Designing and Constructing a Sand-Based Patio
Patio construction and installation can sound like an extremely daunting task, but in reality it is well within reach to an average homeowner.
Certain methods of construction, like the sand-based method we will be profiling today, are quite forgiving to the inexperienced craftsman.
Since the bricks will not be laid in with mortar, fixing mistakes made along the way is a lot easier.
Let take a look at project step-by-step: Materials Needed: - Mattock - Shovel - String/stakes - 2x6 planks - Nails - Expansion joint material - Gravel - Screed - Sand - Broom - Pavers - Landscape Fabric Step 1: Prep work Map out the area where you will be constructing the patio with the stakes and string.
This is one of the most important parts of the patio installation process, as making sure the angles are correct will insure you don't have a crooked patio when you are done.
Once the angles and size has been confirmed, use the shovel and mattock to dig the area out, around 5 ½ inches in depth.
Step 2: Install Fabric Next, measure and cut a piece of landscape fabric large enough to cover the patio space.
The landscape fabric will prevent weeds from growing through the gravel and the pavers.
You might need to use several pieces depending on the size and shape of the patio design.
Step 3: Create 1st Corner Cut a 2x6 to match the width of the patio and align it with the string guides.
Next, take a stake drive it on the outside of the board to hold it in place, and then nail the stake to the board for added support.
Step 4: Complete Frame Continue to place and stake down 2x6's until you have a square frame.
Make that at the angles the 2x6's perpendicular to the house overlap the ones parallel to the house.
To ensure a firm hold, set the stakes no more than a few feet apart from each other.
Step 5: Add Gravel Once the frame is complete, it's time to start adding gravel.
First, take some expansion-joint material and place it between the house and the patio.
This ensures that your house is protected from any trapped moisture that can cause rotting or mildew.
Next, add approximately 1 inch of gravel throughout the patio area to promote good drainage.
Step 6: Add Sand Bed On top of the gravel will be a layer of builder's sand to help keep the pavers in place.
In order to find out how much sand you need, measure the thickness of the pavers and subtract that from 4 ½ inches ( taking into account the inch of gravel layered under it).
To level the sand, take an extra 2x6 and cut notches out so it will equal the depth of the pavers, run it across the patio and remove any extra sand.
Step 7: Add Pavers Arrange your pavers in a desired fashion with stakes in between them to leave enough room for sand to fill in.
As you move along, use string to make sure you are putting the paver in straight.
Once the pavers are all in place remove the stakes toss sand onto the patio and gently sweep it into the gaps left by the stakes in between the pavers.
Lightly mist the sand to settle it then repeat the process until the pavers do not wobble.
Certain methods of construction, like the sand-based method we will be profiling today, are quite forgiving to the inexperienced craftsman.
Since the bricks will not be laid in with mortar, fixing mistakes made along the way is a lot easier.
Let take a look at project step-by-step: Materials Needed: - Mattock - Shovel - String/stakes - 2x6 planks - Nails - Expansion joint material - Gravel - Screed - Sand - Broom - Pavers - Landscape Fabric Step 1: Prep work Map out the area where you will be constructing the patio with the stakes and string.
This is one of the most important parts of the patio installation process, as making sure the angles are correct will insure you don't have a crooked patio when you are done.
Once the angles and size has been confirmed, use the shovel and mattock to dig the area out, around 5 ½ inches in depth.
Step 2: Install Fabric Next, measure and cut a piece of landscape fabric large enough to cover the patio space.
The landscape fabric will prevent weeds from growing through the gravel and the pavers.
You might need to use several pieces depending on the size and shape of the patio design.
Step 3: Create 1st Corner Cut a 2x6 to match the width of the patio and align it with the string guides.
Next, take a stake drive it on the outside of the board to hold it in place, and then nail the stake to the board for added support.
Step 4: Complete Frame Continue to place and stake down 2x6's until you have a square frame.
Make that at the angles the 2x6's perpendicular to the house overlap the ones parallel to the house.
To ensure a firm hold, set the stakes no more than a few feet apart from each other.
Step 5: Add Gravel Once the frame is complete, it's time to start adding gravel.
First, take some expansion-joint material and place it between the house and the patio.
This ensures that your house is protected from any trapped moisture that can cause rotting or mildew.
Next, add approximately 1 inch of gravel throughout the patio area to promote good drainage.
Step 6: Add Sand Bed On top of the gravel will be a layer of builder's sand to help keep the pavers in place.
In order to find out how much sand you need, measure the thickness of the pavers and subtract that from 4 ½ inches ( taking into account the inch of gravel layered under it).
To level the sand, take an extra 2x6 and cut notches out so it will equal the depth of the pavers, run it across the patio and remove any extra sand.
Step 7: Add Pavers Arrange your pavers in a desired fashion with stakes in between them to leave enough room for sand to fill in.
As you move along, use string to make sure you are putting the paver in straight.
Once the pavers are all in place remove the stakes toss sand onto the patio and gently sweep it into the gaps left by the stakes in between the pavers.
Lightly mist the sand to settle it then repeat the process until the pavers do not wobble.
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