What to Expect When Installing a Patio

There’s a lot to consider before purchasing a patio for your property. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be designed for several different purposes that may or may not suit your needs. Whether you’d like a patio that features a large garden or one that compliments a swimming pool, it’s optimal to know exactly what you’d like so you’re pleased with the finished product.

Surveying the Land

The averagesize of an outdoor patio is between 16 and 18 square feet, but the landscape ofyour home can affect the size and shape of your patio. Issues can arise whenhaving to work around hills, trees, andother obstructions. Some factors to consider when choosing where your patiowill go include:

• Shade from the sun is key. If possible,place the patio on the shady side of your home or under a large tree. Ifneither is possible, there are artificial options like an awning.
• Natural Airflow such as a cool summer breeze cantake a relaxing afternoon to the next level. Try to build your patio away froma large feature that would obstruct theairflow.
• Noise Pollution can ruin a tranquil afternoon in theshade. Try to avoid installing your patio near loud parts of your home such asthe laundry room.
• Space available on your property is important for two reasons: sizing your patioand making sure the finished product can maximize the available area and makeit appear larger.
• Protection from inclement weather is especially important if the patiois planned with outdoor furniture and other set pieces. Making sure there is acontingency plan for such events will help prevent damage.

Key Steps of the Installation Process

There are a few parts that need to be addressed wheninstalling a patio. Here’s a detailed overviewof the process:

1. Outline the planned space with string andbatter boards so you can visualize it and confirm the area you’d like to beused.
2. Excavate the planned space to an uneven levelat first.This is because patiosmust slope from the building, a 1-inch drop every 4 feet. This is so rain flows away from the home and doesnot collect against the wall.
3. Install lights to your patio to make the area popmore during the evenings. An optional addition, but still the best time in theprocess to install a lighting system. Then lay the base of gravel, sand,and other sediments in order to create a level platform for the top layer.
4. Two Decisions to make isfirst deciding the material for the surface layer. This includesbricks, pavers, concrete, and other options. After you decide on the surfacemartial, you’ll then have to choose the style you’d like the material to be setin; this includes common styles like jack on jack and running bond.
5. Finishing touches include adding jointing sand and wetthe patio to cure and hold over the next 24 hours. Add add in the border stonesto define further define the patio on your property.

Hardscaping and Softscaping

There areseveral different options to further complementyour newly developed patio. We offer an array of additional hardscaping and softscaping services like firepits, gardens, ponds, pool decks, and more. There aremany benefits to landscaping in general, like the increase in the value of yourproperty and the improved aesthetic overview of your backyard.

If you’rethinking about installing backyard features like a patio, talk to the experts at Greener Horizon. We can help you with all of yourlandscaping needs from big jobs like hardscaping and stonework to the little details of designing the perfect patio. We’d love to take a look at yourproperty so request a consultation today!