A patio is placed directly on the ground, and the final design often depends on the shape of the terrain. To some extent land can be altered by machines into a new topography. Of course, extensive site work will affect the cost of your project --- expect to pay several thousand dollars for site work that includes grading your land and adding retaining walls. Imaginative designs often can solve problems including uneven land or steep grades. Almost every outdoor patio is a custom design.

Patio Choices/Styles

Patios don’t readily fall into distinct categories, but some styles share basic characteristics, some common forms:

Sun Patios are designed to take maximum advantage of sunlight and fresh air. There are few obstructions, and the patio area is usually set apart from large trees and overhangs. They are often found in northern climates, where warming sunlight is valuable. An open patio helps extend enjoyment of the outdoors into early spring and late fall.

Shade Patios usually are constructed next to a house, where extended eaves or an overhead structure shelters the patios from sun and rain. Often, a portion of the patio floor extends beyond the sheltering roof so that a portion of it is in full sun. A covered patio is much like a porch, except that flooring is usually masonry installed directly on grade.

Getaway Patios are located away from the house. They are usually small, intimate areas surrounded by plants and landscaping features that provide a sense of privacy. Getaway patios can be opened or covered by a simple arbor or gazebo-like structure. They are connected to the main house with a path, and are often built in yards large enough to create separate garden rooms. They include simple furnishings, such as outdoor benches, tables, and chairs.

Poolside Patios provide durable, waterproof surfaces and open areas for sitting or sunning. Slip-resistant surfaces, such as textured concrete or split-face flagstone, river textured faux cobble, or concrete pavers, are commonly used for poolside patios.

Entry Patios are built at the front entrance of the house. These public spaces are relaxing and inviting created to greet neighbors and friends. They are characterized by wide, paved areas and often include landscaping features such as built in planters, casual seating, outdoor lighting, and pathways leading to side yards and garages.

The first and most critical step to having the outdoor of your dreams is identifying what you want and the type of patio consistent to achieve it. Continue your research by pushing on the button below.

Patio Installation & Making the Base

A patio is made in layers. The bottom layers form a stable base for the top layer of paving material. Careful preparation of the substrate is essential to the long life of the patio. If settling occurs, low spots can develop; large paving materials, such as flagstones or concrete, might crack.

The first step is to establish satisfactory slope and grade to the project area. To encourage proper drainage, patios should slope away from residences and other buildings at a rate of about 2 vertical inches for every 8 horizontal feet of patio surface.

Once the shape of the patio is laid out, the top layer of sod and dirt is stripped away to a depth of several inches. Protruding roots and stones are removed, and any holes are filled with dirt and tampered smooth. The first layer is about 4 inches of gravel. The gravel is raked flat, then a heavy vibrating tool called a plate compactor or tamp is used to vibrate and pound the gravel into a smooth, firm base. The compacted gravel base forms the foundation for any subsequent patio surfaces. Typical installations include: (A Button to take you too Patio Choices)

Patio Material Options

Concrete Patios are poured directly on top of the compacted gravel. A 4-inch thick slab is standard. Large slabs include steel rods, called reinforcement bars, and expansion joints to control cracking.

Benefits: Most cost effective method to produce a patio. With the advent of colored and stamped concrete it can now create a more inviting outdoor environment but the cost of the cement increases. There is no weeding to be performed by the homeowner for the life of the patio.

Concerns: A concrete patio will not last as long as other patio materials. In a thaw/freeze environment the concrete is prone to heaving and cracking. Concrete will not keep its pristine quality generally for more than 2 years. Sealant application advised.

Carpet Stone, CobbleSystems is placed directly in a setting material, either sand or gravel dust. The gravel dust is tamped to grade and than the carpet stone is placed on the base and tamped to grade, allowing it to settle in the gravel dust base. Once the custom design is set the epoxy grout is applied using a squeegee. Paver edging is placed on the edge of the patios to prevent movement of the stone and grout and your cobble patio is completed.

Benefits: The lowest cost of all mortar set materials. The CobbleSystems will not heave or crack like concrete because of its small cobble sizes and the ability of the epoxy grout to flex. It will never fade or show paths based on traffic as it is 100% dyed through. There is no weeding to be performed by the homeowner for the life of the patio. The many choices in design allow for the homeowner to create the look of old world Europe. It will last the lifetime of the home.

Concerns: Sealant application advised after 3 years. It is more expensive than basic concrete.

Brick, Stone (Slate), or Concrete Pavers set over concrete make the most stable, durable, and expensive finished patios. A 4=inch thick concrete base is poured over the compacted gravel and allowed to set, than the finish material is applied. Concrete grout holds the paving material in place.

Benefits: There is no weeding to be performed by the homeowner for the life of the patio. There are many design options and material choices for the homeowner. It creates distinct and accepted looks for the outdoor environment. There are many experienced installers to choose from. It will last for 20 years.

Concerns: It is costly to have installed. The finishing material and grout is subject to the stress created by the heaving and cracking of the 4-inch concrete slab sub base. Although it will be less likely to crack and heave because of the extra strength the finishing material provides. Sealant application advised.

Brick, Stone (Slate), and Concrete Pavers set over a sand are called a dry-fit. Dry-fit construction requires a layer of landscaping fabric over the compacted gravel to inhibit unwanted growth and a bed of sand over the fabric. Paving material is set on top of the smothered sand, and sand or dry mortar mix is spread between the pavers to hold them in place. After being soaked with water from a hose, the mortar mix hardens to lock the paving material into place. Dry-set patios are the easiest to construct.

Benefits: It is far less expensive than mortar application. There are many design options and material choices for the homeowner. It creates distinct and accepted looks for the outdoor environment. There are many experienced installers to choose from.

Concerns: It is not maintenance free and will require weeding and repairs to settling by the homeowner throughout the life of the patio. Not a stable a structure as a mortar application. Sealant application advised. It will last for 10 years.

Tiles: (Marble), are always set on a base of concrete, and mortar grout holds the paving material in place.

Benefits: The best paving material in the world. Most colors are light and distinctive creating an oasis in the backyard. There is no weeding performed by the homeowner.

Concerns: The most expensive material for a patio. It is also the most difficult material to obtain. Must pay closed attention to sealant application to avoid staining. Requires an experienced mason to install.

Remember...

Choosing the patio material is the most important and personal decision in creating your backyard paradise.

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