Patios provide a great space for relaxation and bonding with family and friends. These structures come in many different styles to suit any taste.
Before construction begins, we obtain necessary permits and ensure compliance with building codes. This step can add a few weeks to the timeline. For professional help, contact Cleanstone Construction.
For a poured concrete patio builders will mark the area, dig, then form and pour the base. For a dry-laid patio using pavers, bricks or flagstones, builders follow the same marking, excavation, tamping and leveling procedures.
Natural stone is a classic, sophisticated and organic material that gives your backyard patio an elegant look. It is available in a wide variety of colors and textures and is versatile enough to fit your personal taste. It is also very durable and a great option for outdoor living spaces. It is easy to maintain and does not need any protective coatings or sealants.
Some common natural stones used for patio construction include slate, flagstone and travertine. Slate is a naturally occurring stone that comes in many different colors and textures and can be split into thin slices. It is very durable and scratch-resistant and is a great choice for outdoor surfaces. Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that comes in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be dry laid or set in concrete. It is also very durable and scratch-resistant, and it can be cut to fit custom designs.
Travertine is a type of natural limestone that is shaped by hot springs and river water. It can be tumbled, brushed or honed to produce a smoother, more polished finish. It is often used for pool decks because it is non-slip and comfortable to walk on. It also has a calming and cozy feel, which is ideal for outdoor spaces like patios.
When building a patio using natural stone, it is important to have the right tools for the job. You will need a shovel, rake, level and a few masonry tools, such as a hammer and chisel. A wheelbarrow is helpful for hauling dirt and debris, and a skid-steer loader can be hired to dig and prepare the site for paving. Make sure to locate and mark any in-ground gas, electrical, water or phone lines.
Concrete
Concrete may seem like a material that would be easy to work with on your own, but constructing a concrete patio requires specific training and experience. The job is complex and time-consuming, so hiring professionals will ensure that your finished patio will be safe for use, durable, and beautiful.
To begin the patio construction, contractors remove any vegetation that is in the way of the concrete and prepare the ground by excavating up to 8 inches or more beyond the edges of the proposed patio. The contractor may also add any necessary drainage features, such as a french drain or an infiltration system, to protect the concrete from water that may collect in the event of heavy rains.
Next, the contractors create and secure the form for the concrete slab using 2x4s and nails or screws. They may also build and secure a ramp to pour the concrete, if needed. Once the concrete is poured, it is leveled and smoothed with special tools that look much like a dust broom, or a hand-held trowel. They may also add any decorative elements, such as staining or coloring, at this time.
The contractors will then finish the patio by adding a sealer or coating to protect it from weathering and enhance its appearance. They will also add any additional design elements, such as a walkway or retaining walls, that are desired. A poured concrete patio can be a beautiful and functional element of any garden or yard, especially when it’s used to create destinations and connect them with welcoming pathways. It can also be a dramatic focal point for a garden or yard, with the addition of a water feature, fountain, seat wall, fireplace, fire pit, or fragrant plantings.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is an attractive, versatile material that can be used to create a patio. It’s easy to clean and durable, making it a good choice for areas that will get wet frequently. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your home design.
The manufacturing process of porcelain tiles allows them to imitate many other materials, including natural marble, travertine, limestone and real wood. This versatility allows you to create a patio that fits seamlessly with your existing home decor. In addition, porcelain tiles are fade-resistant and will maintain their color over time.
If you’re using porcelain paving on your patio, it’s important to lay a strong base before laying the tiles. The recommended amount of base in a domestic situation is 100mm of compacted MOT, but if your soil is soft it may need to be deeper. It’s also a good idea to install a geo textile underlay to prevent ingression from the sub base and to direct rainwater away from your patio.
Because of their durability, porcelain paving tiles are a great choice for high traffic areas. They are resistant to chips and breakage from dropped objects, and they can withstand exposure to sunlight and changing temperatures. They’re also moisture-resistant, which means that they won’t be damaged by rain or puddles.
Another advantage of porcelain tiles is that they’re available in a variety of styles, including wood-look, stone-look and mosaics. This allows you to create a patio that’s classic and timeless or trendy and modern, depending on your personal taste. Porcelain tiles are also available in a wide range of thicknesses, with thicker options offering more strength and stability.
Pavers
Pavers are the literal building blocks that make up walkways, patios, pool decks and driveways. They come in a variety of styles and colors and can be used to create visually stunning hardscapes. Pavers are also easy to maintain, requiring only periodic sweeping or washing with a pressure washer.
There are two types of pavers: natural stone and manufactured pavers made from materials like concrete or brick. Manufactured pavers are often less expensive and have more consistency in size, color and texture since they are produced from the same molds. They can also be easily replaced should one become damaged or worn.
Before installing the pavers, a gravel base is laid and compacted with a steel hand or vibrating compactor to prevent settling of the patio surface. This base is usually 3 to 4 inches deep, but can be adjusted depending on soil type and use of the patio.
Once the base has been prepared, polymeric jointing sand is spread and lightly swept to fill the cracks in between the pavers. This sand helps the pavers to interlock and should be swept and lightly watered a few times after installation.
Once the sand is in place and the pavers are installed, edging is placed along the outside of the patio to hold it in place and give it a finished look. This edging can be purchased at most home improvement stores or online. After edging is installed, the sand should be swept and watered again to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish to the patio.
Brick
Brick has a traditional look that can complement a wide range of landscaping styles. A well-designed patio constructed from local clay bricks can be a feature of your landscape for years to come. It is also durable, able to stand up to almost any weather conditions. However, a brick patio isn’t a cheap project and requires professional installation. It is a good idea to consult with a professional before making the final decision.
If you decide on a brick patio, the first step is to determine the size and shape of the area you are working with. It’s helpful to stake out the shape with string or a chalk line. Determine how much of each material you will need and order supplies accordingly. This can be done easily by measuring the length and width of the patio and multiplying those numbers.
The best way to install a brick patio is the dry-laid method. This involves laying the pavers directly on top of a bed of crushed stone or compacted sand. The bricks are butted tightly together, and sand is swept between the joints. The sand helps the pavers stay in place and makes it easy to remove them in the future if you want to change or repair your patio.
After the sand is spread, it must be compacted using a plate compactor. It’s a good idea to rent one of these machines, as they are more powerful than manual ones. Once the sand is compressed, a light layer of sand should be spread on top. Gently spray the sand with water to help settle and stiffen it. Backfill behind the brick edging with dirt or other landscaping material to partially hide the edging and give your patio a finished appearance.