How to Tackle an Outdoor Patio

Do you have an enticing area outside of your home that would be perfect for entertainment? Maybe it is currently covered by grass, but you're fed up with trying to keep it in good condition, and you'd like something that is a bit more solid underfoot, as well. In this case, you should consider installing an outdoor patio using pavers, and as there are so many solutions available, you will be able to create a design that fits in perfectly with your style. What is the process involved in creating such a masterpiece?

Are You Ready?

Firstly, you need to have a plan. This means that you have to do some calculations to decide how big your patio is going to be and how many pavers you will ultimately require. Again, decide on your pattern and remember that you will need some leftovers, so you can cut them to fill in the gaps and will also need some to replace others due to breakage.

Step-By-Step

Once you're ready, you will need to dig down several centimetres so that your pavers will ultimately fit flush to the rest of the ground around them. This can be quite backbreaking work, so you need to take it steadily. Once it's finished, you will need to use a special "tamping" tool to compact the dirt and present a very solid base.

Then, introduce a special paving product that is made up of a combination of rock, dirt and sand. This will provide the base layer for your patio pavers, and once again you will need to smooth out this layer using the special tool. Don't rush this process as it is crucial for the long-term viability of your patio.

Keep on Going

There's one more layer yet to go, and this is the paver sand. You will need multiple bags of this and will need to rake it out as you proceed. You won't need to tamp this down, but you will need to skim the surface so that it is perfectly level in a process known as "screeding."

Finally, you're ready to lay the pavers on top and should do so carefully and consistently. Leave a small gap in between them and cut pavers to size with an angle grinder to fill in any gaps.

Almost Finished

Now you will need another tool called a plate compact machine to "push" the pavers into the sand. Set this at low speed to prevent any damage.

Now it is time to add polymeric sand that is similar to grout. Sprinkle it in between the gaps and then brush the surface to remove any excess. Spray down the entire area with a water hose; this will help the sand to harden in place.

Getting Somebody Else to Do It

As you can see, this is quite a long winded and labour-intensive job. However, you can take another route, which is to get the professionals to do it while you sit back and enjoy an afternoon cocktail!    

For more information, contact a company that can help you with custom patios.