7 Covered Patio Ideas Once you have this layer evened out, use the tamper tool to compact it. To help with the tamping, you can spray a little bit of water on the top of each of the two layers. I used a garden hose with a sprayer head, on a mist setting. Use the hoe to push and pull the base layer back and forth. There are many options for covered patios, whether you’re looking to install something like a retractable awning or just going for a portable canopy. A covered patio can add protection from the sun and rain and elevate the look of your space. Read on for seven fun ways to add some shade to your patio. Sweep the Bricks With Polymeric Sand I sprung for delivery (at $45, it was worth it) so we just had to get it from the driveway to the patio. I was pricing out bags of gravel like an idiot until my dad insisted we check out a local stoneyard. To prepare the patio area, remove the grass with an edging tool or sod cutter, and take out any roots or stumps that are in the way. Tools Contact Us Clear View Builders Email: info@clearviewbuildersinc.com Phone: +19164205862 4913 Rio Linda Blvd Sacramento, California, United States 95838 When you’re done, you’ll have a solid, flat base that slopes slightly for drainage and is ready for the sand bed, stones and bricks. After compacting the soil with the tamper and before you start filling the hole, roll out the landscape fabric, allowing it to extend at least 6 in. When you’ve found a suitable spot, make a rough sketch showing trees, shrubs and gardens, then take measurements. With some creativity, WalkMaker forms offer unique concrete patios on a budget. Their reusability allows casting matching steps and paths. It's a simple technique well within reach for first-time concrete installers. The concrete paver stone was resting awkwardly on the raised gravel.Do this in a sifting type of motion to get it even.With concrete paving stones are a minimum of 1½” thick and can be laid with large or narrow gaps.Use a flat piece of wood or aluminum screed to level the top of the concrete, working from one end of the patio to the other in a sawing motion.Step two of this multistep process is to gather all the materials you’ll need.DIY concrete patio pouring is certainly doable with good planning, tools, and assistance. Above ground, pools are great for entertaining and a stunning addition. Minimalist pools are in-, and an above-ground pool is cheaper and more feasible for a patio. Above ground, pools should be professionally installed and look best when surrounded by landscaping and an area for lounging. Since my patio was oriented against a fence, we dumped the gravel close to the fence, working our way back to the front of the patio. Lay about three-fourths of the gravel, then stop to work on the edging. Side Yard Landscaping Ideas Next, attach screed guide boards to the house and to stakes driven into the ground on the other side . The boards along the house should be level from side to side. On this job we used the sand layer https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v6kxnvb6p91cc9l83yga4/Clear-View-Builders-Construction-Building-Dreams-Inside-and-Out.pptx?rlkey=nq5jdtjc5obv4fgnlyxc4yvjl&st=z0xqkx6j&dl=0 because the patio was covered by an enclosed porch above, and because it made it much easier to fit the stones in place. We specialize in residential & commercial driveway paving, asphalt paving, concrete stamping, seal coating, sidewalks, brick pavers, parking lots and much more. Start in one corner of your patio and work your way out, placing the pavers snugly against each other. As you lay the pavers, be sure to check that they’re level by using a carpenter’s level or your screed tool. And because of our “boxed-in” site conditions, I wasn’t able to place my stakes and leveling strings outside of the space, as you should be able to. In a previous article, I discussed buying vs. DIY stepping stones, where I laid out the pros and cons of each. Most places do require a permit to build a covered patio. Building codes are usually required for any new construction as well as modifications. Retractable awnings provide instant shade or quickly roll up when you don’t need them. Composite pavers are a new option, made from recycled materials such as old tires. It’s time to elevate your outdoor experience by learning how to build a patio. With the help of natural stone, brick, or concrete slabs, you’re just one weekend away from a serious DIY backyard upgrade.