Raised patios can be a great way to add outdoor living space to your home. They are also more aesthetically pleasing than traditional ground-level patios and can help reduce maintenance costs associated with landscaping.
Building a raised patio provides a multi-functional outdoor space with many advantages. The first advantage is that it allows you to gain extra living area without building an additional structure. A raised patio can be used as an outdoor dining area, entertaining space, or relaxing retreat – it all depends on the size and location of your patio. In this blog post, You will learn how to build a raised patio.
Materials You Will Need
- Sand
- Gravel
- Concrete blocks for the walls of your raised patio.
- Pressure-treated wood will be used to reinforce the walls.
- A circular or miter saw cuts the lumber and concrete blocks.
- An angle grinder or a drill with a masonry bit for cutting into concrete blocks and brick pavers.
- A trowel, hammer, and level to assemble the blocks.
- A tamper to compact the gravel base below the patio.
- Masonry screws or plastic anchors for attaching the lumber and concrete blocks.
- Brick pavers are cut to size with a circular saw or miter saw.
- Landscape fabric is to be laid before the gravel and sand.
- Polymeric sand for filling in between the brick pavers.
Once you have all of your materials, it’s time to start constructing your raised patio. You should begin by laying down a layer of landscape fabric on top of the ground where your patio will be placed.
Step-by-Step Processes for How to Build a Raised Patio
Step 1: Inspect the Site
Before beginning construction, inspect the area for any obstacles or potential safety hazards that may be present. Clear any large rocks and debris from the chosen spot before starting work.
Step 2: Level Ground Area and Measure the Outline of the Patio
Mark off the outline with stakes and string using a level to ensure everything is properly leveled. The edging you choose will depend on the size of your patio and the material used for the project. If using a brick or stone border, dig out two inches of soil along each edge and place edging in this area. Alternatively, if using wood edging, simply use a level to adjust it so it is even with the ground.
Step 3: Install a Vapor Barrier
Install a vapor barrier beneath it before beginning construction to help keep moisture from seeping up through the patio. Once you have installed your edging and put down a vapor barrier, it’s time to start filling the area with compacted base materials. Begin by adding a layer of gravel and then compressing it using a roller or compactor.
Step 4: Add Base Sand and Level It Out
After the gravel has been compacted, add a layer of sand and use a screed board to level it out. The screed board should be kept level to ensure proper drainage for the patio. Once the base sand has been leveled out, add a finer layer of sand and compact it with a roller or compactor. This will help ensure that your patio is even and level when finished.
Step 5: Add the Final Layer of Pavers
After completing all the previous steps, it’s time to add the final layer of pavers or stones. This can be done by hand or with a plate compactor to ensure all the pieces are tightly fitted together. Once the pavers or stones have been laid in place, spread a layer of sand over the top to fill any gaps between them. This will help keep everything stable and secure.
Step 6: Sweep Away Excess Sand
Once you’ve filled all the joints with sand, it’s time to sweep away any excess material that may have been left behind during the process. This should be done before applying a sealant or waterproofing to the patio to ensure everything is properly sealed.
Following these steps, you should have a raised patio that’s safe, secure, and ready for use.
Safety Tips for How to Build a Raised Patio
- Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and work gloves when building your raised patio.
- Before beginning construction, thoroughly read the instructions of any product you use to ensure proper use and safety precautions.
- Determine if there are any utility lines or other obstacles that may be in the way or need to be avoided when building your raised patio.
- Use screws instead of nails when installing wood for a more secure hold and to minimize potential hazards from flying objects if hit with a hammer.
- Regularly inspect any tools or materials you use throughout the process for any damage that could cause injury.
- Use a ladder or scaffolding to reach higher levels of the patio and build safely and securely.
- Have a plan for how you will dispose of any materials or waste created when building your raised patio to avoid creating an unsafe environment on your property.
Follow these safety tips and exercise caution when building your raised patio to ensure the safety of yourself and any other individuals involved in the project.
How Do You Ensure Proper Drainage on Your Raised Patio?
Proper drainage is an important consideration when building a raised patio. Without proper drainage, water can accumulate in the space between the patio and the ground, causing erosion and other damage. Fortunately, there are several options for creating drainage on your patio. One option is to install an underground drain pipe that connects to a dry well or stormwater collection system. This type of drainage system requires a deeper excavated hole than the standard patio but can effectively divert water away from your patio.
You can install an above-ground drain pipe if you need access to underground pipes or a dry well system. This is usually easier and less expensive than installing an underground system, although it will provide less drainage.
Another option is to build the patio on a slope so the water runs away. This can be done by grading the area where the patio will be built and installing drainage tiles or fabric to direct the water flow. To ensure proper drainage, make sure that there are no obstructions in the way of the runoff, such as trees or shrubs.
What Kind of Maintenance Do You Need to Do on Your Raised Patio?
If you’ve decided to build a raised patio, you may wonder what kind of maintenance it requires. The good news is that your raised patio can look beautiful for years with proper care and maintenance. To keep your raised patio in the best shape possible, there are a few things you should do regularly.
First, check for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks in the pavers, shifting joints, signs of water infiltration, and other forms of disrepair. Repair any issues as soon as you spot them to prevent further deterioration.
Second, inspect the soil beneath the patio regularly. If the soil has become compacted due to people walking on it, aerate it using a garden fork. This will help to prevent water runoff and ensure proper drainage. Third, clean your patio at least once a year with a pressure washer.
This will help remove any built-up dirt or debris that may have accumulated throughout the year. Make sure to use a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the pavers. Finally, reseal your patio at least once every two years.
Sealing the patio will help preserve its appearance and protect it from water damage. Choose a sealant specifically designed for outdoor patios, such as one with UV protection.
Is It Necessary to Hire Professionals to Install or Build My Raised Patio?
Installing or building a raised patio on your own is a challenging task, and it may be necessary to hire professionals to help. Doing so ensures that the project will be done correctly and up to code.
Professionals can also advise you on properly installing materials, like pavers, gravel, brick, and even wood decking. They can provide helpful tips on the best ways to ensure your patio is level and stable so that it will be safe and long-lasting.
For those interested in taking on the project themselves, plenty of online resources provide step-by-step instructions for building a raised patio. There are also many instructional videos available which can make the process easier to understand. Most individuals can complete a raised patio with minimal professional help with the right tools and materials.
How Much Will It Cost to Build a Raised Patio?
The cost to build a raised patio depends on the materials you choose, the size of the patio, and any additional features. The most cost-effective choice for building a raised patio is concrete or pavers. Other material choices like brick, tiles, and stone are more expensive but can give your patio a unique look.
In terms of size, the larger your patio is, the more expensive it will be. The cost can also increase significantly if you plan to add features such as seating walls or fire pits. In addition to materials and size, labor costs can also increase the price of a raised patio.
Factoring in material type, size, features, and labor costs will help you understand the cost of building your raised patio—research and shop for competitive prices to get the best deal.
With careful planning and budgeting, you can ensure that building a raised patio won’t break the bank. With the right materials, size, features, and labor costs accounted for in your plan, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional raised patio for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a raised patio is an excellent way to add functional space and value to your outdoor area. When done correctly, it can last for many years with proper maintenance. To get started, you will need to decide upon the style of the patio, what type of materials you will use, and how large the patio will be.
Once you have all these details sorted out, you can begin to mark out the area, dig out the space for the patio, and lay down a base of gravel or sand.
Once that is complete, lay the brick pavers or other material you have chosen. Finally, fill in any gaps with mortar or grout and seal all joints. This article has been beneficial for learning how to build a raised patio. Make Sure the preventive measures are followed chronologically.