Completely clear the area for the concrete, including the space for the concrete hose to reach the site. Remove any debris - in this project, the old paver patio - as well as plants, loose rocks and other items. Concrete needs a level surface, so any mounds of dirt or dips in the ground need to be moved and filled.

A concrete patio also may serve as a subbase for a mortared flagstone, tile, or paver patio. Building a concrete patio (or any concrete slab) is similar in many ways to the walkway project . Before beginning your project be sure and read through these pages for additional information, particularly on the subjects of finishing and curing.

It is durable, fairly inexpensive and very easy to maintain. On average, concrete will cost you about $8 per square foot. One of the benefits of concrete is that it can be poured into any shape, and once set and smoothed, will give you a nice flat surface for your patio. Maintenance is easy as well.

Step 2. Use wooden stakes to support the concrete form. Mark the placement of the new porch structure with spray paint or by driving wooden stakes in the ground at each corner of the porch area. Frame out the entire area of the porch by building a concrete form out of 2 x 6 inch wooden boards. Use a saw to cut the wood to length, and secure the

Lay the second layer of concrete pavers over the top of first row. Cut the first paver in half with a mason's saw. Space the pavers such that joints are staggered and do not overlap. Step 10 - Laying the Rows of Pavers. Lay the rows of the pavers to build the wall up to the desired height.

While a fire marshal cannot pass an inspection on a home with concrete block steps, you can still build the block steps on homes under construction or as a temporary stair case while you remodel or build a porch or raised patio outside your home. Building a set of steps from concrete block requires special attention to detail to ensure safety

The size of your patio should be large enough to accommodate the furniture. Don't forget walk around space. Add an extra 2-3 feet of paving around your patio furniture. It is better to have a patio too large than too small. Make sure the patio extends to all the individual amenities it serves. Go larger if you have a drop off at the patio edge

You can find high quality composites anywhere between $9 and $20 per square foot. A simple brick paver patio will cost around $5 per square foot, while stamped concrete with ornate designs will cost closer to $12 per square foot. The lifetime costs of a composite deck vs paver patio are roughly the same.

Steps to Laying Patio Pavers On Dirt. If you are ready to take on a new DIY project for your backyard, it is important that you understand all of the steps before starting. Follow these 8 easy steps on how to lay patio pavers on dirt in your backyard. 1. Remove Any Grass

For those interested in how to build a pergola on a concrete patio, it's possible to skip this step, and instead use post anchors drilled into concrete or decking with lag bolts and decking screws. Step 2 - Attaching the Support Beams & Crossbeams. Place the top beams on the posts you've installed.

Mar 10,  · Add the Patio Base. After the excavation is complete, add 4 inches of crushed gravel and level the surface. The distance from the mason string to the top of the gravel base should be even around the patio’s perimeter, so the surface to be flat. You’ll need a 4-inch layer of gravel for the base.

Concrete is a standard paving material for many home patios, but that doesn't mean concrete patios have to be boring. In fact, rethinking what the surface is like and how the space is framed, and making some simple additions, can help revive a patio and create a more interesting outdoor living space. Here are some design ideas for using what you already have as a great starting point.

Nov 15,  · Build the retaining wall on the dried concrete by laying up rows of bricks. Make sure that all lines are straight and leveled by following the guides you have created in Step 2. Fold the fabric that you have spread on the patio area over the retaining wall. Make sure to add gravel between it and the back of the brick.

Similar to children's Lego blocks, these concrete blocks come off of the truck re-enforced with steel bars and ready to be assembled. With the right tools, the right builders and efficient contractors, your concrete home will be ready in a faction of the time it takes to build a traditional wood and brick home [source: ICF Homes].

Oct 22,  · Expect to spend at least $10 per square foot for a professionally installed stamped concrete patio. Building an elevated wood deck, on the other

Nov 19,  · Sealant blocks the pores in concrete and keeps it from absor water and salts. About every 3 years, your patio is due for a new coat of sealant to protect it from discoloration, cracks, and crumbling. You can purchase concrete sealant at any home improvement store, then follow this step-by-step for how to apply it to your patio. 3. Wipe down