I am beginning a backyard patio extension and trying to do the work myself. I have an existing concrete slab but its not quite enough room for us to really enjoy the backyard. My plan is to extend it using a design similar to this...
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1505612/Green-Lake-contemporary-patio-seattle
I have extensively googled the process and come up with my initial plan. I would really appreciate and advice or input from those that have done this before.
I plan to excavate 5in of the yard. I will add metal boarders as the perimeter of the extension. Then add landscape fabric to the excavated area. The first layer will be 2-3" of crushed concrete. I will rent a plate compactor to tamp down and level the base. Next layer will be 1" of screeded sand which the pavers will be set into. My question here is what is the best kind of sand to use? Ive heard concrete sand or mason sand will work. I also will be using stakes and strings to keep everything level with the correct grading for drainage. Once the pavers are set, I plan to infill with Black Star Gravel. Shown here...http://thegroundup.com/base-gravels/black-star
The patio will feed into another pathway and circular area that will have a fire pit in the middle. This area will only have the gravel, no pavers. My process for this area will be the same as above, however no sand. I will use crushed concrete base then top with the Black Star Gravel.
I will try to post pictures sometime today. Again, any advice or suggestions you guys can give would be great. This will be a first for me. I will try to keep the thread updated as we work.
Here is a picture of my Sketchup. First timer, so I couldnt get it to be exactly like I want but its close.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1505612/Green-Lake-contemporary-patio-seattle
I have extensively googled the process and come up with my initial plan. I would really appreciate and advice or input from those that have done this before.
I plan to excavate 5in of the yard. I will add metal boarders as the perimeter of the extension. Then add landscape fabric to the excavated area. The first layer will be 2-3" of crushed concrete. I will rent a plate compactor to tamp down and level the base. Next layer will be 1" of screeded sand which the pavers will be set into. My question here is what is the best kind of sand to use? Ive heard concrete sand or mason sand will work. I also will be using stakes and strings to keep everything level with the correct grading for drainage. Once the pavers are set, I plan to infill with Black Star Gravel. Shown here...http://thegroundup.com/base-gravels/black-star
The patio will feed into another pathway and circular area that will have a fire pit in the middle. This area will only have the gravel, no pavers. My process for this area will be the same as above, however no sand. I will use crushed concrete base then top with the Black Star Gravel.
I will try to post pictures sometime today. Again, any advice or suggestions you guys can give would be great. This will be a first for me. I will try to keep the thread updated as we work.
Here is a picture of my Sketchup. First timer, so I couldnt get it to be exactly like I want but its close.