How to Build a Patio: A Step-by-Step Guide 2025

How to Build a DIY Patio Like a Pro You'll have to make some compromises on this step because not all the joints will line up perfectly. Just favor the ones that will be https://www.merchantcircle.com/clear-view-builders-construction-sacramento-ca more visible and let the others fall where they fall. Here are some ways to find the best professional for your home. Some referral services, like Angi, have had complaints filed against them. A better way is to Google “patio contractors near me.” Look at the Google reviews and check on their Better Business Bureau profile. Next, ask if they will offer a free quote and ask for it to be cost-inclusive (both materials and labor).

Maintaining your patio regularly preserves its best appearance for enduring memories.These qualities allow the fill to be tightly packed for a firm base that allows water to drain through.Using aluminum or plastic edging, mark where the backyard patio ends.We bought ours in upstate New York, where 1-in.-thick bluestone costs about $4 per square foot delivered.

Remember when you're designing the patio that it's going to be populated with furniture, installations like fire pits or grills, and people. Matching the patio size to the overall scale of the house or an inside room is usually a good rule of thumb. Double-check that the entire top edge of all form boards are level with each other. Use 2x6 or 2x8 lumber to build the outer shape of your patio.

Build the Forms

Set the top of the pipes high enough so that when the bricks are set on the sand bed, they’ll protrude above the stones about 3/8 in. Dump the sand between the pipes and drag a straight 2×4 across the pipes to level it (also called screeding). Steps and railing are a great addition to a patio – making it more accessible and safer to use, especially on a slope. Pouring concrete patio steps requires starting with a simple wooden stairs framework, then carefully pouring concrete inside. Likewise, you’ll want to look at patio columns that fit the style you’re going for. Step two of this multistep process is to gather all the materials you’ll need.

Above Ground Pool

Accurate leveling takes effort, but the payoff is a sturdy and steady base during the installation process. Lay out a gravel base that is the right thickness, compact it using a rental plate compactor or hand tamper, and make sure the surface is level. If you need to add a little privacy to your patio, check out these amazing DIY patio privacy screen ideas.

Canopy Patio Awning

Alternatively, if you want shade for reading a book in the morning, select a site under a big tree. Patios made of brick and stone are aesthetically pleasing but require more maintenance. Paver patios are a great combination of low maintenance, design flexibility, and long-lasting quality. To make cleaning and upkeep simple, keep a leaf blower and garden hose handy.