You too can create a beautiful patio with stone pavers with this step-by-step how to!
Do you want to know how to create a patio with stone pavers that looks like a Bob Vila project? Well you've come to the right place to learn how easy it is to create a patio with stone pavers! There is no need to mix and pour concrete to have a beautiful patio. This is a do-it-yourself project that you can knock out in one weekend. I've included pictures from our actual job showing you a before and after picture along with step-by-step pictures of how to create a patio with stone pavers.
P.S. On July 14, 2009, this lens earned a purple star, awarded for quality content.
Contents at a Glance
- Have You Ever Worked With Patio Stone Pavers?
- An Overview of How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers
- Pavers 101: Patios and Other Projects You Can Do
Have You Ever Worked With Patio Stone Pavers?
Are you a DIY Handyman?
An Overview of How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers
- Determine the layout for the patio area.
- Determine the style of pavers you want to use and how many of each size you will need.
- Tools you will need: flat edge shovel, Tamper, level, potato rake, wheel barrow or hand truck, two 5' x 3/4" steel pipe, 3-4' length of 2x4.
- Materials you will need: Step one base gravel, step two leveling sand, pavers, paver edging and stakes.
- Determine the pattern you will use with your pavers. You can go from a simple mix to elaborate patterns with different colors and sizes of the pavers.
- Other important requirement is a good back. This project is somewhat physical but you can do it at your own pace.
- You can get "how to" information from brochures at Home Depot and Lowes.
Pavers 101: Patios and Other Projects You Can Do
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Pavers 101: Patios and Other Projects You Can Do
Amazon Price: $15.59 (as of 12/11/2009)
Amazon Product Description: From a wonderful circular patio centered around a firepit, to a demonstration walkway that illustrates how to lay basketweave, running brick, and herringbone patterns, this book is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to undertake a great home improvement project. Learn how to lay the groundwork, study details for edging and popular paver designs, and finish up like a pro.
A special chapter details the process of laying a permeable paving surface, an increasingly popular alternative in today's eco-conscious world. Clear photos detail every step in the process, and a gallery of more than 100 finished projects will inspire you to get to work. All you need is the muscle.
Before View of the Patio -- Before the Patio Stone Pavers
This is an actual before picture of our back patio area. We actually underwent a home renovation project to enclose our patio before we decided to create a back yard patio with stone pavers. This picture gives you a good perspective of the overall job.
Materials :: Patio Stone Pavers, Step 1 Paver Base and Step 2 Leveling Sand
The pallet of materials for your patio stone pavers project.
A 100 Square Foot Patio With Stone Pavers Costs About $600.00 DIY
Materials List :: Patio Stone Pavers and Step 1 Paver Base and Step 2 Leveling Sand
Home Depot delivered the pallet of materials needed for this 100 square foot patio project. Estimated cost of materials: $600.00 which includes a $79.00 delivery fee.
120 - 6" x 9" Concord Cobble 45mm orange/sand stone pavers
175 - 6" x 6" Concord Cobble 45mm orange/sand stone pavers
15 bags - Step 1 Paver Base
20 bags - Step 2 Leveling Sand
NOTE: Before this pallet of materials was delivered, we started the base with a separate load of 15 bags - Step 1 Paver Base. We brought those home in the back of our Nissan Murano -- and then opted to have the rest delivered.
Patios, Driveways, and Plazas: The Pattern Language of Concrete Pavers
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Patios, Driveways, and Plazas: The Pattern Language of Concrete Pavers (Schiffer Book for Designers)
Amazon Price: $21.86 (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: Concrete pavers are one of the hottest pavements around homes, commercial buildings, and urban spaces. Designers know that the selection of pavement patterns and colors have a big influence on the character of these places. In this book, you'll learn the design vocabulary of basic paving patterns and progress to more intricate variations. Each of the 300-plus color photos demonstrates how specific patterns, colors, and textures enhance every outdoor environment - including patios, walkways, drives, and grand urban plazas.
Some of the best projects from across North America illustrate this book. Written for landscape architects, architects, contractors, and homeowners alike, this is the design handbook for concrete pavers. Besides presenting a wealth of ideas, the book will enrich and build your design vocabulary and pattern language using concrete pavers.
Tools You Will Need
Flat Edge Shovel, Tamper, Level, Potato Rake, Wheel Barrow or Hand Truck, two 5' x 3/4" Steel Pipes, 3-4' Length of 2x4.
Establish a Pattern for your Patio Stone Pavers
Determine the pattern you will use with your pavers. You can go from a simple mix to elaborate patterns with different colors and sizes of the pavers. This is a easy to duplicate pattern using a mix of 6" x 6" and 6" x 9" Concord Cobble 45mm orange/sand stone pavers. For our needs and budget, and since it was our first attempt at laying the pavers, we kept it on the simple side with using a mix of 6" x 6" and 6" x 9" bricks. With a little trial and error, we found a repeating pattern that worked out well for our layout.
Walks, Walls & Patio Floors: Build with Brick, Stone, Pavers, Concrete, Tile and More
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Walks, Walls & Patio Floors: Build with Brick, Stone, Pavers, Concrete, Tile and More
Amazon Price: $13.22 (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: Looking for a step-by-step guide that will give you ideas and instruction (plus the confidence) to create a new walkway or reinvent an existing garden wall? Then look no further than this new edition of Walks, Walls & Patio Floors.
It takes you through the basics, from planning your project to choosing the right materials--even getting them to your house (which can be one of the biggest challenges!). And, of course, everything you need to know once you get it all home!
These 30 projects provide clear instruction and photography to build landscape-enhancing patios, pathways, and wall finishes, including how to excavate, install edging, build stone and timber steps, and pour and finish a concrete slab.
Other Important Requirement: A Good Back!
This project is somewhat physical, but you can do it at your own pace. We found it rewarding with only one minor back outage.
Working with Step 1 Paver Base -- Keep it Dry!
Our little do-it-yourself patio stone paver project was only 8' x 13' which tied into an existing 3' x 4' concrete pad. The hardest part of the project, other than hauling around a bunch of heavy bags of dirt and stacks of bricks, is the initial grading of the ground to get the level and the slope to tie in to the surroundings. We had to work off of the concrete stoop to start and grade the slope down from the house. The best way would probably be to carefully put strings with level indicators, measuring the height from the ground to get the best consistency with the right slope. We did not have the patience for that and pretty much eyeballed it with spot measurements in the key places.
If you have grass to remove, we recommend using a total vegetation killer ahead of time. After the grass has died, dig out most of it and rake out the area to the approximate grade you want. Tamp down the dirt, smooth out the lumps and tamp some more.
Start-to-Finish: Patios
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Start-to-Finish: Patios
Amazon Price: (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: Strong emphasis on inspirational ideas for a variety of patio designs. Comprehensive coverage includes patio planning, material selection, construction techniques, and sample patio plans. Illustrated, how-to format is easy to follow and guarantees success. Plenty of tips and expert insights to keep do-it-yourselfers on track.
Tamping Down the Step 1 Base Gravel
Pour in the base gravel and spread out to have at least a one inch layer. If your back is still intact, tamp away again. If the twinges start, take a break and a couple of your favorite pain killers and muscle relaxants and come back later.
Paver Projects: Designs for Amazing Outdoor Environments
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Paver Projects: Designs for Amazing Outdoor Environments
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: Here is the ultimate portfolio featuring some of the most advanced interlocking concrete paver technology available today. Over 300 full color images showcase innovative paver shapes, textures, colors, and finishes, as well as a wide variety of classic pavers in a stunning collection of residential and commercial projects. Homeowners, landscape architects, and builders should not be without this important resource, which inspires with hundreds of ideas for patios, pool skirts, driveways, shopping centers, parking lots, boulevards, and much more.
Leveling the Step 2 Leveling Sand
Once the step one gravel is tamped in place the fun can begin. Lay down the two lengths of pipe about 3' apart, working in a direction down grade. Pour down the leveling sand and screed back and forth with the 2x4 to get a smooth level fill between the pipes. Fill in the grooves left by the pipe. Sprinkle the sand in and lightly tamp in and smooth with your fingers. I found it best to screed a few side by side sections at a time, laying the bricks as you go. Once the sand is down you do not want to disturb it.
Duplicating the Pattern With Patio Stone Pavers
It is relatively easy to duplicate your pattern with the patio stone pavers by referring to your pattern guide. Once the bricks are placed, you can walk on them to place the next section. This is the fun part because it goes relatively fast after the hours of the grunt preparation work.
Adding More of the Step 2 Leveling Sand
Continue working in square sections. Repeat the process where you lay down the two lengths of pipe about 3' apart, working in a direction down grade. Pour down more of the leveling sand and screed back and forth with the 2x4 to get a smooth level fill between the pipes. Fill in the grooves left by the pipe. Sprinkle the sand in and lightly tamp in and smooth with your fingers.
Black & Decker Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Black & Decker Complete Guide to Patios: Plan, Build and Maintain
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: Patios have been featured in landscapes for thousands of years, but never have they been more popular than now, as homeowners discover the elegance, long life, and easy maintenance of stone and decorative concrete surfaces. Today's homeowners can build with mosaic tiles just like the ancient Persians, or natural stone like the Greeks, but they also build amazing patios with colored, interlocking concrete pavers cast in geometric shapes, or they can stamp or stain poured concrete for truly amazing effects.
Black & Decker: The Complete Guide to Patios is a comprehensive guide that includes an introduction to the most popular building materials: a fool-proof method for design, planning and layout; detailed step-by-step projects to help readers build any one of 12 different types of patios; instructions for building popular patio accessories and features; and tips for maintaining and repairing all types of patios.
Midway -- Leveling Step 2 Sand and Continuing the Patio Stone Pavers Pattern
You are about midway through your project and starting to feel like a pro at working with the patio stone pavers!
Finishing the Placement of the Patio Stone Pavers
If you have measured your patio accurately, you should find that you have enough of the stone pavers. Our project was almost perfect, as we needed 2 more of the 6" x 9" and 6 more of the 6" x 6" patio stone pavers. Ah, the end is in sight!
Complete Patio Book: The Latest Looks in Pavings, Great Outdoor Room Amenities
How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers -- Get this Book
Complete Patio Book: The Latest Looks in Pavings, Great Outdoor Room Amenities, Colorful Container Plantings (Complete...)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: This brand-new edition covers everything you need to plan, design, and build the patio of your dreams. Whether making an addition to an existing patio or starting from scratch, you'll learn all the dos and don'ts to make the most of your outdoor area, by adding a shade structure, outdoor kitchen, or tranquil pool, for example. Complete Patio also covers important finishing touches like outdoor lighting, weather-resistant furniture, container gardening, and storage solutions.
More than 450 photos showcase a multitude of patio styles and elements. More than 30 inspiring projects with step-by-step instructions. Expert advice on designing your patio and creating working drawings. Clear, concise instructions for drainage, watering, and lighting systems. Comprehensive materials guide for today's many options, including flagstone, brick, concrete pavers, tile, and gravel.
Preparing the Patio Stone Pavers for Edging
Once the bricks are all in place, you then put down the retaining edge.
Securing the Edging of the Patio Stone Pavers
Adding stakes to your edging will keep the bricks in place.
Adding the Remainder of the Step 2 Leveling Sand to the Patio Stone Pavers
You have finished edging the patio. Next you will want to fill in the spaces between the pavers with the leveling sand. This works much better if the sand is good and dry. Sweep the sand into the cracks and finish by hosing off the excess.
Completing the Addition of the Remainder of the Step 2 Leveling Sand to the Patio Stone Pavers
The patio is finished! Stand back and enjoy the look of your new patio to get an idea of how you will want to landscape around the stone pavers.
Drumroll -- After View of the Patio -- After the Patio Stone Pavers
Adding the finishing touches to the patio with sod and shrubs. We waited about one week before we put our outdoor gas grill and chairs on the patio stone pavers to ensure that the stones had settled. Now you are ready for entertaining!
Receiving the Approval of the #1 Neighborhood Resident is Important!
Rocky the Raccoon has approved the patio stone pavers job!
We were finishing up the patio project when who should show up? It's Rocky the Raccoon who has been kind enough to actually pose for another lens in a photo caption contest.
Drop me a line and tell me how you liked my How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers!
Would you be able to tackle this project?
Did you find this step-by-step project helpful and easy to follow? Do you have any questions about any of the steps on how to work with patio stone pavers? Have you actually done a job like this yourself? Would you be able to create your own patio? I'd love to hear from you. Please take a moment to drop me a line!
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Reply
- HorseAndPony HorseAndPony Nov 9, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
- This was very clear and easy to follow. Your patio looks great and I love Rocky the Raccoon.
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Reply
- daria369 daria369 Oct 30, 2009 @ 6:15 am
- I've always admired paved streets, driveways and patios. To me they have a special, hard to describe charm to them. Great lens, all stars... :)
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Reply
- 24websurf 24websurf Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:49 am
- I remember when you were working on this project and thought "now that would be a great lens idea!" The colors are just beautiful and you are going force me to do this in the Spring :)
~ Blessings to you, Julie ~
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How To Tips to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers
You can get "how to" information from brochures at Home Depot and Lowes. Some tips are also available on the internet -- such as from lenses like this one!
A DIY How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers Video!
How to Install and Lay Patio Pavers - Do It Yourself
Lowe's home improvement expert, Mike Kraft, demonstrates how to lay brick patio pavers to complete the installation of your outdoor patio. To find out how to lay the foundation of your patio or more helpful videos, visit http://www.Lowes.com/Videos.
Runtime: 347
46142 views
13 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Patio Stone Pavers in the News
- No wise-cracks here
- Claddagh Paving works with universities, hospitals, residential neighborhoods ? anywhere that wants concrete, permeable, brick or natural stone pavers. ...
- Rinox Pavers, Retaining Walls, and Borders and Edging Continue to Turn ...
- As the pool was installed near the house, it became apparent that there was plenty of room for a paver patio and pool deck with separate dining and lounging ...
- Local Industry News & Notes
- Pacific Coast Garden & Landscape Center is a distributor of Cal Stone Paver products and Angelus Paving Stone and Retaining Wall products. ...
- Gray contractor: I wasn't licensed in DC
- ... he replaced a concrete walkway with pavers, replaced a retaining wall, installed drainage pipes and built two large stone columns at the head of the ...
How About an Outdoor Gas Grill for That New Patio?
We are looking to replace ours!
We had been considering a new outdoor gas grill for some time -- well before we completed our patio stone pavers project. The outdoor gas grill currently sitting on our new patio is a Coleman 3000 propane gas grill. It's got more than seven years under its belt and will be replaced soon. This is one of the Weber grills we are considering! We like the green color.
Weber 3757001 Genesis E-320 Propane Grill, Green
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/12/2009)
Amazon Product Description: The Genesis E-320 gas grill features an enclosed cart with corresponding painted steel doors with stainless steel trim, stainless steel handles, and accent colored painted side and rear panels. All grills have a porcelain-enameled shroud with a center-mounted thermometer and accent colored painted, cast aluminum end caps.
The cooking system, rated at 42,000 BTUs, includes 3 seamless stainless steel burners and an electronic Crossover ignition system. The cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron. The Flavorizer bars are porcelain-enameled. The primary cooking area measures 507 sq. inches; the warming rack area measures 130 sq. inches, giving a total coking area of 637 sq. inches. the Genesis E-320 gas grill also has a 12,000 BTU-per-hour input flush-mount side burner.
Other features include 6 tool holders, enclosed tank storage area, precision fuel gauge, 2 stainless steel work surfaces, 2 heavy-duty front locking casters and 2 heavy-duty back swivel casters. Tank is not included with LP grills and all natural gas grills include a 10-ft flexible hose. Weber cookbook included. Limited warranty.
Emsco Group Patio Stone Pavers -- 16" x 16" Square
These have a built-in pattern already
Amazon Product Description: 16 Inch x 16 Inch Patio Pavers of reinforced poly construction with a natural paver texture. Low profile enables you to mow up to garden beds while eliminating the need for string trimmers. Easy do-it-yourself installation requires no concrete. Natural patio pavers are designed for pathways, but also great for patios, barbeque areas, motor homes, gardens, and as lawn accents.
Emsco Group 2155 Poly Patio Pavers Red Brick 16-Inch x 16-Inch - 24 Pack
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 12/12/2009)
Emsco Group 2156 Poly Patio Pavers Natural Sand 16-Inch x 16-Inch - 24 Pack
Amazon Price: $126.05 (as of 12/12/2009)
Emsco Group 2157 Poly Patio Pavers Grey 16-Inch x 16-Inch - 24 Pack
Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 12/12/2009)
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