Adding a patio to your home not only makes the home and property more attractive, but it also gives one a relaxing place to enjoy the outdoors. Building a patio yourself can significantly lower building costs. It may seem like a difficult project, however, there are many easy to build patio designs that will allow you to create a lovely patio that will increase the value of your home.
The following are general tips on how to build a patio:
1. Building tools you will need include: hose, bricks, plywood, crushed stone, shovel, landscape fabric, and a broom. Once you have the necessary materials, measure and level the ground of the selected site in a square or rectangle shape. It is important to make sure all sides are equal and the ground is completely level. Rectangular design plans are easier to build on. The area that you dig out should be a depth of about 10 . Make sure there is a slope that will allow for drainage.
2. When using bricks, check the measurements of the area by laying a few to make sure they will fit properly. There should be an additional 2 along the exterior of the rectangle area. The bricks should stand on end shoulder to shoulder. You then will tap the bricks in place with a rubber mallet. The purpose is to ensure the area is completely square or rectangular. Once the bricks are level and aligned, remove them.
3. Add crushed rock to the area at a depth of about 6 . Smooth the rock with a gravel rake so that the site is flat and level. Place the landscape fabric over the site and over the crushed stone. Once complete, add about 4 of fine sand over the entire site over the landscape fabric. Smooth it with a rake so that it is flat and level. You can also slide a 2 X 4 over the sand to help with leveling.
4. You will now begin to place the bricks. Start in one corner and press each one into the sand. Try to keep the bricks as tight together as possible. Tap each brick with a rubber mallet to make sure they are settled firmly into the ground. Before you have started the project, you should have bought the bricks. There are different sizes and thickness. Paving bricks are a popular choice. You will also have chosen the pattern that you will want to use. The basket weave brick patio is one of the easier patios to build. It is also very attractive.
5. Once you have laid the bricks, you should pour a layer of sand over them and then use a hose to wash them into any cracks. All of the cracks should be filled completely.
The estimated time for building a simple yet elegant patio design is a 2 days. A patio is a wonderful addition to any home where one can entertain family and friends. Building a patio yourself is a fun and rewarding experience.
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