If you are looking for a way to incorporate more usable hardscape space for entertaining, lounging, etc., in your yard, a paver patio can be a great way to do so.
What Are the Steps to Creating a Beautiful Paver Patio in Your Yard?
Choose a Paver
Before starting a paver patio project, you need to make sure you have everything you need to accomplish it. One of these steps is to choose a paver that is going to work well for you and that you like the style of. There are several different types of pavers available; you could even choose a standard red brick to create a patio. There are several different shapes, colors, and materials that pavers are made of. You want to ensure that you research what materials are gonna hold up best to the conditions and weather patterns that you see in your particular landscape.
Grab The Proper Tools
Once you have found the ideal paver, it is a great idea to make sure you have everything you need to get the job done well. The tools needed for this project include
- Wheelbarrow
- Straight line
- Shovel
- Work clothes and proper safety attire, including gloves, goggles, and possibly a dust mask
- Rubber mallet
- Rake
- Plate compactor
- Level
- Circular saw
Additional materials beyond pavers
- Edge restraints
- Bedding sand
- Paver base, like crushed stone or gravel
- Joining sand
- In some cases, sealant
Get the Landscape Ready
Before placing anything into your landscape to build your paver patio, you want to make sure that the ground is ready to have the patio placed. Start by leveling the ground and taking steps for proper drainage away from the patio. You want to excavate the land in the area and accommodate for the paver thickness, sand layer, and base material. Typically, this depth ranges from six to eight inches for a patio space.
Construct a Solid Foundation
It is important to create a strong foundation for the pavers to sit on. This prevents pavers from settling and shifting, and even spreading over time. The two basic components of creating the foundation are laying a base and compacting the bedding sand.
It is also important to pay attention to setting the edge. This will hold the paver patio in place and keep it from spreading and moving beyond the boundary you have set. Helping to keep pavers where you placed them when you originally built the patio. Installing a plastic or metal edging around the perimeter of the planned patio area secured with long landscaping spikes is the most commonly used method. Additionally, you could use concrete curbing or a first row of pavers. Concrete curbing is probably the most expensive but provides the most permanent and aesthetic solution.
Set/Lay the Pavers
Before putting pavers down, you need to ensure that you have chosen a pattern for laying them. You want to place pavers snuggly against each other and use string lines to help ensure you are creating straight rows with your pavers. Make sure to avoid walking on the sand bed foundation you have created as you lay down the pavers. If you need to reach an area of the foundation to lay more pavers, it is better to walk on top of pavers that have already been laid.
You want to make sure you’re maintaining a consistent gap between each paver for deformity. To help with this, many people choose to use plastic spacers. Make sure that you are consistently checking that everything is level and aligned.
Perform Finishing Touches
Once the pavers are placed, it is time to put the finishing touches to ensure that everything stays in place and is ready for placing things on top of. This includes compacting the finished surface with a plate compactor, filling the joints with sand, and cleaning up any extra sand. In some cases, you may choose to seal your pavers, but it really depends on the area and material you are using. In some cases, sealant can protect your pavers from elements, but it can also create a slippery paver patio when it is wet.
Choosing to employ professional help
If you want to ensure that your paver patio will last the test of time and work seamlessly with your landscape design and your exterior house design. It is a great idea to hire a professional landscape designer. They not only help with plants in your landscape, but they can also help with hardscaping elements like a paver patio. They can drastically reduce the amount of time, making sure you have the right products, and trying to decide on your favorite material and how it looks in your space.
If you want to take your yard from great to amazing with a beautiful paver patio, contact the landscape designers at First Fruits Landscaping. Let’s get started turning your yard into a work of art that not only looks great but also functions well for your lifestyle. We provide landscaping services in Snohomish County and King County.