How to Plan and Build a Concrete Paver Patio

How to Build a Patio: A Step-by-Step Guide 2025 You'll have to make https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxVujBr_t-s some compromises on this step because not all the joints will line up perfectly. Just favor the ones that will be more visible and let the others fall where they fall. Here are some ways to find the best professional for your home. Some referral services, like Angi, have had complaints filed against them. A better way is to Google “patio contractors near me.” Look at the Google reviews and check on their Better Business Bureau profile. Next, ask if they will offer a free quote and ask for it to be cost-inclusive (both materials and labor).

Tie the stringline to stakes driven at each end of the patio so it stretches in the best drainage direction.Here are 39 other easy and budget-friendly patio ideas.This sand serves as a bed for your pavers and helps them stay level.Installation is less intense than that of pavers, but you’ll still need to place a layer of gravel base over compacted soil before adding the decorative gravel.If you started in the morning, I think you could definitely do this in one day.

I immediately put in a faux flagstone (stamped concrete) patio and replaced the falling down shed with my fire pit patio. Concrete pavers are a simple, affordable option for any DIY patio. You can opt to keep the concrete’s gray color, or mix it up with some dye in a fresh hue. Concrete is long-lasting and durable, but you’ll need to reseal it every three to five years to prevent cracks. However, you can choose a spot in your backyard that makes sense for how you plan to use your patio. If you plan to cook meals there, you may want to be close to the kitchen for easy clean-up.

Step 1: Layout and Site Preparation

Set the top of the pipes high enough so that when the bricks are set on the sand bed, they’ll protrude above the stones about 3/8 in. Dump the sand between the pipes and drag a straight 2×4 across the pipes to level it (also called screeding). Steps and railing are a great addition to a patio – making it more accessible and safer to use, especially on a slope. Pouring concrete patio steps requires starting with a simple wooden stairs framework, then carefully pouring concrete inside. Likewise, you’ll want to look at patio columns that fit the style you’re going for. Step two of this multistep process is to gather all the materials you’ll need.

Lay Bricks Along Layout Lines

Plus, if a section of your patio gets damaged, individual pavers can be replaced without tearing up the entire patio. They’re long-lasting, easy to maintain, and come in various materials such as concrete, stone, and clay brick. As you lay your pavers, use a level to ensure you're creating straight lines and that your bricks are flush on top. To fill in final gaps, cut your paver stones with a concrete saw or diamond blade on an angle grinder. Sometimes wetting the stone makes for easier cutting. How long a DIY patio installation takes varies by size and material. Probably the toughest part of installing a concrete paver patio is figuring out the slope you need and then working this out “on-site”. If you'd like to learn more about building a paver patio, check out our in-depth interview with Tony Hoang. Paver patios are a time-consuming and physically demanding project. We recommend the more durable crushed granite or limestone over pea gravel or river rock. With basic tools, you’ll be able to create a smooth area for sitting and dining that will last for years.