To keep your patio level from the start, it’s a good idea to make sure your perimeter string is level (they sell little levels that hang from these strings at any home improvement store). [3] X Expert Source Tony HoangLandscaping Manager Expert Interview. 1 November 2022. If all of your strings are level, then you can measure down from the string at every step and your measurements will be based on the same starting point. You can also use a laser level, which saves you the time and energy of setting up the strings by using laser light to check that everything is level. It’s also important to mark the area to make sure your measurements are accurate so you know how the pavers will fit. [4] X Expert Source Tony HoangLandscaping Manager Expert Interview. 1 November 2022.
Most pavers are about 3- to 3 1/2-inches thick, so you’ll need to dig a hole that’s about 12 inches deep depending on the local soil. [7] X Expert Source Tony HoangLandscaping Manager Expert Interview. 1 November 2022. Slope the entire area slightly toward the direction in which you want water to run off the patio pavers. Lay a board across the area, and place a level on top the board to get the desired slope. A level perimeter string will come in handy here. Measure down from the string all around the patio space, to make sure you have dug down a consistent depth. You can even stretch a temporary string across the area to determine whether the middle is level as well.
If you don’t own a compactor, you may be able to rent one at a local home improvement store. You can also use a hand tamper to get edges and corners that might be missed by the compactor. Once again, measure off your level perimeter string to make sure your gravel is relatively even across the whole patio area. This does not need to be perfect, and in fact should slope a little bit away from any house it’s next to, but it should give you a good idea if you are in the right ballpark. If you plan to use a weed barrier, now is the time to lay it down. Make sure you have chosen a biodegradable and porous fabric so that it does not add toxins to the soil or interfere with drainage. [10] X Research source
You may need to move your leveling pipes to several locations, depending on how big your patio is going to be. Just remember that you need to make the whole patio to be level overall.
Check your level as you work. The patio should keep the same level as you go along. If one paver is off, tap it with a rubber mallet to get it into place. If a paver is too low, don’t be afraid to pull it up, put some more sand under it, and put it back in place. It’s easier to get it right now instead of later. This is another point at which the level perimeter string may help you out. While you can use a level across the pavers themselves, measuring their distance away from the string will help keep everything aligned as well.
If you only have a bit of an obstacle in your way try creative fixes. If there is a spot that requires a small piece of paver, consider simply filling the space with pea gravel or a ground cover plant instead. This will save you time and energy that you will need for the rest of the project. You may also have a small piece of paver that was cut off, and you may be able to use it in these tight areas.
If the shape of your patio is not square but you will use square pavers, you will need to estimate the square footage. Another option is to use pavers that are designed to be laid in round shapes. These type of pavers will require you to take different types of measurements to determine the amount of pavers needed. If you are building stairs on your patio, you may need to subtract the square footage of the bottom stair and purchase some retaining blocks.
To figure out how many pavers you will need, multiply the square footage of your patio by the stones per square foot of the pavers you are considering (a number that should be on price labels or listed on product specs), this will give you the number of stones needed. For example, if you are making a 100 square foot patio and the pavers you are using are listed as 4 square feet per piece, multiply 100 by 4 and the total number of pieces you will need is 400. Once you have that number, you can figure out how much specific pavers will cost you overall by multiplying the number of pavers needed by the price per paver. Remember, pavers can be arranged in a multitude of different patterns; a sales associate at your home improvement store should be able to make suggestions if you can’t decide. Make sure you discuss delivery options with the sales associate. A large number of pavers will weigh quite a lot, and you will likely need them to deliver a pallet to your home.
To determine the amount of gravel and sand you will need to buy, determine the volume of the space you are filling or the cubic feet and cubic yards. [15] X Research source The gravel should be at least 4 inches deep, but this will be compacted, so you will want to add another 1. 5 inches to your calculation. [16] X Expert Source Scott JohnsonLandscape & Design Consultant Expert Interview. 8 April 2020. The sand should be over 1 inch (2. 5 cm) thick, so these measurements should be multiplied by the square footage of the patio. This will give you the cubic feet you need. You can also use an online calculator, such as the one here: http://www. calculatorsoup. com/calculators/construction/ If all else fails, consult a sales associate at your home improvement store. They should be able to help you figure out how much sand and gravel you will need for the square footage of your patio. Talk to them about your options for buying supplies like sand in bulk to save money. Make sure you buy polymeric sand to fill in the spaces or joints between the pavers. Regular washed sand will not bind together well and your pavers will become loose. Decide if you want to lay a fabric weed barrier between the gravel and the pavers. The sand and gravel are usually enough to keep weeds from growing between your pavers, but this added layer provides additional blockage. Make sure the barrier is porous so that you still get proper drainage through the gravel. [17] X Research source When you purchase pavers makes sure you buy at least 10 percent more than you plan to use. Paver blocks can break or you may need to cut some to fit around obstacles. You may also need to rent a gas powered plate compactor as well as a paver wet saw with diamond blade and stand if you need to trim or shape the pavers.
