Building a patio requires a good foundation. We use a type of crusher run (sometimes called road pack or hard pack) that packs well and drains well. It’s spread over the site and tamped using a rented plate compactor.
Concrete is a popular choice for Bozeman patios because it’s durable and can withstand freeze-thaw cycles. It also takes less maintenance than natural stone or paver patios. To learn more, visit https://www.cleanstoneconstruction.com/.
The layout of a patio is crucial for creating an outdoor space that is both comfortable and practical. Patios should be designed to match the overall style of your home while also allowing for a variety of uses and functions. Considering all of the factors that go into building a patio is similar to how a director views the creation of a play’s stage set, as both scenery and props must be carefully positioned to best support the story at hand.
A patio can be constructed of virtually any hard material that is suitable for use in the outdoors. Pavers, stone slabs and textured concrete are common materials that are utilized for the construction of a patio. However, it is important to remember that a standard patio that sits flush with the ground will generally require a building permit, while a deck that stands 2 feet above the ground may require a railing to comply with local codes.
When constructing a patio, it is also important to consider how the area will be used and what type of environment it will be in during different seasons. For example, if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, your patio should be built to withstand high temperatures, rain and wind.
Additionally, it is wise to keep in mind the ambiance you want to create when designing your patio, as colors can impact the mood of the space. Cooler hues like blues and greens can inspire tranquility, while warm colors such as reds and oranges can add energy and vibrancy.
Excavation
When building a patio, you will need to excavate the footprint of the patio. This can take hours to a couple of days depending on the size and complexity of your patio design and the earthwork needed to prepare the site for construction. It is important that your outdoor living contractor prepare the site properly to ensure the building is stable and that the slope is correct to prevent water from pooling or eroding the base.
After the area is excavated, a layer of gravel or crushed stone may be added to provide stability for your patio. This layer should be a minimum of six inches deep. This helps to prevent frost heaving and also helps with drainage and water runoff. The gravel layer is compacted by using a manual or powered tamper and checked for level and consistency.
For a poured concrete patio, forms are placed along the perimeter of the excavation to hold the concrete as it dries. This step can also take a few weeks and should be taken into account when planning your patio construction timeline.
If you choose a dry laid patio of bricks, pavers or flagstones, builders follow the same marking, excavation, tamping and leveling methods as for a poured concrete patio. However, they do not use forms to hold the patio material as it is laid out on the site.
Once the patio materials are in place, a layer of polymeric jointing sand is spread over the entire surface and used to fill the gaps between the pavers. It is then swept with a stiff broom to remove the excess and then blown away with a leaf blower. The surface should then be lightly misted with a garden hose to help the sand settle and cure into the spaces between the stones.
Pouring the Base
Patios built of pavers, bricks or flagstones often have a dry laid base. Builders follow the same marking, excavation, tamping and leveling methods for these types of patios as they do for concrete. A layer of leveling sand is spread and troweled to create a smooth, even surface.
The builders then spread a layer of crushed stone no thicker than 1.5 inches over the leveling sand. It is tamped down again and covered with more leveling sand. This sand is also swept until it is nearly completely level and then watered to settle it into the cracks of the stones. If desired (and if your patio shape allows for it) a layer of polymeric jointing sand may be added. This keeps the pavers in place and fills in any gaps to help prevent weeds from growing between them.
When the base is complete it is then time to pour the concrete. Builders work in sections and push the concrete into the form to remove any air pockets or voids. Excess concrete is then screed across the surface to produce a perfectly level area. This patio is then covered with plastic for several days while it cures.
For larger patios it is important to reinforce the concrete to minimize cracking. A grid of 1/2-inch rebar is often used. This is placed in the bottom of the concrete before it is poured and tampered down. Control joints are then cut in the concrete using a straightedge guide and a hand tool. These are spaced no more than 12 feet apart. The concrete is then floated to create a smooth and skid resistant surface. If a special finish is required the patio is then seeded with small aggregate after floating.
Setting the Materials
A patio is a backyard, or sometimes front yard, staple that facilitates parties and games as well as simple lounging in the sun. Choosing the right materials is crucial for its durability and aesthetic. Natural stone is a traditional option that provides an earthy, organic look to the space. It comes in many varieties, including limestone, slate and sandstone. It is also durable and long-lasting. However, it is prone to cracking and requires regular maintenance.
Poured concrete is an economical option that can be used to construct geometric or curved patios. It is made up of cement, sand and gravel that’s mixed with water to form a thick gooey substance that hardens when it dries. It can be colored to resemble other types of materials, such as stone or brick. Concrete can even be stamped to create a pattern and give it the appearance of a more expensive material.
Brick is another common choice for a patio. It offers a classic Old World look and is fairly easy to install. It can be stained in a variety of colors and is durable, but it does require regular maintenance to remove slippery moss. It is also susceptible to cracking from wintertime freeze-thaw cycles.
Before starting the construction of your patio, line the entire area with landscaping fabric to prevent weeds from growing between the pavers. Next, lightly wet the ground with a garden hose and use a tamper to compact the base. Finally, spread an inch of leveling sand on top. Our rule of thumb is a cubic yard of crusher run will provide about 80 square feet of unpacked material, but it depends on how well you packed the soil.
Finishing
Once the patio is in place, we can use a stiff brush or broom to sweep away loose dirt and debris from the surface. This will make it look more finished and clean. We may also choose to add edging stones around the perimeter of the patio or other decorative touches that will complete the look.
Staining concrete is another way to add color and personalization to a patio. Stains can give a more natural and organic look, and they are easy to apply. However, stains aren’t very resistant to wear and tear or the elements and will need reapplication over time.
Stamped concrete is one of the most popular ways to add visual interest to a concrete patio. This technique uses stamps to create different textures on the concrete mix before it sets, so this is a good option if you want your patio to mimic stone, brick, or tile.
A salt finish is another common way to add texture to a patio. It’s used to make a concrete surface skid resistant, which makes it an excellent choice for wet and trafficked areas like patios and pool decks. It’s achieved by applying rock salt crystals on top of the wet concrete, then washing them away once it’s set.
If you’d like a smooth and polished concrete surface for your patio, we can use a trowel to achieve this finish. Although it’s not as anti-slip as coarse finishes like broomed or brushed concrete, honed concrete still provides enough grip for most people to walk on without falling off.
Another option is flagstone, which is a classic material for patios that will last for decades and looks beautiful with any style home. However, it is a heavier and more expensive material, and the installation will likely take longer than other options.
