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Prepare Patio Base

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connecting home to boat dock. #hardscape #paverpatio #unilock #pavers

What happens here

Once the retaining walls and steps are structurally complete, prepare the base for the patio areas. This involves laying a compacted sub-base of gravel or crushed stone across the entire patio footprint. The depth of this base can vary but typically ranges from 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm), depending on the climate and expected load. Ensure the base is properly sloped away from the house (typically 1/4 inch per foot or 2 cm per meter) to facilitate drainage. After the sub-base is compacted using a plate compactor, spread a layer of leveling sand (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm thick) evenly across the surface. Use screed boards and a straight edge to achieve a smooth, level, or uniformly sloped surface for paver installation.

Goal: Create a stable and level base for patio pavers.

Tools and materials

  • Crushed Stone or Gravel — Creating the stable foundation for the patio
  • Level Unspecified — Checking the slope and flatness of the base
  • Leveling Sand Unspecified — Creating a smooth, uniform bedding layer for the pavers
  • Plate Compactor Unspecified — Compacting the sub-base and surface
  • Screed Boards Unspecified — Leveling the sand bed
  • String Line Unspecified — Establishing elevation and slope guidelines