DIY Patio Design
- Decide what kind of patio you would like, how big you would like it to be and what material you will use. The choices are many. Consider bricks, cobblestones, stone pavers, concrete pavers, tiles, pebble mosaics or pervious paving. Look through design books and magazines for inspiration.
After you decide what material to use, then decide on a pattern, particularly if you are using pavers. There are many to choose from, including jack-on-jack, 90-degree herringbone, running bond, basket weaver and pinwheel. - Before you begin any excavation, check to see if you will need any building permits, any applicable codes and whetherthere are any underground utility wires or pipes in the excavation area. Whatever type of patio you are going to install, there are preparation steps to take. Determine first where the patio will go. Remove any existing sod or damaged concrete, excavate the area, install a gravel base and fix any drainage problems.
To lay out a rectangular project, make sure the corners are square to avoid extra cuts on pavers as well as an unprofessional look. For curves, lay a garden hose where you would like the curve and pour sand over it. When you pick up the hose, the curve remains. - Depending on what type of patio you are installing, you will have a base of either concrete or gravel or sand. If the base is concrete for mortared bricks, pavers, flagstones or tile, mix just enough concrete to lay a section at a time and make sure it is thick enough to cling to a shovel held vertically for a second or two.
If you are using gravel or sand, use a screed, a straight two by four, to drag across the surface of the sand to make sure it is level before laying the pavers.
When finishing the project, choose the right method for your materials. Pavers will need sand, but make sure the sand has a maximum particle size of three-sixteenths of an inch, according to Sunset's "Walks, Walls & Patio Floors." Anything larger and the grains will not fit into the joints between the pavers. For concrete grout projects, use a mortar bag filled with concrete to fill the joints between the stones. Seal the patio afterwards, either by applying a sealer for mortared bricks and tile.
