Back yard patios have been popular for a long time. They are a must for holding memorable backyard parties, and provide a much deserved escape at the end of a work day or to relax on the weekend. A patio say a lot about the home owner's personality, so they should be well thought out. They can also be expensive, so any tips for saving money is very helpful.
Patios must also be well-planned so that you don't get flooding or other disasters.
Tip 1 - Pick and Prepare Your Site Carefully
There are many things to consider when choosing the patio site. It should be in an area with good drainage, so observe how the water flows and settles in your backyard after a heavy rain. Get out a big level to determine the level of your backyard. The area should be on a slight slope away from the house. Also take sun, shade, and privacy into consideration.
To level the area before pouring the cement or planting the stones, take small stakes, string and string levels to the area. Stake out the area for the patio, nail string around the area, then use string levels to set the slope, but the length parallel with the house should level. Fill in, move and pat down dirt even with your string.
Tip 2 - Wait for Late Season Specials on Materials
To get a better price on paving stones, wait till after summer for late season prices. You could even get the stones on the last clearance of the year and just stack and cover the stones for a next-year's-spring project.
Tip 3 - Negotiate with Cement the Company for a Better Price
For a poured patio you could wait till the late fall when cement companies are not as busy. Maybe you could get your forms set, then work out a deal with a cement company to pour when another job is canceled or has enough left-over cement.
Tip 4 - Lay Down a Good Foundation of Gravel
Find out the best way to lay gravel as a foundation for the patio, to prevent cracking over the years.
Tip 5 - Get Creative with Mosaic Patio and Save Money
One way to save a lot of money on paving stones, is to use broken pieces. You first paint them different colors, then you form them into a mosaic pattern.
Tip 6 - Build a Wooden Grid for Easier Cement Work
If you are pouring the cement yourself, you build a grid of 3 foot squares made of 2 x 4s so that you can concentrate on pouring cement one square at a time.
Tip 7 - Final Preparation of the Gravel
Spray the gravel with a garden hose to keep the cement from drying too fast.
Tip 8 - Mixing the Concrete
If you are going to mix the concrete yourself, use a premixed grave-mix concrete, and rent a portable cement mixer instead of trying to mix the cement with a shovel and wheelbarrow.
Tip 9 - Staking the Frame
Use 12-inch stakes to hold the frame in place. Cedar, redwood, or pressure treated lumber is best for the stakes.
Tip 10 - Mixing and Pouring the Cement
Read your directions for mixing cement very carefully, and listen close to the instructions from your rental agent about the handling of the cement mixer. The cement will need at least three minutes to mix. You should have someone helping you, and have the procedure for each section well planned out before tackling the job. You want to have the cement for each section finished before it dries. Do not skimp on the cement finishing tools. You want to be able to work the cement as effectively as possible.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
Porch Design
At the turn of the 20th Century almost every home on a city street had a porch. In fact the porch became popul...
Building Decks by Design
At the end of a tough day there 's nothing like opening up the patio door and strolling out onto the deck ...
