(Cedarbrook Paver Patio Project with Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace)
Patio outdoor living spaces are perfect backyard additions for almost any home, build your space to be elegant or ready for fun. When you start your project there a few considerations you need to make. First, you will need to decide if this is something you can tackle on your own or if you will need a licensed contractor. When projects are intricate, it is always suggested that you consult with a professional. Nothing is worse than having to do the project twice and spend more money.
Next, you will need to determine your available space for this project. Then you will need to comply with your local municipalities building guidelines/restrictions and check with your HOA for any requirements they may have. Once this has been sorted you will then need to decide how you intend to use this space. Are you an entertainer who expects a lot of guests, or is this for quiet solitude? Knowing your needs and the purpose for your patio will help you make the best design decisions for your home.
(Cedarbrook Project Paver Patio with Outdoor Kitchen and Fire Water feature located in Union Bridge, MD)
Now it’s time to choose your materials and additions such as a pergola, fireplace, or a fire/water feature. When you select your materials make sure they are suitable for any additions to your project. If planning for a hot tub or outdoor kitchen, you will need to make sure the materials you select can support their weight.
The size of your new space is also important. When considering your outdoor furniture layout and size. A good rule of thumb is to allow 2-3 feet around your furnishings to allow for space for guests to walk around. You may want to draw a diagram to give you an idea of what your patio space will look like with furniture. Keep in mind it is better to have a space too large than not enough room for your guests to comfortably enjoy.
Prepare your area by marking the layout of your patio, make sure it is square and the layout is level. Do not forget that your patio will need to slope away from your home so there is no standing water; you should account for a 1 inch drop every 10 feet.
Next you will want to remove the grass and dirt. Your paver should sit just above the ground so it will depend on your paver as to how deep you dig. If you are using lighting for your project this is the time for laying/burying your landscape cables. Once this has been completed tamp the dirt with a compactor or a hand tamper then you are ready for the foundation.
The foundation of your patio is a gravel paver base. You will need to add your paver base in 2-3-inch layers, wet the area and use your compactor over the area. Repeat until you have a 6-inch base.
Place two metal pieces of pipe flush with the sides of your paver base to use as a guide. Pour your paver sand across and in between your metal pipe and run a straight board over the pipes and remove any excess sand then add sand where necessary, making sure your base is level. Maintaining a level base is very important.
(Cedarbrook Project Paver Patio with Pergola and Firepit located in Gaithersburg, MD)
Beginning at one corner of your leveled sand place your stone firmly straight down into the sand, keep adding your stones tightly next to each other. If you need to cut your pavers you will need a masonry saw, protective eyewear and gloves. Once all your stones are down, add your paver edging along exposed stone and secure with concrete. Paver edging can really dress up your patio. Consider adding a different color or texture to really show off your style.
Your patio project is almost complete, just spread a thin layer of sand and sweep it across your patio use your plate compactor over the area and repeat this process one more time. Then it is time to add your patio furniture, relax, and enjoy.
If this is not a project you want to take on reach out to our team of designers at 301-703-8728 and let Cedarbrook help you build and achieve your best outdoor living space.