Patio – Content Hub

What are the benefits of having a paved area?

Pavers are an excellent way to add space to your backyard for gathering. They make a smooth, solid surface for benches, outdoor chairs, and outdoor grills. You can use them to create paths and add structure to the landscape design. Many different types of pavers are available, including brick, sandstone, and specialty concrete. Many people choose to install backyard pavers as a DIY project. This guide to DIY paving made easy will give you the basics.

What tools and materials do I need for paving?

You can find patio pavers that give it a formal look or a more rustic, casual one. If you choose the DIY paver installation, here are a few tools that you need to have on hand. Depending on the paver base, some of these supplies needed might change. Here are some of the items that you will need before you begin.

Paver supplies

String line
Paver sand
Marker paint
Paver sealer
Pavers
Concrete (optional)
Gap sand

Tools

Rubber mallet
Brick or concrete saw
Wooden stakes for markers
Measuring tape
Shovel or spade
Spirit Level
Wheelbarrow
Plate compactor (Can be rented)
Trowel
Push broom

Safety equipment

Safety glasses
Sturdy gloves (leather or mechanic’s gloves)
Safety boots (steel toes are best)
Hearing protection
Long-sleeved shirt and heavy pants

A paved area makes a great entertaining space / Source: Decor Brick Paving

Preparing to lay pavers

Now that you have your supplies and equipment together, you are ready to begin. Here are the basic steps for laying pavers on sand. It might be noted that laying pavers on soil is not recommended because they will shift and move over time.

Measure the area’s size and shape. The first thing that you need to do is to determine the location, size, and shape of your paver area. Mark the edges of the area with stakes and string between them. The area can be any shape that you wish.
Choose a paving pattern. The next thing that you need to do is to design the paver area. You can find plenty of ideas online. You can use one type of paver for a uniform look or a combination for a custom look.
Contact your local council for approval. Next, you need to contact your local council and supply them with your plans for any approval processes that are necessary for your local area.
Clear the chosen area. Once you have approval, clear the areas of anything that is in the way. This includes perennial plants, sod, bushes, or trees. Next, you need to dig down a few inches and excavate the entire area. Make it as smooth as possible.
Prepare the ground with sand, gravel, or concrete. Next, put down a layer of sand, gravel, or concrete. The proper way to install pavers is to use a base of sand or gravel for stability. Laying pavers on concrete is another popular method. Laying pavers on soil is not recommended, but if you do, use a plate compactor to tamp down the soil as much as possible.

How to lay pavers

Next, it is time to start installing the pavers. Here are the steps.

Set up a string line. When you first did the preliminary plan, you set up stakes and strings. Now, it is time to make sure they are solid and exactly where you want them. These will be your guide for laying the pavers.
Lay mortar mix and the first row of pavers. Laying the first row is the most important because it will set the spacing for the rest of the project. Take your time and get this one right.
Use a spirit level and mallet after laying each paver. When placing pavers on top of concrete or laying pavers on a sand and cement mix, you need to use the mallet to tamp them down until they are level. If you do not, you can create a tripping hazard.
Continue laying the next rows. Now, continue laying the next rows following your plan. Make sure to tamp and level each one as you go.
Cut pavers for the edges. The final step is to cut and place the pavers for the edges. Once this is finished, sweep sand over the pavers to fill in the cracks and add stability.
Let the pavers set. Allow the pavers to settle for at least a week before attempting to walk on them or use them. You might need to tamp some of them down again to make them level. Now, you wash them off with a hose and apply several coats of sealer.

How to cut pavers

Cutting pavers must be done carefully so that they do not crack or splinter and cause harm. You can cut pavers with a hammer and chisel. Use a pencil or marker to draw a line all the way around the brick or paver. You will need to score all four sides. Use the edge of the chisel to score a groove around the paver. Now, you can use a larger chisel to continue chipping away until the paver is the right size and shape. You could also use a paver or concrete saw to cut the pavers. Make sure to use a diamond masonry blade and wear proper safety protection.

How to lay brick pavers on grass

Laying pavers on sand is the preferred method. If you choose to lay brick pavers on grass, make sure to kill the grass with a poison. Before laying the brick, compact the soil with a plate compactor. Using paver sand is the recommended method because over time, even if you use grass killer, eventually weeds will grow between the cracks.

How to calculate how many pavers you need

Here are the steps for calculating the number of pavers that you need.

Multiply the length by the width of the paver area in centimetres. This will give you the total square centimetres. If the area is not square or rectangular, measure it at the widest point. You can also break the area into sections and add them together.
Next, measure the width and length of the paver and multiply them together. For instance, a standard brick is 21.5 cm x 11.25 cm, which equals 241.9 cm.
Now, divide the total square centimetres of the paving area by the square centimetres for each paver, and you will have the approximate number of bricks or pavers that will be needed.
It is usually recommended that you purchase between 5-10% extra for breakage. If you find out that you do not have enough, finding a perfect match can be difficult, so it is usually best to buy a few extra.

A more complex paving design / Source: We R Paving

How to hire a paver

As you can see, the process for creating a paved area in your yard has many steps, and it is hard work. If this is your first time, you might not be satisfied with your outcome. This is why hiring an experienced paver installer might be the best option. Here are some tips for hiring the right person for the job.

Licencing and qualifications

Pavers who do hardscaping and pavers or pour hard outdoor surfaces might need special licences in some circumstances. For instance, they might need a licence for laying a poured concrete foundation. They might need a bricklaying licence for a brick patio. In some cases, they might need a landscaping licence. The best pavers in Australia have a certificate in paver installation. This certificate takes six months of coursework to complete.

You have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to patio furniture. When designing a space that is to be comfortable, relaxing, and inviting, the type of furniture you choose will make a big difference in the success of this space. Before you invest consider a few great options that you may not have thought about.

Types of outdoor furniture

Take a look at some of the options available outdoor lounge furniture. Which of these pieces will work best in your space?

Invest in swings if you want a space that is going to be charming and relaxing. You can choose from one to three-seaters. Some will have an adjustable awning to help you to control the sun.
Tables are an important component of many outdoor spaces. Be sure to choose something that is at a comfortable level, sturdy and durable enough to handle the outdoors. It should accommodate the number of people you hope to have seated there.
Lounge chairs are almost a must-have in most outdoor areas. There are many styles to select from including those for one, two or more people. You may want to choose those that have more of a reclining option. You can also invest in chaise lounges for this space.
Think about investing in a day bed for this space. There may not be a better place to take an afternoon nap than on a daybed out in the sun.

wooden table and chairs on an uncovered patio — Source: MRM Pty Ltd

Outdoor furniture materials

Plastic is a common option for the outdoors because it is affordable and it is versatile. You will likely find all of the pieces you need available in this format.
Aluminium furniture is better for smaller spaces; it’s weather-resistant, very lightweight and great for entertaining purposes. You’ll be able to rearrange and swap out aluminium furniture to suit your needs.
Wrought iron goes great with gardens, but is very heavy and prone to rust – it might not be worth that kind of extreme trade-off. If you have to use wrought iron, place it mostly in covered areas
Stone and concrete furniture are great, but they’re heavy – and will only really be appropriate for single-purpose patio areas.
Wooden furniture is often thought of as very traditional. It can be a very good option for those who want something natural and yet durable.

Finding the right wood

If you decide you want to go with wooden furniture there are so many great options to choose from. Here, we’ve listed some of the more popular choices.

Redwood has a reddish hint to its colour. It lasts a long time and is completely resistant to rot and termites.
Cedar is lightly-coloured and splinter-free. This softwood weathers well, and will also repel insects and mould.
Teak is the toughest material out there – it can last up to 50 years and is super-durable.
Jarrah is reddish or pink in colour and is a durable, solid wood.
Shorea has many of the same toughness qualities as teak but is cheaper.
Roble is a long-lasting, very light wood.
Eucalyptus is one of the more attractive woods out there and is very resistant to rot.
Pine is very resistant to rot and very cheap. It’s yellow and brownish in colour. However, you’ll need to bring pine furniture indoors during the winter – it’s susceptible to the elements.

Patio furniture covers

Due to a patio’s proximity to nature and the elements, the task of maintaining and protecting the furniture can become a bit challenging. Make sure to invest in furniture covers to keep your patio looking beautiful for the years to come. Polyethylene covers are popular as they are completely waterproof, easy to clean and prevent dust and dirt from settling on it. You can also find covers that are resistant to UV rays which will help protect your furniture from sun damage. Standing umbrellas are also a great way to create protection from UV rays on days when the sun is shining.

Daybed and wooden table on a white patio — Source: Dk Lifestyles

Patio lighting

When the sun winds down, your patio should shine, serving a functional capacity and influencing the mood of its occupants. There are a plethora of lighting options you can choose from to light up your space.

Patio and Deck Lighting

Patio and deck landscape lighting systems illuminate certain features of your home, making them come alive; they also serve as safety devices. The directions of the beams of light, their mechanics and special benefits make them a great option.

Down and Up – Lights

Both down and up-lights offer dramatic effects when mounted in strategic locations. If you want to set a pleasing tone, install up-lights into the floor of your deck or patio and down-lights as an overhead feature. Downlights are softer and more intimate than the direct glare of a naked light. Its also a lot easier on the eyes as it softly blankets the entire area of the patio.

Strip Lights

These are ideal for a variety of lighting solutions. Its low profile and integrates discreetly while offering powerful brightness along edges and soffits. LED strip lights are the smart energy-efficient way to illuminate your deck and access areas.

Spotlights

LED module spotlights are directional lights fitted into fixtures in the loft or along walls. Spotlights are compact and powerful. They work marvellously for highlighting features such as the pool or barbecue areas. Spotlights should be placed discretely above or below your desired spot so that they are not a bothersome distraction.

Floodlights

Floodlights are designed to light up specific areas of your landscape. They will light up a good portion of your patio and are best served by the garden, pool and barbecue areas. Ideally, these powerful lights should be mounted very high and directed downward. They provide added security to your home and are great for extended nighttime entertaining.