By P. Matthew Potter
Installing patios and hardscape can be divided into two important, major steps: planning and design, and installation. Before any construction takes place, it is important to carefully plan out the area and decide how you want to utilize the space to ensure that you use it to the maximum effect. This can be done on your own, or with the help of a professional planner.
Planning
Balancing the area and choosing a focal point are also an important part of installing hardscape. Creating a balance between hard features such as walkways and stonework, and natural greenery will help your yard look natural and incorporate walkways and patios into the surrounding area in way that makes them into seamless additions to the natural landscape and features. Choosing walkways that curve with the terrain, as well as patios and hardscape features that transition into the surroundings seamlessly will make the area feel more graceful and peaceful. Another way to make the hardscape feel more natural is to incorporate greenery and plants that are already in the yard. Building a walkway and small stone ledge around an existing tree, for example, can create a natural focal point that draws the eye and provides valuable shade and cover. Including greenery will also soften the area and help incorporate the harder surfaces of walkways and patios into the yard.
Installing patios and hardscape can be divided into two important, major steps: planning and design, and installation. Before any construction takes place, it is important to carefully plan out the area and decide how you want to utilize the space to ensure that you use it to the maximum effect. This can be done on your own, or with the help of a professional planner.
Planning
Balancing the area and choosing a focal point are also an important part of installing hardscape. Creating a balance between hard features such as walkways and stonework, and natural greenery will help your yard look natural and incorporate walkways and patios into the surrounding area in way that makes them into seamless additions to the natural landscape and features. Choosing walkways that curve with the terrain, as well as patios and hardscape features that transition into the surroundings seamlessly will make the area feel more graceful and peaceful. Another way to make the hardscape feel more natural is to incorporate greenery and plants that are already in the yard. Building a walkway and small stone ledge around an existing tree, for example, can create a natural focal point that draws the eye and provides valuable shade and cover. Including greenery will also soften the area and help incorporate the harder surfaces of walkways and patios into the yard.
Construction
Once the planning stages are complete, the actual construction of your patio or hardscape can begin.
Excavate and level the area: The first step to construction is to level and excavate the area where you are planning to build. For many features, such as patios, it is important to have a flat area to build on so the stones can lay level and the area can drain properly. Typically, you should excavate about five and half inches into the ground.
Fill in the base layer: After the area has been excavated, it can be filled in with the base materials that will support what is being built above. Typically, the base for a patio is made up of a limestone mix that can be purchased from a landscape supply company and should be installed in layers that are approximately two inches thick, and built up until the base is six inches thick. This will prevent the patio or walkway from settling over time and assist with drainage. On top of the base, a one-inch deep layer of sand should be added and leveled, so that the stones lay level on top. Although you can hand tamper the layers (pack them down and compact them) it is strongly recommended that you rent a compactor. Renting a compactor will save time and help you to avoid costly repairs in the future. Hand tamping may result in the stones shifting over time, which would need to be repaired. Typically, a compactor can be rented for around $75 a day.
Lay the stones: Once the base is installed, you can begin laying the stones that will make up the walkway. For this step it is advisable that you consult a specialist who can help you decide the size and color of the stones you will need, as well as how many you should purchase. Depending upon the type of pavers you use will depend upon the method used to cut the stones to the exact specifications of your design and space needs. There are generally three ways: a guillotine, a power saw (circular saw with a diamond blade, wet tile saw) or a hammer and chisel.
It is always a good idea to order a bit more material than you think you will need in case of mistakes such as broken stones, mistakes in measurement, or other unexpected issues. In the event that you do not need the extra material, you can use it to add accents to the landscape or edging.
Add Edging: After the stones have been laid, an edge will need to be added to hold the stones in place. The edging is made up of long plastic pieces that should be placed on the base material surrounding the patio. All patios and walkways should have edging, to prevent the stones from moving and shifting out of place. Adding backfill made up of sand around the edges and sweeping it over the stones will solidify the patio or walkway, and complete the installation process. Patios and walkways that are in shade can also be decorated with moss grown between the stones. To grow moss between the stones, mix one part buttermilk with 2 parts water, and crumble two parts moss into the mix and stir well. Once the mixture has formed a slurry, simply use a paint brush to paint between the stones where you want the moss to grow. Mist the mixture with water up to four times a day and make sure it does not dry out. If done correctly, the moss should begin to establish itself within two weeks.
The final step is to move any furniture or decorations on to your patio, and simply sit back and enjoy. Patios and walkways can take a normal yard and transform it into something extraordinary, while still acting as functional, livable spaces that you and your family can enjoy all year long.
Matt Potter
Potter Contracting
[email protected]
http://www.PotterContracting.com
215-651-4850
For more than 30 years, Potter Contracting has been providing residential and commercial clients with the highest standards of quality in design and construction. Our company motto is Fine Craftsmanship for Every Part of Your Home -- reflective of the quality and pride we bring to every job.
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