4 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Building a patio with pavers is not at all difficult, but you need to be careful what building materials you select. Standard concrete pavers have two major issues of concern: they do not address how to manage standing water if you live in an area that has a good amount of rainfall, and they may add alkalinity to the soil- an environmental concern. Cities and counties are becoming more and more sticky about how they address stormwater runoff.

I suggest starting with a pervious paver, like Permapave ( www.permapavenw.com ). They are natural rock pavers with an inert binder. Water flows right through these pavers, and then gets back into the ground quickly, to recharge the aquifer. They come in a number of natural rock colors, and can be installed by hand.

Installation instructions are going to vary depending on your climate, or soil conditions but generally, after you dig out and level the building area, the pavers will need 4-6" of crushed rock base, with a smaller bedding layer between the rock and the pavers. Sand can also be used between the rock and the pavers, but be aware that the sand will require a filter fabric, and that sand will slow down the water flow-thru rate.

After the rock is installed and compacted, the bedding layer should be placed and compacted. Taking time here to do it right the first time will save you a ton of headache later on. A string level is fine, but a laser level can work too. Use a string if a laser intimidates you. Remember these are pavers- you are not building the space shuttle.

Now you are ready to install the pavers. Overlapping the joints (so that the seam between two pavers hits in the middle of an adjoining paver) will add strength and stability to the patio. A paver edger (a number of types are available on the web, installation is according to manufacturer's specifications) will help keep your installation in place. After the pavers are placed, compact the pavers with a drum roller which has a surface that will not damage the paver's rock finish.

That's all there is to it. Measure off your area, dig it out, compact and level the native soil, add crushed rock, compact and level, add bedding layer, compact, and place pavers.

Now you are ready to go with an awning, an outdoor kitchen, a stainless steel BBQ grill, lawn furniture, anything you like. And since you used pervious pavers, you solved any drainage issues ahead of time. See how smart you are!

Learn more about this author, Eagles BEA.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to build a patio using concrete pavers?
We want to hear your view. Write now!