- Planning and Design
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- Purpose and Usage: Determine how the patio will be used (e.g., entertaining, dining, relaxation) to influence its size and features.
- Location: Choose a location considering sunlight, shade, privacy, and accessibility from the house. We recommend placing your patio where it gets evening shade.
- Design: Decide on the shape, layout, and materials (pavers, concrete, stone) to complement your home and landscaping. We recommend pavers as they are long lasting, affordable, require minimum maintenance, and are easy to spot repair if needed.
- Permits and Regulations: Fortunately, patios are still considered as “landscaping” which means no permits or regulations are required (yayy!). Just make sure to first get your design approved by your HOA if applicable, though it is very rare to have an HOA deny a patio installation as patios increase the neighborhood aesthetic.
- Purpose and Usage: Determine how the patio will be used (e.g., entertaining, dining, relaxation) to influence its size and features.
- Materials
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- Concrete: Affordable, with options for stamping and coloring for a custom look. However, if you are in an area that experiences winter and summer, the freezing and thawing of the ground every year has a tendency to crack the concrete. Once concrete cracks, there is no spot repair available, and the only alternative is to fully replace the concrete slab.
- Natural Stone/Flagstone: Attractive and subtle, flagstone/natural stone offers an old-world charm for those looking for the natural stone look. However, these stones are not as durable given their natural thinness and tendency to crack and flake. These are also heavy and inconsistent in shape and thickness, making them more expensive and very challenging and time consuming to install.
- Clay Brick: Classic appearance but may require more maintenance. They are also not as durable as other products on the market as they tend to crumble in time.
- Pavers: Durable, versatile, and available in various styles and colors. Pavers like Nicolock Paver Shield and Cambridge Armor Tec Pavers are leading in the industry as they do not fade in color over time and are the most durable of all material options. Pavers also withstand the test of time best because their smaller size and polymeric sand-filled joints allow the pavers to subtly move with the natural freeze and thaw of the ground rather than resisting the pressure and breaking, as is common in concrete slabs. Look for a local Cambridge or Nicolock dealer in your area that sells in bulk.
- Preparation
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- Excavation: Properly excavate the area to the correct depth, considering the material and intended use. We recommend excavating approximately 8-10” to account for a 4-6” compacted crusher run base, 1” of concrete sand, and a 2-3” thick paver.
- Drainage: Ensure the patio has a slight slope away from the house (about 1/4 inch per foot) for proper water drainage. Consider adding drainage solutions like burying down spouts or drain boxes if necessary.
- Base & Sand Layer: Install a strong base layer of gravel or crushed stone to provide stability and drainage. We recommend 4-6” of compacted crusher run topped with 1” of concrete sand.
- Compaction: Compact each layer thoroughly to prevent settling and uneven surfaces.
- Installation
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- Laying Pavers/Stones: Place pavers or stones according to your design, ensuring even spacing and alignment. If you are using pavers, be sure to follow the pattern recommended by the manufacturer to ensure consistency and a proper aesthetic. We recommend working from the center out, laying and cutting the edge pieces last to fit your desired shape.
- Cutting: Cut pavers or stones to fit edges and around obstacles using appropriate tools. Diamond blades are best used for cutting concrete pavers or blocks.
- Edge Restraints: Install edge restraints to maintain the patio’s shape and prevent shifting.
Joint Sand: Fill joints with polymeric sand to lock pavers in place and prevent weed growth. We recommend SRW’s polymeric sand which prevents weeds and allows subtle movements to account for seasonal ground freeze and thaw.
- Finishing Touches
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- Landscaping: Integrate the patio with surrounding landscaping for a cohesive look.
- Furniture and Accessories: Choose appropriate outdoor furniture and accessories to enhance the patio’s functionality and appearance.
- Maintenance
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- Cleaning: Regularly clean the patio to remove dirt, debris, and stains. We recommend pressure washing and laying new polymeric sand every 3-5 years to maintain a “good as new” look.
- Weed Control: Address weed growth in joints promptly.
- Repairs: Repair any damage or settling promptly to maintain the patio’s integrity. If you choose pavers, this should be easy to spot repair as you only need to lift the necessary broken or settled pavers and either replace with a new paver or add more sand to level it out.
- Hiring Professionals
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- Experience: Choose experienced contractors with a portfolio of similar projects. Be sure to find one that is licensed and insured and that specializes and focuses solely on hardscapes.
- References: Check references and read reviews to ensure quality workmanship.
- Warranty: Ensure the contractor offers a minimum 3 year warranty on their work.
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- The Hardscape Store: The Hardscape Store has over 30 years of experience in this hardscape design and installation industry, is a local family-owned and operated company, and has a plethora of reviews, testimonials, and credibility. If you are looking to install your patio yourself, The Hardscape Store can help guide you through the process, figure numbers and supplies, order and deliver supplies, and give you an overall estimate of supplies and cost. If you prefer to let a professional handle your hardscape installation, reach out to them for a free estimate and design.
By paying attention to these aspects, you can ensure that your professional patio installation is successful, providing you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space for years to come.
