Adding a patio to your home is an investment that increases the value of your property. Before construction starts, it’s important to choose the right contractor.
An experienced and reliable contractor will be able to handle any challenges that may arise during the process. They should also have the necessary experience to finish your patio within the desired time frame. Contact Patio Construction Richmond VA for professional help.
The layout of a patio is a key part of the planning stage and is usually done using a CAD software program. It includes the terrain layer and the design features like patios, decks, lawns, driveways and other elements of the overall landscape.
A patio can be built from a variety of materials. Concrete, brick and natural stone are the most common but wood is a favorite especially in warmer climates. It can be stained or painted to match the style of the house and add to the aesthetic of the outdoor space. Wood is also easier to maintain than other types of paving material as it isn’t susceptible to rusting or cracking.
When choosing a material for the patio it is important to consider how often the area will be used and if it will need to be durable enough for high traffic. If the client plans to have a large number of people using the patio on a regular basis then a durable surface that is easy to clean is essential.
Patios should be constructed with a drainage system in mind. If it rains heavily or if water collects on the patio surface it could damage furniture and lead to slippery surfaces. An underground drainage system will prevent flooding and ensure the patio is safe for outdoor use.
Other features of a good patio plan include a clear layout and well defined edges. The design can include a door arc to show where doors open up into the patio and a plant symbol to highlight the areas that will be filled with flowers or other greenery. Other design features that can be included in the patio plan are fire pits, barbecues and fountains.
The patio should be positioned to take advantage of any existing views or create new ones. If there are unsightly parts of the property that shouldn’t be seen then attractive fences or hedges can be incorporated into the design to hide them. If the patio will be facing a street or other public space then careful planning of the grading and plantings will avoid any disruption.
Sub-Base
The sub-base is the base that sits underneath your paving. It needs to be strong and stable so the paving will not move or crack under its weight. Sub-base can be made from crushed rock, gravel and sometimes recycled materials. It is laid and compacted to form a level construction base for asphalt or concrete work. For patios a mix of crushed rock and washed clean sand is often used.
Builders mark the area where the new patio is to be built using stakes and string to show the shape and size. They then dig the area out for the sub-base, ensuring that it is below the frost line and will be firm and compact when finished. Often a mini digger is used to speed up and aid the excavation process.
A good quality sub-base can transform a weak rut-prone ground into a surface that will withstand the weight of vehicles and heavy foot traffic for years to come. This is achieved by the granular material spreading out the point load across a larger area and interlocking, which increases its bearing capacity considerably.
The type of sub-base used depends on the nature and size of the project, but most contractors will use a graded crushed aggregate – usually MOT type 1. This is a very strong and stable material that can be used in areas of high footfall or traffic. It also drains well so that water doesn’t pool under the paving.
Ideally the sub-base should be slightly damp as this will help with compaction and binding the material together. The moisture level should be between 8-13%, any higher and it will start to crumble, too low and it will not bind well.
The sand that makes up the rest of the sub-base is then spread over the compacted MOT type 1 and lightly tamped down again. This is to ensure that the sand and MOT type 1 are well blended and will work together when paved.
Pavers
Pavers are a popular choice for patios because of their durability, design options and versatility. They can create a unique look and are often used in conjunction with other types of hardscaping like paver walkways and garden paths. Homeowners are also attracted to their ability to add a touch of history or rustic charm to their outdoor spaces with pavers in natural stone or brick materials. When properly installed, these stones are able to withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic. They are less prone to cracks than other types of paving materials, like concrete slabs.
Properly installing pavers is a labor-intensive process. It is often best to hire a professional to excavate and grade the area, install the base material and then lay down the paver layer. This ensures that the paved surface is strong, durable and can resist shifting of the soil over time.
The cost of pavers varies depending on the type of stone and installation method chosen. For example, natural stone is more expensive than pre-cast concrete or brick pavers.
Before the pavers are laid, installers apply a layer of bedding sand to the top of the sub-base. This sand helps to level and stabilize the pavers during installation and works with the interlocking system of the paving stones to help them stay in place.
After the sand is applied, installers begin to lay the pavers according to your design plan. They use edging along the perimeter of the paved space to keep the stones in place and install edge restraints to hold the pavers in place over time.
The last step is to water-in the loose sand or fixing material, which locks in the pavers and gives them a finished appearance. Many installers also apply a protective sealer to the surface of the patio, which protects the pavers from environmental wear and tear. If you decide not to apply a sealer, regular cleaning and maintenance will keep the pavers looking good.
Finishing
The finishing touches are what make a patio truly complete. Adding a few simple details can help maintain the integrity of the design and extend the life of the material. Edging stones can help keep the pavers and sand together so they don’t shift out of place or sink into the soil over time. This will also provide a clean edge around the patio. This is especially important if your patio features a staircase or other transitional areas.
The first step of patio construction is planning and preparation. This will include drawing a plan on paper for the desired layout of the patio and determining which materials are needed. It is also necessary to obtain any necessary permits and ensure that the construction complies with local regulations. These steps take some time to accomplish, but it is essential in order to create a successful outdoor living space.
Once the plans are finalized and permits obtained, excavation and site preparation can begin. This is where the bulk of the work takes place. The ground needs to be leveled and graded in order for the patio to be constructed properly. The grading and base preparation is particularly important in colder climates, where the base needs to be laid down below the frost line to avoid freeze-thaw disturbance.
After the base is built, it’s time to lay the patio stones. The patio stones can be either flagstones or pavers, and can be laid in a variety of patterns. Some people like symmetrical patios, while others prefer a more natural look with irregular stone shapes and sizes.
In order to keep the patio stable, it is essential to lay a thin layer of crushed aggregate over the sand. This is usually no more than 1 inch thick, and it helps to prevent the sand from washing away. In addition, it provides a bit of extra strength to the patio and reduces the amount of sand that needs to be added over time.
Finally, a concrete border is put around the entire perimeter of the patio to protect it from erosion and to give it a finished look. This is not a permanent solution, but it works well for most patios and provides a nice contrast to the natural landscape surrounding the patio.