how to build a paver patio on a sloped yard This is the story of our recent paver patio build. We were tired of sitting in the grass when we wanted to entertain at home or hang out as a family. And as all my articles are, this one too comes with plenty of pictures along with tips and tricks. I hope you enjoy it!
If you have a sloped yard, you may have considered changing from an above ground to an in ground pool. However, the cost can be prohibitive. An alternative would be to place paver pavers on the slope of your yard to create a patio surface. Unlike a swimming pool, paver patios are relatively maintenance free and require little effort to keep clean and free of debris. The financial expenditure for leveling a ground area for an in-ground pool can run up to $10,000 in some cases. This doesn’t include the cost of installing a basic concrete patio, which is another $20 per square foot on average.
How to build a paver patio on a sloped yard
This video gives you tips and tricks on how to build a paver patio on a sloped yard.
1. Lay out your patio design.
2. Dig the foundation for your new patio by spreading out a layer of clean gravel into the area where you want your patio. Make sure that the gravel is at least 3 inches deep and the diameter of each individual stone is no more than 1 inch wide.
3. Use a level to make sure that your newly-formed foundation is completely level before laying down any pavers or stones on top of it. You can also use a laser leveler if you want to be extra precise about getting everything perfectly level before going any further with this project.
4. Once your foundation has been properly leveled, start placing pavers on top of it in whatever pattern you want for your new patio surface. Make sure that each individual piece of stone sits flat against the other pieces around it so that there are no gaps between them when everything has been laid out properly on top of each other
The best way to build a paver patio is on a flat, level surface. If you have a sloped yard, however, you can still build a beautiful paver patio. You just need to be careful about how you lay it out and install the pavers.
The first step in building a paver patio on a sloped yard is determining exactly how much of an incline there is. If it’s only a few inches, no worries — this project should be easy enough for DIY-ers to handle. On the other hand, if there’s an extreme drop off (more than 6 inches), your best bet might be hiring a professional contractor to take care of things.
Determine the slope of your yard by measuring from one corner of your proposed patio area to another corner at each end of the area where you want to install your pavers. Then add all those measurements together and divide by the total number of measurements taken — that’s how much of an incline or decline there is per linear foot of patio area.
If you’ve got a sloping yard and are thinking of building a patio, don’t be put off by the thought of having to dig up and pour concrete. You can build a patio with pavers on dirt.
Paving over dirt is not as easy as paving over concrete, but it can be done using one of two methods:
A base layer of compacted gravel or crushed stone bonded with cement grout.
A concrete subbase poured over compacted gravel or crushed stone.
Pavers are a perfect choice for patios and walkways in sloped yards because they are easy to install and maintain. They can also be used in place of concrete, crushed rock or brick for a more natural look. The only thing you need is some planning, patience and a little bit of muscle power.
Here’s how to build a beautiful paver patio on a sloped yard:
1) Start by measuring the area and sketching out your design. This will help you decide what materials you need and where everything should go before you start building your patio.
2) Dig out any dirt that will be replaced by new soil for your pavers. It’s best to dig down into the ground about 2 inches below grade (the level at which water flows). This way, there won’t be any puddles when it rains or snow melts on your patio after installation.
3) Add 1 inch of compacted gravel sub-base material to fill in the trench you dug out. The gravel helps prevent erosion while also adding drainage so that water doesn’t pool up on top of the pavers or get trapped underneath them either.
4) Lay down landscape fabric over the gravel sub-
A paver patio will make your outdoor living space look great.
Paving stones can be installed on a flat or sloped yard, but there are some considerations to keep in mind when building one on a sloped yard.
If you’re planning to build a paver patio, here’s what you need to know:
How much slope is too much? The general rule of thumb is that if the grade of your yard exceeds 1/4 inch per foot, it’s best to install retaining walls so that water doesn’t run off into your neighbors’ yards or into pipes and drains. If you’re planning to install pavers around your house, check with your local zoning department or building code officials to find out if they have specific requirements regarding slopes.
What type of soil do I need? You’ll also want to make sure that your soil is well-drained before installing pavers. Clay soils are heavy and dense, which makes them difficult for water to penetrate and drain away from the surface of the ground. Sandy soils are loose and porous, which helps with drainage but makes them more susceptible to erosion by wind and rain runoff.