Paver Patio: Turn Your Backyard Into A Stellar Outdoor Space

A paver patio is a DIY project that can add value to your home. The patio style does not require much maintenance. Another great thing is that laying pavers is not difficult. 

Paver Patio

The cost of patio installation will vary depending on what you want. You’ll need to take measurements, including the total depth of your ground level. Also, you’ll need to learn how to install paver edging, among other things.

One thing to consider is that removing and replacing a paver patio isn’t easy. However, it’s not a difficult task when you have the right tools.  

Tool Preparation

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

When building your DIY paver patio, we recommend assessing the tools and materials you’ll need. This could make or break the whole project and leave you in a very tricky situation this summer.

DIY Paver Ideas For Your Outdoor Space

Here are the best ideas to improve your outdoor space with paver patios. 

Step 1: Remove Old Concrete Slabs 

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

If you have old stone or concrete slabs in your backyard, you’ll need to remove them before you install a new paver patio.  The best way to remove old concrete slabs, for example, is with a sledgehammer. 

Step 2: Create A Pathway

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

If you don’t need to remove old concrete slabs, then you can make a flagstone pathway. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require a lot of materials. 

If you need help laying flagstone slabs, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Make sure you create a layer of sand on the ground level before you being laying your stones. 

Step 3: Patio Paver Area

How to Build a Pavers Patio

If you prefer something similar, but a bit more organized, perhaps you’d prefer pavers instead. Patio pavers can be arranged in different patterns.

The tutorial from creativeunravelings offers a list of materials and tools needed for this project. It includes things like brick pavers, gravel, fine sand, wood stakes, a shovel, and other items.

Step 4: Check The Slope

DIY paver patio

You want your pathway to be flat and level with the ground. This will protect you from tripping or prevent you from having to replace loose stones.

Here’s a detailed description of the steps and requirements: younghouselove. The tutorial will teach you how to create a DIY paver patio from scratch.

Step 5: Install The Pavers

install a paver pathway

You can check out thediyvillage to see how everything progresses and how the new pathway starts to take shape.

Step 6: Smooth The Pavers

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Keep in mind that every DIY project is different. For example, the project featured on jhalvorson had to take into account the lack of grass in the shady areas of the patio and that meant a whole lot of mulch was needed.

Step 7: DIY Front Path Makeover

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Another example comes from zenshmen where you can see the transformation of a concrete path into one that features stepping stones and gravel. The result is a Zen aesthetic that makes your space beautiful. 

Cheap Paver Patios 

The following paver patios are cheap and easy DIY projects. 

Mold Paver Stones

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

When you started, you determined how many pavers you would need. The pavers should go in the ground at a one inch layer. Some patio pavers and stepping stones can be deceiving. 

Pouring Concrete Pavers

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Pouring concrete pavers is a great solution if you want to create a custom design for your patio or garden pathway. 

You can use custom wood molds or predefined mold designs if you prefer a standard look.

If you want to follow a normal path, check out this tutorial from overondover. It describes all the steps you need to take if you want to pour your own concrete pavers.

Preparation

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Preparation is important. This applies to other similar types of landscaping projects as well. To get rid of the weeds, if any, you can use a combination of landscaping fabric, sand, and small rocks or gravel.

You can also spray a combination of vinegar and hot water on the more stubborn ones if need be. Check out more useful tips about DIY paver patio covers and other projects on Hometalk.

Rock Paver Patio

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

The thing about a rock patio is that it has to be practical so using the exact same strategy from a garden pathway project is not always the best idea, especially if it means placing a bunch of flagstone pieces or stepping stones on a bed of gravel.

The alternative would be using a special type of sand which is sort of the equivalent of the grout used on backsplashes and counters. Find out more about this on gingersnapcrafts.

DIY Concrete Pavers

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

There are a lot of advantages to using DIY concrete pavers in landscaping projects, the most important of all being that you can have these custom-made to any size and shape you want.

To make concrete pavers you need the following: a mixing pan or wheelbarrow, regular concrete, wood, a mixing shovel, water, a trowel, a drill, screws, and a level.

Check out lovelyimperfections for more details.

Concrete Cobbles 

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Laying pavers by hand can be tiresome. You can make things easier by opting for the more time-saving and practical alternative: manufactured concrete cobbles that come in the form of mats, ike mosaic backsplash tiles.

They’re easy to install. Once you’ve arranged the mats and filled all the gaps, you pour grout over everything and spread it evenly. You’ll need more details so check out thisoldhouse.

Paver Tutorial

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

First, you prep the space. Next, lay the base which is a two-layer process, the first one involving small rocks and the second one sand.

Once the base is ready, place the paver stones, either one by one or using mats. Once these are in place too, add a layer of jointing sand and then hose down the patio.

What we described to you is a simplified version of the DIY paver patio tutorial from thelifejolie.

Cobblestone Pathway

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

If you don’t like the look of plain concrete slabs but you don’t want to use patio pavers either, you can choose something in between, something that blends these two looks and saves you money in the process.

You can use concrete forms to cast the pavers in their final location and get this cobblestone-inspired look but at the same time have the benefit of a flat surface.

If you want to learn how this is done, check out the tutorial on instructables.

Landscape Fabric

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

When working with stone pavers, set your landscaping fabric. Next, level the top layer of gravel. Next, you’ll want a layer of sand, and then you can start laying the pavers.

To learn more, check out the tutorial on Instructables.

Curved Paver Patio 

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

If you want your patio to look natural and to have a more organic shape, you can curve or flatten it.

Check out this YouTube tutorial to learn how to prep the area and make your patio look amazing with curves and a border.

Rectangle Paver Patio

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Since you can basically build your backyard patio in any size or shape you want to, it’s easy to get distracted by all the different possibilities. 

A simple rectangle might not seem very exciting but can end up looking amazing once all the pavers are in place.

If you want to find out more about the process there’s a video on YouTube that you can check out.

Think Outside The Box

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

You can build an amazing-looking and long-lasting patio even if you don’t have any experience with this sort of project. Follow these steps and you should be able to pull it off without any complications: mark out the outside dimensions of the project area and then dig out the area to a depth of 4 to 7 inches.

Install edge restraints, add a layer of gravel, compact it, then a layer of patio paver sand, and level it. 

We found this YouTube tutorial to be helpful.

Choose A Pattern

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Herringbone patterns are popular among patio design professionals. You should also take some time to decide which pattern you prefer before you actually start to install your paver patio. Two of time simplest ones are jack-on-jack and running bond, as mentioned in this video that you can find on YouTube.

More advanced patterns include the herringbone and pinwheel and if you want something extra special and eye-catching you can also consider using stamped pavers that look like stone.

Advanced Patterns 

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

While many of the projects featured here focus on the patio, the patterns created by Stonewood Products are inspirational. They share some excellent tips for building a patio, and they encourage you to consider the design and location of your paver patio before starting the process.

Places you could place a patio or walkway include a path leading across your garden, a patio near a pool, or an outdoor kitchen. Wherever you place your new patio, you’ll find it’s the perfect spot to enjoy spending time this summer. 

Budget Patio

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

Regardless of your garden makeover budget, we still believe adding a paver patio is achievable for anyone. While we know it will take a good amount of time and effort to create a larger paver patio, it still doesn’t have to break the bank.

Plan your paver patio out a few months before you hope to use it, and it will be ready well in time for your summer gatherings this year. Gardening Channel reminds you to always consider any plumbing and electric lines in your yard before you start digging up the ground. 

Custom Paver Patio

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

One of the best things about DIY projects is that you can let your creativity go wild. Room For Tuesday shares how to install a custom patio, and you can  adjust the instructions to fit the size and design of your garden.

Enjoy Your Paver Patio

Bakcyard makeover Patio pavers and gravel

After you apply the finishing touches, you can enjoy your new patio.  Bob Vila shares how to create an outdoor patio that an inexperienced DIYer will enjoy.

Now that you’ve realized a paver patio project isn’t as time-consuming as you thought, you have no excuses not to create one for your backyard. Whether a small space or a large one, a new patio will add value. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How Do You Level Ground For Pavers On A Slope?

When installing pavers on a slope, wind string and tie the stakes at ground level. Remove the garden hose or chain. Slide the carpenter’s level all the way around the rectangle along the string. The ground should be level for pavers to drain, but with a slope of one inch to every four feet in length.

How Much Does A 20x20 Paver Patio Cost?

The cost of laying paver slabs depends on a few factors. A 20-foot by 20-foot paver patio costs between $1,900 to $7,000. The price includes labor and materials like clay, brick, natural stone, or concrete pavers. 

What Tools Do You Need To Cut A Paver Patio?

When cutting pavers for a patio, a hammer and chisel work best. For stone pavers, you can use a circular saw, but make sure you use the correct blade. 

Does A Paver Patio Increase Property Taxes?

When you add a patio to your property, it increases the value of your home but it doesn’t increase your property taxes. The reason why is because a patio doesn’t increase your property’s square footage. Property taxes are based on the square footage of your land rather than what’s on it.

What's The Best Way To Clean A Paver Patio?

The best way to clean a patio with paver stones is with warm water, a cup of baking soda, and a small amount of detergent. Mix everything in a bucket and pour it onto the pavers. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, brush and rinse off the pavers. 

How To Kill Moss On A Paver Patio?

The cheapest and best way to kill moss on paver stones is with white vinegar. When using this DIY method, you may need to repeat it several times to remove moss depending on how much there is.

Paver Patio Conclusion

Installing a paver patio is a popular home improvement project. When you have a patio in your backyard, you can install a hot tub or fire pit on top of it. You could even install an outdoor kitchen on top of patio pavers.  

A DIY patio project is a budget friendly endeavor when planned accordingly. Before you install a paver patio, determine how much material will be necessary to finish the patio. Make sure you have enough space and proper safety gear, like a dust mask for example. 

If you want your patio base to have advanced patterns, you might need to enlist a professional. If you’re following a guidebook that offers step by step instructions, then make sure you move slowly so you don’t miss anything. Patio installation is a big undertaking, but when done correctly, it’s also rewarding.