How to Build a Patio
Building a patio has gotten complicated with all the YouTube tutorials and Pinterest boards flying around. As someone who has built three patios over the years — one disaster, one decent, one I’m genuinely proud of — I learned everything there is to know about doing this right. Today, I will share it all with you.
Start With a Real Plan
Before you touch a shovel, figure out what you actually want. How big? What shape? How will you use the space — just a couple chairs, or full outdoor dining with a grill station?
Pay attention to where the sun hits throughout the day. Nobody wants to sit on a patio that’s blisteringly hot at 6pm. Position it for comfort, not just convenience.
Materials matter more than most people realize. Concrete is durable and cheap. Pavers give you design flexibility. Brick looks timeless. Stone adds natural beauty. I’m apparently one of those people who agonizes over this decision for weeks — but it’s worth getting right since you’ll live with it for decades.
Gather Your Materials and Tools
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pavers, bricks, or stones (your choice)
- Gravel for the base
- Sand for leveling
- Landscape fabric to block weeds
- Wood stakes and string for marking
- Shovel
- Level (this is non-negotiable)
- Plate compactor (rent one — they’re worth it)
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
Preparing the Site
Mark your patio outline with stakes and string. Use the tape measure obsessively. Check that it’s square by measuring diagonally corner to corner — if those measurements match, you’re square.
Now dig. Remove grass, roots, and topsoil down about 7 inches. This depth accommodates your base materials plus pavers. Probably should have mentioned: this is the hard part. The digging is brutal but absolutely essential for a stable finished product.
Building the Base
That’s what makes patio building endearing to us DIYers — the satisfaction of creating something solid and permanent.
Lay landscape fabric first. This stops weeds from pushing up through your beautiful new patio later. Then spread about 4 inches of gravel. Use the plate compactor to pack it down hard. You want this base rock-solid and level.
Add a 1-inch sand layer on top. Smooth it with a board, checking with your level constantly. This sand bed holds the pavers in place.
Laying Pavers
Start in one corner. Place pavers one by one, following whatever pattern you planned. Fit each paver snugly against its neighbors. Use the rubber mallet to tap them into position when needed.
Check your level frequently. Adjust as you go. An uneven patio collects puddles and looks amateur. Take your time here.
Filling the Joints
Once every paver is set, spread sand across the surface. Sweep it into all the joints between pavers. Keep adding and sweeping until joints are completely filled.
Final Steps
Run the plate compactor over everything again. This pushes sand into joints and locks pavers in place. Sweep off any remaining loose sand.
Install edge restraints around the perimeter — plastic, metal, or concrete strips that hold everything together. Without them, pavers at the edges will eventually shift and spread.
Water the patio lightly to help sand settle. Check joints periodically over the next few weeks and add more sand as needed.
Keeping It Nice
Regular sweeping prevents debris buildup. Pull weeds when they appear in joints, or use a mild herbicide. If pavers sink or shift, lift them, add sand underneath, and reset them.
Seal your patio every few years to protect against stains and weather damage. This takes an afternoon and extends the life of your work significantly.
Was It Worth the Effort?
Building your own patio saves money and gives you something to point at and say “I made that.” Follow these steps, be patient with the process, and you’ll have outdoor space you actually want to spend time in for years to come.
Continue Learning
More gardening tips and guides:
