Planning A Patio

Build your dream patio with out handy planning tips.

The easiest patio to lay and maintain is one made with dry-laid bricks or pavers. Because these are laid in sand and are set without mortar, they go through freeze-and-thaw cycles without cracking. Flagstones laid directly into well-tamped soil or sand make an attractive, more natural-looking patio, for low-growing plants or moss eventually grow between the joints.

Planning a patio is similar to planning a deck. Some more tips:

• How much space do you need? Experts recommend a minimum of 25 square feet of patio per person and a minimum length of 16 feet. You need at least a 6 x 6 foot area out of any traffic path for a dining table and chairs.
  
  
• How will you be using the patio? Do you want space for a grill? Lounge chairs? Planters?
  
  
• Use a garden hose to plan a curve or an irregular shape. Lay the hose on the ground and adjust the shape.

From Householder's Survival Manual

 

• • Landscaping
• Decks & Patios
• • Backyards
• • Lawn Care

• Build a Stone and Brick Patio
• Plans for a brick patio with natural stone border.
• 
• Classic Pergola
• Get more shade with this low-maintenance retreat.
• 
• Water Garden and Waterfall
• Learn how to build a 10 x 16-ft. pond and waterfall using a flexible pond liner.
• 
• Planning A Deck
• Building a decks is great because it can extend your living space. In these settings, entertaining can be gracious, informal, and lively.
• 
• Garden Shed Addition
• Storage for outdoor tools and toys, a step away from your back door.
• 

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