Installing a patio or a walkway requires a little more than just digging a whole and setting the pavers. Taking the time to design and layout your patio or walkway will ensure that you have years of enjoyment from your landscape new edition.
Now, once you have viewed this video, go to Lowes.com/Video to see how to prepare your projects foundation and complete the final installation.
Before you start digging you should do some planning. There are some key points that you may want to consider to your patio or walkway, but always remember, it’s your house so choose a design that you like. There really is no right or wrong design.
To help when you determine the size and location of our patio or walk way think about how you’ll use it. An attractive area to entertain friends would work will near a pool or along the house.
A quite retreat for you and your family near a garden might include a walk way and a small patio. An outdoor barbecue area for some to cook out will be most functional near your house and if you plan to use any existing outdoor furniture design an area a large enough to accommodate those furnishings.
Installing a patio or walkway allows you to be a little creative too. Pavers and stepping stones are available in many different styles, colors and shapes, so what do you want to look of brick pavers, cut stone or natural stone, you can customize your project to reflect your personality.
The easiest patterns to install are Jack-on-Jack and Basket weave. These two designs require a minimal cutting. Patterns such as pinwheel, a 90-degree herringbone and a 45-degree herringbone are little more advance. Our patio uses a running band pattern which has staggered joints and this isn’t difficult to install.
To see the installation watch how to install our favorite patio at Lowes.com/Videos of course, when choosing your pattern, you want to pick a design that works well with the look of your house. If your home has a traditional appearance a Jack-on-Jack or a running band pattern may work best. If you look for something a little more contemporary, use a pinwheel design.
So, now that you have some ideas of how to design your walkway or patio, it’s time to mop out the space. You’ll need nylon mason string, some wood stakes, a hammer, marking paint, a line level, a tape measure and a garden hose and sand if marking random curves.
The time it will take to complete your project will depend on the size, so plan ahead. For example, you may want to devote one weekend to prepare in the foundation and the next for installing the pavers.
Also, before any digging project have a professional mark a location of electrical or gas lines, by dialing 811 you’ll be connected to your local utility company for assistance free of charge.
If you’ll start your project the way we did, by marking off the area you’ll be paving with nylon mason string and stakes. Level the strings and check them for square. Measure the diagonals of the area if they are equal then the area is square. Then mark the area with marking paint.
Now, you can visualize the end result. Make sure your path or patio still clear of large trees so you can avoid disturbing tree roots when excavating the soil. One way to make random curves is to create the shape on the ground using a garden hose. Lay your hose in the desired curve pattern, cover with sand and then lifted out of the way. The sand will mark the shape after the hose has been removed so you’ll know where to dig.
Our patio and walkway have rounded corners. We marked these curves by tying a piece of string to a stake that has equal distance from the two adjacent edges. Then we tie the other end of the string to a can of marking paint. This created a compass to mark the curve.
Once you have the area layered out step back take a look and make sure it’s exactly the size and shape you want. If not, just move your lines and mark it again. After making any necessary adjustments you can measure the square footage to determine the number of pavers and amount of base material you’ll need.
In our lawn and garden area, you’ll find helpful guides to make the calculations, and you’ll also appreciate knowing that your Lowes associate can arrange for delivery of your supplies.
Turn how to prep your patio, watch laying the foundation for a patio or walkway at Lowes.com/Videos for the details and completing that portion of your project.
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