How to Install Patio Blocks

Outdoor living is becoming a much more desired property amenity for many homeowners.  In response to this, taking maximum advantage of your outdoor space can increase the resale value of your home.  Even if you are not looking to sell, investing in some sweat equity can increase your family's enjoyment of the space.

Summertime is a great time to think about maximizing yard space and enhancing the practicality of that space. A great way to do this is by installing a patio. Well-built and well-designed patios can add to the value of your property. Enlist some help on this project – it will be quite a bit of work, but you can celebrate once done with a nice barbeque! 

1. Determine the size of your new patio. Keep in mind the overall size of your backyard and decide how much of your yard should be taken over by the patio. When measuring out a size, be certain to allow for about 3 inches for edging. The patio pavers should be selected prior to measuring so that you can save yourself some cuts. The width and length of the patio should be equally divided by the patio block width and length. Make sure you account for spacing between the blocks for sand filling in between the blocks. Extra planning in this phase can save you a lot of time later.


2. Dig an area for your foundation. The depth should be about 3 1/2 inches plus the depth of the patio blocks. Take depth measurements at different points in the dug out area. It doesn’t have to be perfectly level at this point, but should be close.


3. Lay down 2 inches of crushed stone. Spread it around the dug out area and eyeball it until it looks about even. Take some depth measurements from some different points in the area to use as a guide. Once even, tamp the stone down and get it as tight as possible to avoid shifting later. Use a level and check in various directions to ensure that your base is level. Remember that this is the foundation for your patio, so you want to get this right. Place landscape fabric over the stone in order to deter weed growth.


4. Place the sand on top of the landscape fabric. The sand should be 1 1/2 inches thick. In order to level the sand, use a 2-by-4 to spread the sand over the entire area. Use a level to ensure the base of your patio is level. Walking on the area will compress some areas more than areas that have not been walked on, so avoid walking on the sand as much as possible as it is being installed.


5. Install edge restraints if they are being used. Some designs opt for using block or brick on it’s end as an edging, and if this is the design chosen, edging can wait.


6. Using a pre-planned pattern, place the patio blocks straight onto the sandy surface. Use care when placing the blocks as too much dragging or shifting can create uneven areas or even holes. Follow your design and fill the whole area. If your design calls for brick edging, complete that process once the main blocks are placed.


7. Spread a fine landscaping sand on top of the patio surface. Ensure that the sand is swept into all the cracks between the blocks. This will have to be done in several phases in order to allow the sand to settle properly. Walking on the blocks and wetting the surface can help speed this process.


8. Invite your friends and family over and start enjoying your patio!