A Done with That® Project by Koper, America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©

An outdoor space, terrace or patio is ideal for entertaining in good weather. Building an outdoor space with precast concrete paving blocks is easy, and the many colors and sizes of precast blocks provide design options to complement any home.

A paving block outdoor space or patio is made by placing precast concrete blocks on a firm foundation that allows for drainage beneath the blocks and away from your house.
The best location for a outdoor space or patio is on the south or west side of your house, where it can catch the most sunlight during the day. Ideally, it should be partially shaded for hot summer days.
Check your local building codes to see if you will need a building permit for an outdoor space or patio or if there are any zoning ordinances or deed restrictions against such work. Also check to make sure the construction of the outdoor space or patio will not interfere with underground utility lines.

Most important in your plan- fling is the need for a foundation consisting of several layers for firm support and proper drainage. The foundation itself must slope away from the house to prevent water from pooling against the walls. A slope of ‘/8 inch per foot is adequate for most parts of the country.
When planning your outdoor space or patio, consider how it will fit in with the overall design of your house. An outdoor patio should act as a transition between indoors and outdoors in addition to functioning as a separate living and leisure area. Choose materials and colors that complement the exterior of the house and blend with your landscaping design.

Sketch a plan for the outdoor space or patio that includes all dimensions. Keep in mind how you intend to use the outdoor space or patio and allow plenty of room for furniture and people.
Precast concrete paving block come in many sizes and are usually square or rectangular. When choosing the type and size of block to buy, calculate which dimensions best fit the shape of your planned outdoor space or patio. For greater stability, stagger the layout of the blocks, with each row displaced half the width of a block from th previous row. This means you wil have to split some blocks to fill ii the half-block space at the edge o each row.

Paving blocks also come in several colors and textures. With careful planning, you can incorp rate different sizes, shapes and co ors to produce a pleasing pattern for your outdoor space or patio.

Preparing the Site
  1. Use the folding rule to measure and lay out the boundary for one side of the outdoor space or patio.
  2. With a hammer, drive a wooden stake into the ground to mark the first corner of that side.
  3. Measure the remaining sides and stake the corners. Stretch twine taut between stakes.
  4. With the spade, begin digging the foundation at a corner stake using the twine as a guide.
Preparing the Base
  1. Level the soil. Deposit and level a4-inch layer of coarse gravel for the first layer of the foundation.
  2. Add a 4-inch layer of crushed stone or small gravel on top of the layer of coarse gravel,
  3. Set a garden hose to a fine spray and wet down the two layers to help them settle evenly.
  4. Deposit enough sand in the foundation to ensure a 2-inch-thick layer when it is spread.
  5. Use a garden rake to spread the sand evenly across the foundation. Push it into corners and edges.
  6. Lay a 2×4 across the foundation. Measure from the 2×4 to the sand to check the depth for the blocks.
  7. Once the sand is level, lightly press 1 x2s into the sand to serve as leveling guides, or
  8. The tops of the battens must be the same distance below ground level as the thickness of the blocks.
  9. Measure the distance the battens. Add 6 inches and a 2×4 to that length for a screed.
  10. Use a level to check the slope along the length of the batten. It should be 1/8 inch per foot.
  11. Ensure that the battens are level I I with each other by laying the carpenter’s level across them.
  12. Pull the 2×4 screed along the battens to smooth the sand. Pull excess sand toward you.
  13. Water the sand lightly with the watering can. Use a rose attachment to sprinkle the water evenly.
  14. Use a tamp to compact the I sand firmly into the foundation. Be sure to tamp the entire surface.
  15. You will need to add sand after tamping t bring the surface back up to the level of the battens.
  16. Continue smoothing, watering, tamping and leveling until the surface is firm.
  17. Carefully remove the battens from the surface. They will leave empty grooves in the sand.
  18. Use a trowel to fill the grooves I with sand. Water and tamp the sand until the entire surface is even.
Setting the Paving Blocks
  1. Make a small hole in the sand beneath each block. This will keep the blocks from rocking.
  2. Place the first block in the corner. Make sure its sides are aligned ex actly with the twine.
  3. Press the block into the sand, keeping the edges even with the
    twine, and the top flush with the turf.
  4. Place the second block into the sand leaving a 1/s-inch gap be tween it and the first block,
  5. Use the mallet to gently tap the sides of the blocks to keep the outside edges aligned with the twine.
  6. Gently tap the top of each block with the mallet to make sure the block is firmly seated in the sand.
  7. Place a long, straight 2×4 and a level on the blocks to check flatness. The board should not rock.
  8. Stagger the placement of blocks for a sturdier surface. Measure carefully and maintain this spacing.
  9. Let the paving blocks support your weight whenever possible. Finish laying all uncut blocks.
  10. Use the mallet to tap cut blocks into place. Take care not to move other blocks as you work.
  11. Place a straight 2×4 across the I I blocks in several directions to check for flatness.
  12. Sweep sand into the joints between the blocks. Use the same type of sand as that in the foundation.
  13. Sweep the sand across the en- I tire patio. Make sure all joints are filled completely.
  14. 7- After sweeping away excess sand, water the patio to help settle the sand in the joints.
  15. Allow the sand in the joints to settle for several days. Sweep more sand into the joints as necessary.


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