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For improved durability and appearance compared to a wood deck, home owners often consider a raised patio formed with stone, concrete pavers, brick or concrete.

The surface of a raised patio is above the ground (grade). Most often, the patio is at the same elevation as the first floor of the house.

Compared to an at-grade patio that requires steps down from the first floor, a raised patio provides a greater sense that living space is extended outdoors, especially during warm seasons.

DESIGN

For a rectangular, one-level patio, home owners can often develop the basic design. However, as the size increases, owners should consider relying on knowledgeable landscape contractors. For complex designs, the services of a landscape architect may be warranted.

Planning for the patio should address the following;

1- Layout, including shape, dimensions, elevations and relation to the house.
2- Materials
3- Drainage
4- Edge treatment, including railings if required
5- Effect on house foundation walls when patio is adjacent to full basement

A very good source of ideas is to visit patios already built. Much more extensive information is available from a wide array of magazines, books and web sites.

Ideas for patios in general are found on the following web sites;
http://www.patio-ideas-guide.c om/patio-design.html
http://www.patiodesigns101.com /

Photos and basic construction guidelines for raised patios are provided by a paver and wall-block supplier;
http://www.allanblock.com/Reta iningWalls/Newsletter/Contract or/july08/MainPage1.aspx?ta=3

A case history of a raised patio installation, including photos during construction, is provided by Interlocking Concrete Paver Magazine;
http://www.icpi.org/myproject/ 05%20Feb%20Raised%20Patio%20on struction.pdf

LAYOUT

The first step is to determine the basic layout of the patio, also known as a "plan" view. Even for a simple layout, the contractor should have a layout drawing for construction purposes.

The layout or plan view is a drawing of the patio as if you are looking down from high above. Solid lines define edges of all elements where the elevation changes. Dashed lines indicate edges of elements underneath the patio or adjacent grade.

A basic plan view can be drawn using standard graph paper (8-1/2 by 11). The side of each graph-paper square, which is typically -inch, can most often be taken to represent one (1) foot of the patio. If you need more space than the standard sheet, just tape another sheet to the first

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