36 DIY Patio Ideas to Transform Your Backyard

How to Make an Easy Brick Patio Pattern for Beginners Use a level to ensure the forms are level, as uneven forms will result in uneven concrete. You need to account for the depth of your concrete patio, which should be at least 4 inches thick, but 6-8 inches if you plan to place heavy furniture on it. You can calculate the volume of concrete needed by multiplying the thickness, width, and length of your patio. Use a shovel to spread crushed stone evenly across the bottom of the excavated area. The crushed stone should be level and consistent in depth. This depth is crucial as it determines the thickness of the concrete for your patio.

Side Yard Landscaping Ideas

My metal bars are lying diagonally in the photo above because I needed to slope my patio in two directions. You can also use the float if there are any spots that you accidentally pulled a piece of gravel through and it made a divot, or your hand hit. You may need to slide the screed back and forth (left to right) to help even the sand out. Next, use a marker to mark a line where you pulled the strings to (this will be a backup just in case you do Additional resources lose a string line –I had one snap on me). Reminder- due my patio being boxed in on all four sides, my photos show the stakes placed inside the patio area.

To keep the patio flush with the yard, you’ll have to dig out about 10 in.Make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting to avoid injury.With the help of natural stone, brick, or concrete slabs, you’re just one weekend away from a serious DIY backyard upgrade.

To do this take a long, straight board and place one end against the house where the patio corner will fall. From the corner point, measure over 6 ft. along the house wall and make a mark. Then, measure 8 ft. along the board from the house and make another mark. Have someone hold the end of a tape measure at the house mark and adjust the board until the 8-ft. Drive a stake at the end of the board and tie a string from the house corner to this stake. Tighten the string so there is enough space to slide a scrap wood block between it and a stone below.

Beautiful Landscapes

A modern patio looks fantastic with powder-coated steel or stainless steel chairs. Here’s Where (And How) to Buy Outdoor Furniture Online. Pergolas and gazebos are a great solution if you don’t want a covered or screen patio but want more privacy and comfort. A pergola allows the sun to stream through, while a gazebo gives you more coverage. But, pergolas are also more affordable and better suited for a DIY project. Learn how to make a pergola or shop for both pergolas and gazebos on Wayfair, Home Depot, Menards, and other stores. A wheelbarrow, shovel, tape measure, rubber mallet, and plate compactor are necessary tools for compacting pavers and base material. But before you let the shovels hit the dirt, check out these great tips for how to plan for building a patio. Determine the location, size, and dimensions of your concrete patio. Check local building codes and find out if a permit is required. Before digging, find out where septic tanks, underground lines, or other utilities are located.