Notes

Hardscape Your Outdoor Living

Installing patios and hardscape can be split into two important, major steps: planning and design, and installation. Before any construction occurs, it is important to carefully plan out the region and decide how you want to utilize the space to make sure that you utilize it to the maximum effect. This is often done all on your own, or through a professional planner.

Planning

Balancing the area and choosing a focal point are also an important part of installing hardscape. Creating a balance between hard features such as walkways and stonework, and natural greenery will help your yard look natural and incorporate walkways and patios into the surrounding area in way that makes them into seamless additions to the natural landscape and features. Choosing walkways that curve with the terrain, in addition to patios and hardscape features that transition into the surroundings seamlessly can make the region feel more graceful and peaceful. Another solution to make the hardscape feel more natural is to incorporate greenery and plants which are already in the yard. Creating a walkway and small stone ledge around an existing tree, for example, can create a natural focal point that draws the attention and provides valuable shade and cover. Including greenery will also soften the area and help incorporate the harder surfaces of walkways and patios into the yard.

Construction

After the planning stages are complete, the specific construction of your patio or hardscape can begin.

Excavate and level the region: The initial step to construction would be to level and excavate the area w here you are planning to build. For most features, such as for example patios, you should have a flat area to build on therefore the stones can lay level and the region can drain properly. Typically, you should excavate about five and half inches into the ground.

Fill in the base layer: Following the area has been excavated, it could be filled in with the bottom materials which will support what's being built above. Typically, the base for a patio comprises of a limestone mix which can be purchased from the landscape supply company and should be installed in layers which are approximately two inches thick, and built up before base is six inches thick. This can prevent the patio or walkway from settling as time passes and help with drainage. On top of the base, a one-inch deep layer of sand should be added and leveled, in order that the stones lay level at the top. Although you can hand tamper the layers (pack them down and compact them) it really is strongly recommended that you rent a compactor. Renting a compactor helps you to save time and help you to avoid costly repairs in the future. Hand tamping may result in the stones shifting as time passes, which would have to be repaired. Typically, a compactor can be rented for about $75 a day.

Lay the stones: Once the base is installed, you can start laying the stones that may constitute the walkway. Because of this step it is advisable that you consult with a specialist who can help you decide the size and color of the stones you will need, as well as just how many you should purchase. Depending upon the kind of pavers you use will depend upon the method used to slice the stones to the exact specifications of one's design and space needs. You can find generally three ways: a guillotine, a power saw (circular saw with a diamond blade, wet tile saw) or a hammer and chisel.

It is always a good idea to order a little more material than you imagine you will need in case of mistakes such as broken stones, mistakes in measurement, or other unexpected issues. If you do not need the extra material, you can utilize it to include accents to the landscape or edging.

Add Edging: Following the stones have already been laid, an edge will need to be added to contain the stones set up. The edging comprises of long plastic pieces that should be placed on the bottom material surrounding the patio. All patios and walkways should have edging, to prevent the stones from moving and shifting out of place. Adding backfill made up of sand around the edges and sweeping it on the stones will solidify the patio or walkway, and complete the installation process. Patios and walkways that are in shade can be decorated with moss grown between the stones. To grow moss between your stones, mix one part buttermilk with 2 parts water, and crumble two parts moss into the mix and stir well. Once the mixture has formed a slurry, simply use a paint brush to paint between your stones where you need the moss to grow. Mist the mixture with water up to four times a day and make sure it generally does not dry out. If done correctly, the moss should begin to establish itself within two weeks.

The final step is to move any furniture or decorations to your patio, and simply sit back and enjoy. Patios and walkways can take a normal yard and transform it into something extraordinary, while still acting as functional, livable spaces that you and your family can enjoy throughout the year.
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