a paver brick, it’s important to consider the shape and color of the brick as well as its thickness. Thicker pavers are more able to hold the weight of vehicles, but they are also more expensive. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable professional when determining which thickness of paver is right for your project.
Once the pavers are in place, a layer of polymeric jointing sand should be spread over the entire surface and swept to remove any excess. This will help to keep the joints in between the pavers from shifting over time. After sweeping and applying the sand, the surface should be tamped down and watered with a garden hose to set the sand.
A new patio is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. It can also add a functional space for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. Whether you prefer to relax in the sun or enjoy a cool evening breeze, you’ll find that your new patio is a perfect place to spend time with family and friends.
Finishing
A patio is a paved outdoor living space that can be free standing or attached to a house. It can be constructed in a variety of materials and designed with the homeowner’s taste and existing landscaping in mind. Patios are generally built at ground level, unlike decks which are elevated off of the ground.
Patios are a great place for entertaining and relaxing outdoors. A patio can be as large or small as the home owner desires and can include seating, dining areas, fire pits and more. Many people choose to include an outdoor kitchen in their patio design as well.
Pavers are a popular material to use for a patio. They can be laid in a wide variety of patterns and come in a range of colors and textures. They can also be made to look like different types of materials, such as wood, stone or brick.
Once the base is ready, a layer of paver sand is spread over the area and tamped down with a plate compactor to ensure it is level. Afterward, a layer of paver stones is laid on top of the sand and brushed down to set them in place. A hose is then used to water the patio stones, which locks them in and helps to prevent future shifting of the pavers.
If there are any gaps between the pavers, they can be filled with sand that has been treated with activators or a special joint sand. The sand will help to fill in the spaces between the pavers and prevent weeds from growing through the cracks.
Once all the pavers are set, a broom or sweep is used to clean off the patio surface and remove any loose dirt or debris. A hose can then be used to wash off the pavers again, which helps to keep them looking nice and clean.
After the patio is completely cleaned and dried, it’s a good idea to have electrical wires put in for things like a TV, if desired. It is also a good idea to have trees or shrubs planted around the patio, so that it feels more tucked away and private.