Do It Yourself: Patios
- 1). Make an outline of your patio by sinking wood garden posts in the four corners of the site, adding 2 extra inches on the sides for edge restraints. Loop a string around the top of each post.
- 2). Use a shovel to remove growth and soil from the area until you dig an expanse that is 8 inches deep and level. From the side nearest the house, dig an inch deeper for every 5 foot distance from the house so water drains away from and not toward the home.
- 3). Run a plate compactor machine along the entire floor of the site three times to squeeze out air bubbles and stabilize the ground for the foundation.
- 4). Pour two 3-inch layers of ¾-inch aggregate over the expanse and compact each layer. The sharp edges and irregular shapes of the aggregate fit tight together when compacted, forming a strong base that allows water to drain from beneath.
- 5). Line the interior walls with metal or plastic edge restraints. Hammer 12-inch nail spikes every 2 feet through the edging holes to secure it.
- 6). Pour 1 inch of course bedding sand over the gravel surface. Drag a 2-by-4 board over the bedding to spread it evenly and fill in any gaps in the aggregate.
- 7). Set the pavers in the bedding from one corner across to the other side, according to your chosen pattern. Place them flush against each other and level each paver with the surrounding ones, adjusting the amount of bedding sand beneath as necessary.
- 8). Cover the paver surface with fine masonry sand and pack it into the crevices between each paver. Once filled, the sand joints will pad the pavers as they shift beneath wear and tear.
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