Patio DIY
Why Install a Patio?
A patio is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your outdoor space, not just financially, but in terms of how you actually live outside. It creates a defined area for dining, entertaining, or simply unwinding, and when it's built well, it becomes the anchor the rest of the backyard is organized around.
Unlike a wood deck, a paver or stone patio won't rot, warp, or need resealing every few years. It's a durable, low-maintenance surface that looks better with age and adds genuine resale value to your home.
How to Start
A great patio starts with a clear sense of purpose. What will it primarily be used for? A dining and entertaining space, a transition area off the back door, or something else entirely? How large does it need to be to serve that purpose well, and will you be hiring a contractor for any portion of the build? Are you leaning toward manufactured paving stones for a clean, repeatable pattern, or natural stone for something more organic? Will you be renting equipment if you're doing it yourself?
Once you've worked through those fundamentals, take some time to explore different designs and styles. Our design booklets at Silverthorn Landscape Supplies are a great source of inspiration.
Then gather your measurements: length, width, height, and all grade variations across the area. Decide whether you'd like a contrasting border and, if so, how wide it should be, and note whether any water features will be incorporated into the design.
With all of that in hand, sketch out your plan. Getting your ideas on paper with measurements and specific product choices noted is one of the simplest ways to avoid costly mistakes and makes it much easier if other people are involved in the build.
Getting your products: whether you're picking them up or arranging a delivery, reach out ahead of time to confirm stock and reserve your delivery slot.
Tools You May Need
Paper & pen • Tape measure • Stakes & string • Marking paint • Square • Level • Shovel • Wheelbarrow • Rake • Gloves • Chisel • Safety glasses • Knee pads • Rubber mallet • Hose • Hand tamper • Broom
Products You May Need
Paving stones • A-gravel • Limestone screenings • Paver restraints • Metal spikes • Gator Super Sand Bond (polymeric sand)
Note: Advanced Performance Bedding (APB) is a two-in-one alternative to A-gravel and Limestone Screenings that self-compacts. Come in or give us a call to find out if it's right for your project.
Additional Machinery (optional)*
Skidsteer • Vibrating Tamper/Plate Compactor • Stone Saw
*Make sure you are qualified to run any equipment you may rent, or have someone experienced with machinery come out and help.
Installation
1. Plan
Review the How to Start checklist and finalize your plan. Measurements, product type, and quantities should all be confirmed before you proceed.
2. Preparation
Mark out the excavation area. Before digging, call the appropriate utility companies to locate any buried lines (phone, cable TV, internet, gas, hydro, waterlines, and city piping).
3. Excavate
Excavate to a minimum depth of 6"-10". Remove all loose soil, and make sure your sides extend at least 3" wider than the area where you'll be laying pavers.
4. Base
Add A-gravel and compact every 2", grading as close as possible to the final outline of the project. Continue adding and tamping until the height requirements are met. Slope the base away from all buildings for drainage (a minimum of 1" per 10 feet). The gravel base should stop roughly 3" below the desired finished height of the patio.
5. Screening
Once the A-gravel base is solid and level, lay the Limestone Screenings. Place two 3/4"–1" diameter pipes on the compacted base, set so that pavers laid on top will sit 3/8" above final finished level. Then, spread screenings between and over them. Pull the 2x4 board across to level. Remove the pipes and fill the holes with additional screenings.
7. Laying Pavers
Lay pavers directly onto the screened bed, starting along the longest straight edge to minimize the amount of cutting required. Keep a string guide to maintain straight joint lines, and avoid laying pavers too tight because you may need room to correct any irregularities.
If you're incorporating banding or accent work, lay those pieces first and build the main field toward them, cutting pavers to fit as you go.
Ready to get started? Come in or call us & we'll help you put it all together.