We Built a Paver Patio [Like a PRO] Start to Finish

Summary

In this video, the creator walks viewers through the process of building a paver patio, from excavation to final touches. Starting with a challenging sod removal, they use a bobcat to excavate the area and lay down a solid gravel base. They then add landscaping fabric, topcoat, and carefully level the surface. After setting the pavers, a border is installed, and polymeric sand fills the joints. Finally, the video touches on building a privacy fence and recommends a Wi-Fi-enabled Pit Boss grill for grilling enthusiasts. This step-by-step guide provides practical tips for DIY patio projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Excavation of the patio area was challenging, initially using a sod cutter, then switching to a bobcat for efficient removal of soil.
• 😀 The base material for the patio included 9A Limestone gravel (3/4 inch), which promotes drainage and compacts well to form a stable foundation.
• 😀 A commercial-grade landscaping fabric was laid over the gravel to prevent settling and maintain drainage without blocking moisture.
• 😀 The patio's top coat consisted of 3/8 inch chip stone or limestone, which was spread evenly and leveled using two steel pipes and a level.
• 😀 The patio design featured a soldier course (half-pavers laid perpendicular to the pattern) using a contrasting dark charcoal color to create a border.
• 😀 Cutting pavers to fit the curved edges of the patio involved marking and scoring the stones to match the required radius.
• 😀 Flexible paver edging was installed around the patio perimeter with 10-inch spikes to help secure the pavers and base material in place.
• 😀 Polymeric sand (Polybind G2) was swept into the joints between pavers, then compacted using a compactor to lock the sand in place and prevent movement.
• 😀 To protect the paver joints while vibrating the sand in, a scrap carpet was used instead of a rubber pad due to difficulty finding the right equipment.
• 😀 After completing the patio, a privacy fence was built using Simpson Strong-Tie easy spikes for quick post installation, avoiding disruption to the newly completed patio area.
• 😀 The patio serves as both a functional outdoor space for storage and grilling, as well as a recreational area for activities like basketball.
• 😀 A recommendation for a Pit Boss 1600 wood pellet smoker was made, highlighting its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for convenient monitoring of cooking and meat temperatures.

Q & A

What tools did the narrator use to excavate the area for the paver patio?

Initially, the narrator rented a sod cutter, but it didn't work effectively. Fortunately, they were able to use a Bobcat, which, though larger than necessary, helped to excavate the area efficiently.

Why is the base layer important in building a paver patio?

The base layer is essential for providing a solid foundation, helping to prevent settling and ensuring proper drainage. The narrator used 9A Limestone gravel to create a stable base that also allows moisture to drain through.

What purpose does the landscaping fabric serve in the construction of the patio?

The landscaping fabric is used to help lock everything in place, prevent settling, and allow moisture to drain through. It also helps separate the gravel from the soil to maintain the integrity of the base material.

How does the narrator ensure the top coat is perfectly level?

The narrator uses two steel pipes as guides and a level to ensure the top coat is laid out evenly. They adjust the height based on the thickness of the pavers, ensuring a proper pitch away from the barn and toward the driveway.

What is a soldier course, and how is it applied in this project?

A soldier course is a row of pavers laid perpendicular to the rest of the pattern, forming a border around the patio. In this case, the narrator used a combination of Limestone and Dark Charcoal colors for the soldier course to create contrast and a clean edge.

How did the narrator handle cutting pavers for a radius?

The narrator laid the pavers just past the radius edge and then marked the curve with a straight edge and pencil. Afterward, they scored and cut the blocks to fit the desired dimensions of the radius.

What type of edging was used, and why is it important?

Flexible paver edging was used, along with 10-inch spikes to secure it into the ground. This edging helps retain the edge pavers and keeps the base material in place, ensuring the integrity of the patio over time.

Why was poly sand chosen for filling the joints between the pavers?

Polymeric sand, specifically Polybind G2, was chosen because it helps stabilize the pavers by filling the joints and preventing shifting. Once compacted, it hardens to hold everything in place.

What issue did the narrator encounter when using a compactor, and how did they solve it?

The narrator couldn’t find a rubber pad for the compactor, which is typically used when vibrating poly sand into the joints. As a solution, they used a piece of scrap carpet to clamp to the compactor, allowing them to proceed with the job.

What additional feature did the narrator add after completing the paver patio?

After completing the paver patio, the narrator built a privacy fence using Simpson Strong-Tie easy spikes to hide an unsightly AC unit and create a more private storage area. Composite boards were used to complete the fence.