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Outdoors > Patios > How to Build a Patio from Concrete Pavers

Use Interlocking Concrete Patio Pavers to Turn a Plain Back Yard into a Charming Cottage Patio

Build a patio designed with straight or irregular edges using interlocking concrete pavers without rectilinear shapes. The preformed pavers fit together in several different orientations and can transform bare dirt into an attractive and practical backyard patio with coordinated paver edging. Placed on a leveled sand foundation, the patio also requires pea gravel and landscape fabric to prevent weed growth.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

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Step
1

Purchase Materials in Sufficient Quantities for the Patio

Estimate the approximate size of the backyard patio and figure how many interlocking pavers, edging blocks, bags of sand, and bags of pea gravel are required. Purchasing a few extra pavers and blocks is always a good idea.
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Step
2

Stake out the Boundaries of the Backyard Patio

Determine the boundaries of the patio and drive stakes into the ground to mark the dimensions for the patio design. Work around permanent fixtures or obstacles such as pipes, steps, and trellis posts during the paver installation.
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Step
3

Wrap String around the Stakes to Outline the Patio Boundaries

Outline the perimeter of the patio by wrapping string around the stakes. Use strong string with some stretch and pull it taut to make straight lines for the paver design.
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Step
4

Excavate Three Inches Deep for the Patio Footing

Dig to a depth of three inches for the entire patio area within the strings. Use a flat-bladed shovel to make clean edges and a smooth bottom surface to the cavity to ensure a level paver installation.
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Step
5

Tamp the Soil and Slope It away from the House

Ensure the footing/cavity is uniformly three-inches deep and slopes away from the house foundation. When the bottom is uniform, tamp the soil to compact it to prevent subsequent settling beneath the concrete pavers.
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Step
6

Lay down One inch of Leveling Sand Using Screed Rails

Align two lengths of 3/4-inch PVC piping in the bottom of the footing and pour in sand. Drag a screed along the pipes/rails to level the sand. Remove the rails, backfill the trenches, and smooth with a trowel. Repeat.
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Step
7

Align the Paver's Outermost Points to Form a 90-Degree Angle

Lay the first pavers as directed with their outermost points creating a 90-degree angle. Getting the first pavers properly aligned is crucial to keeping the bond for the remaining pavers aligned on the longitudinal and horizontal axes of the patio.
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Step
8

Cut Pavers as Necessary for the Perimeter and Negotiating Obstacles

Trace pavers onto heavy paper as patterns. Transfer patterns to pavers and cut with a circular saw equipped with a diamond blade. Complete the patio to the marked edges and fill in around obstacles such as pipes and steps.
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Step
9

Level Pre-caste Stones to Border Straight Edges of the Patio

Dig a level footer/trench 1.5 inches deep along the straight edges of the backyard patio, add leveling sand, and set pre-caste matching edge stones in place as a border for the concrete pavers.
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Step
10

Lay down Landscape Fabric and Backfill with Pea Gravel

Backfill irregular sides of the concrete paver patio with landscape cloth and a generous layer of pea gravel. The cloth will prevent weeds from sprouting through the pea gravel and will allow moisture to drain through it into the soil.
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