How to Prepare for a Brick or Stone Patio Building Project

A well-designed brick or stone patio is impressive, and it is hard to believe that anyone who doesn’t construct these for a living can install one in a couple of weekends with a little help, but it can be done. It all depends on how you prepare for the project. Here are some of the steps and decisions you need to make before beginning a new brick or stone patio project.

Select the Materials for the Project

Selecting the materials you want to use for the project is one of the most important decisions you will make when installing a new patio. What you select now, will determine which supplies you will need to complete the project later. Each material has different pros and cons including price, look and feel, ease of installation, and more. You need to work with a reputable masonry supply store to determine which materials are best for you. Here are a few of the options available:

• Natural Stone Pavers
• Brick Paving Stones
• Clay Pavers
• Concrete Decorative Pavers
• Permeable Pavers

Select the Site for the Project

Next, you need to select a site for your patio project and mark the perimeters of it. Sites that are level, have good drainage, and near the home or building are best. Mark the perimeter using garden stakes and string lines, or outline it with spray paint. Other factors to consider when selecting an area include:

• Some amount of shade
• No buried utility lines
• Few tree roots

Set Aside at Least 2 Days to Complete the Project

Installing a stone patio is a labor-intensive, time-consuming project. You’ll need to set aside two dry days to install a simple patio if you have some help, and plan on several weekends for more complex projects. But by doing the preparation ahead of time, or recruiting some willing friends and relatives to help out, you may cut down on the amount of time it will take to complete the project.

Purchase the Necessary Masonry Supplies and Building Materials

Gather all of the tools, supplies, and building materials you will need and move them close to the worksite. Plan on needing a lot of the following:

• Gravel
• Packing Sand
• Wooden Stakes
• Professional Grade Landscape Fabric
• Paving Stones or Brick (of course)

You’ll also need to buy (or borrow) the following tools for the project:

• 4 Foot Level
• Chalk Line
• Rake
• Brick Hammer
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Trowel
• Push Broom
• Line Level
• Tamper (or rent a Plate Compactor)
• Sod Cutter

There are other tools and supplies you may need depending on the type of paving material you select for your patio, research, and obtain everything you need or talk to a professional at your neighborhood masonry supply store to get the specific supply list.

Prepare the Project Area

First, you’ll need to remove the sod from the area selected for the patio and prepare to dig out that area anywhere from 6 to 12 inches down. Once this has been completed you are now ready for the real work of installing a new patio.

Ready to Install Your Own Brick or Stone Patio?

Give us a call at 407.859.1300, or fill out our handy online order request form to speak to a brick and stone project expert to help you select the supplies you need to get started.