A patio goes beyond beautifying your outdoor space. You can use it to encourage your kids and spouse to be physically active. Ideally, we need 30 minutes of physical activeness each day to enjoy the perks of being physically active. Instead of limiting physical activities indoors, add an outdoor spot that would encourage your family to stay physically active. What’s more, your family will bond while taking in the fresh air and enjoying a dose of some sunshine vitamin. So, how do you build a patio? Can it support intense physical activity? Building a patio is a simple process. It can be done within a single weekend. Here is how you can build your patio.

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Plan

 

Although it is a simple process, you need a plan. Why do you need a patio? How will your family use it? You also need to figure out the best location, design, cost, and drainage. A good and stable patio will require some digging and groundwork. This may interfere with the electrical or plumbing lines in your yard. Don’t forget to check the building codes. You also need to give a thought to patio materials. The patio material you choose will depend on your needs. Since we’re building a patio for physical activities, we’ll need a material with good traction to prevent slips and falls. In this case, paving stones will be the ideal choice. They’re slip-resistant and hence safe for intense physical activity. Besides, the paver patio is easy to DIY. If you intend to introduce your family to sports such as tai chi or yoga, you will need an alternative option. You need an option that provides cushioned support. A wooden deck would be the best alternative for these activities. A wooden deck provides cushioned support and allows free-flowing movements compared to a paver patio. Constructing a deck is quite complicated. Consider getting a deck builder to help you put up a deck that will support tai chi or yoga. A siding contractor can also be helpful in similar situations since oftentimes sidings are supposed to be replaced as well.

 

Got Your Supplies?

You’ll require the following supplies to build a professional-like patio.

  • Measuring tape
  • Wooden stakes and strings
  • Paver stones
  • Paver base (Gravel or crushed stone)
  • Sand
  • Edge restraints
  • Landscaping fabric
  • Leveling sand
  • Leveling tool
  • Garden hose
  • A shovel
  • A rake
  • Rubber mallet
  • A tamper
  • Push broom

Time to Prep the Ground

 

Clear the site before you begin measuring and outlining the spot. Get rid of all the weeds. Measure the length and width of the patio. Use wooden stakes and string to outline the site. Once marked, dig out the marked spot. Before digging, enquire whether there’s any underground cabling work on your chosen location. Once you get a go-ahead signal, dig out a depth that accommodates the paver stone and six inches of paver base. Tamp down the dug spot.

 

Add the Paver Base

 

You need to lay a landscaping fabric on the dug-out to support intense physical activities. The fabric will provide extra support and prevent the growth of weeds. Fill in the dug spot with four inches of paver base. Tamper the gravel. Add two inches of tampered sand. Ensure you even out the sand. Use a 2 by 4 wood to level it. You’ll need extra help to level and smoothen the surface.  

 

Lay Your Pavers

 

Place the paver stones on the stand. Lay them one by one using a rubber mallet. Ensure they fit perfectly into each other. Once you’re done laying the paver, cover exposed edges with edging stone or edging restraints. Secure the edges using concrete. Spread a layer of sand over the patio to fill spaces between the pavers. Use a push broom and sweep off excess sand. If you notice any unfilled joint, put sand and brush off the excess sand. Attach a nozzle to your hose and mist the paver. Let the water saturate the filled joints. Lightly dampen the patio after an hour. Add sand and water to the patio for a week to get a durable and stable finishing.

Wrap Up

 

It’s as simple as that. A single weekend and you have a patio. Paver patios are easy to install. You can also opt for a brick, flagstone, composite, or concrete patio. It all rests on your likes and personal preference and a patio material that complements your home. Pavers tend to absorb stains. Therefore, regularly clean it to maintain a neat patio. Reseal the surface every two years to prolong its lifespan.

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