Patio design and installation tips

by Sally Bouorm | March 1, 2012 11:42 am

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By Shawn Giovanetti

Patios have become extensions of the home and are increasingly being incorporated in a family’s daily life. They play host to a multitude of events such as birthday parties, meetings, family meals or even quiet, fire-side chats. For homeowners looking to install a new deck or patio, builders that can provide multiple design options, along with various construction materials, become the logical choice when it comes to selecting a company for the job.

There are many opportunities for those involved in the landscape and construction industry to provide new and unique patios for customers. However, whether an experienced or novice builder, this article will discuss important steps to consider when planning, designing and building a deck or patio.

Initial planning and analysis is important

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In every case, a well-developed plan or drawing will greatly assist the construction process by providing all parties with a clear understanding of the project’s expectations, timelines and materials required. In this regard, landscape designers and architects are an invaluable asset, as countless jobs are lost simply because a clear connection on design, function and construction could not be agreed upon.

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A good landscape architect or designer can bridge the gap by formulating the customer’s vision into a tangible list of materials and a workable design. When coupled with a contractor that can construct this vision, it becomes a win-win situation for all parties involved.

As part of the initial planning, whenever possible, use local materials and suppliers for the project. This not only helps the local economy, but also reduces shipping costs and potential delays. Always check the availability of materials and order them early to guarantee project timelines are met.

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Another important consideration during the planning stage is site access and material storage. Further, depending on the size and scope of the project, space for everything related to the job such as tools, excavated soil and disposal bins to portable toilets, designated areas for employee parking and delivery truck access should also be determined.

Finally, it is important to use the correct tool for the job, and if necessary, do not be afraid to rent equipment. Using the appropriate tool or machine will ensure the desired results of the project are met, while also helping to control labour costs.

Excavation and base preparation

Once initial planning is completed, the next crucial step is excavation and base preparation. The deck will only be as good as the base it is built on. Thanks to initial planning, it should already be determined where and how the excavated material will be handled. During excavation, however, soil characteristics should be examined carefully, as this will help identify and predict not only drainage, compaction, geo-textile and load bearing capacity requirements, but also forecast time and money.

Aggregate base compaction

Aggregate base compaction is integral to deck and patio construction. This procedure rearranges soil particles to remove air and water pockets to achieve a higher base density. Various tools exist to complete soil compaction; when selecting the proper equipment, consider the project and use what is appropriate for each application. For example, a drum roller may not be the logical choice when attempting to compact a trench in an area with poor accessibility.

Compaction should be completed in multiple layers (or lifts) in order to achieve the required density results. Generally accepted industry standards require a minimum compaction of 98 per cent standard proctor density. (This is a method of experimentally determining the optimal moisture content at which a given soil type will become most dense and achieve its maximum dry density.) To check this, and the effectiveness of the equipment being used, a nuclear density test should be performed. This will help calibrate the equipment being used and understand what is required to achieve the recommended results.

A trained technician from a local soil testing company can conduct this test to provide the associated costs and results. The initial cost of having someone onsite to perform these tests can be recovered quickly when considering the costs associated with over or under compaction, wasted install time or failures and call backs.

Geo-textiles

When building on poor soil conditions, the addition of geo-textiles can improve base performance. Geo-textiles are used for soil separation and can increase the load bearing capacity of the compacted soil subgrade. While not always necessary, the use of geo-textiles should be considered in areas containing clay or silty soils as they will prevent the migration of finer aggregates from the in situ soil (i.e. soil in the original, natural or existing place or position) up into the base material.

This migration can negatively impact the long term structural integrity of the project. Along with compaction of the aggregate base, the subgrade may need to be stabilized or amended prior to its compaction in order for the base materials to subsequently perform correctly. By amending soil conditions, it essentially changes the soil’s composition to perform to the project’s requirements. Chemical and gradation amendments can be used separately or in unison. If poor soil conditions are not amended, the potential for base failure increases.

Base depth is also unique to every project and is determined by site conditions and available materials. For instance, frost lines should be considered when excavating and installing base materials. Other aspects such as installing drainage pipes and locating utility connections should also be considered. Finally, be sure to check local regulations and building codes to ensure compliance.

Several materials are available for deck design

Once the base has been prepared, installation of the base course of materials, which is an integral stage of the project, can begin. There are numerous materials, new and old, which provide countless opportunities for the design and construction of decks and patios. Grades and drainage, however, are still pertinent during this stage and must be maintained throughout construction, as small variations can become larger problems down the road. Take the time and required effort to make sure base courses and drainage are in the proper location. Drainage pipes and deck/patio slopes should also be installed in accordance with local regulations.

Whether using poured-in-place concrete, segmental pavers or natural stone, a gap should be left in between the wall of the house and the patio to promote air circulation. Materials and drainage should also be kept away from the foundation of the house to prevent damage to the foundation walls through seasonal expansion and contraction of the patio/deck structure.

Poured-in-place concrete

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Concrete is one of the most commonly used manmade materials in the world and with its endless applications, it is also one of the most versatile. In some cases, chemical additives can be used to give the concrete different properties such as extended workability or increased freeze/thaw durability.

When building decks and patios, concrete is also often reinforced with fibre or steel to help bolster its structural integrity. Adding pigments can also change its esthetic appeal, while different techniques can be used to finish the concrete that allow for individual and unique design ideas. Essentially, the concrete’s colour, density and strength can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of each project.

Segmental pavers, slabs and retaining walls

These building materials offer countless options for deck and patio construction. Manufactured to have high strength, segmental pavers, slabs and retaining walls are more versatile than poured-in-place concrete. They also provide more colour, texture and design options than most other building materials. Use manufacturer displays and samples to ensure customer expectations are realized regarding colours and textures.

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Walls can be used in structural, architectural and decorative applications—from support walls to pillars, while seating walls can be incorporated into any design. The use of multiple paver, slab and wall combinations, hybrid landscapes, can also be used to create unique, personalized outdoor spaces. Builders should consider mixing and matching colours, sizes and textures to create a personalized design.

Natural stone

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In terms of building materials, natural stone is a timeless option. Colour, size, shape and textures are endless and are guaranteed not to be duplicated. Apart from its enhanced esthetic value, natural stone is generally more expensive than other options. Further, some natural stone may require machinery for installation purposes, and although it is more difficult to cut than concrete, it can still be shaped using a standard table or gas-powered saw with a blade specifically designed to cut natural stone.

When working with natural stone, all necessary cuts should be made using the appropriate tools. For example, square-cut natural stone should be cut with a saw to give it a clean, finished edge. This may be harder to accomplish using a hammer and chisel. Pavers and walls, however, can be cut or split using chisels and guillotines.

Finally, big boulders and large cubicle rock can be used in any decorative and most structural applications. To avoid moving them multiple times, however, consider site access and how they will be incorporated into the project beforehand.

The final touches

Once everything is in place, final compaction and joint filling between materials is required. Natural stone and concrete slabs should not be compacted; however, pavers should be. Using a protective pad on the tamper will help safeguard the pavers from scuffing and scratching. There are many options available for this type of protective pad; conducting a little research will help in selecting the appropriate pad for the project.

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Filling joints between pavers or natural stone slabs is an integral component to any project. Filled joints help to improve the interlock and essentially the durability and stability of the units being used. Using polymeric sand can help prevent the growth of weeds and call backs due to washout. When using polymeric sand, it is important to follow the recommended installation procedures, as this will save both time and money.

Cement and masonry-related products are not recommended as joint fillers on pavers; however, these products can add a professional aspect to a natural stone installation.

Finally, maintaining an open line of communication with customers, employees and everyone on site is important to the success of any project. It may be frustrating to alter the design during construction, however, it is much easier than after the work is completed.

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn Giovanetti is the Toronto depot manager for Techo-Bloc Inc., a manufacturer of landscape and masonry products based in St-Hubert, Que. He can be reached via e-mail at shawn.giovanetti@techo-bloc.com[9].

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