How Do You Lay A Patio Base?
The newest word in living space is outdoor rooms. With new advances in landscaping, furniture and architecture, families have a new appreciation for their patio as a place to spend time. And as the temperatures rise and the smell of backyard barbecues fill the air, people begin to think of adding a new room to the house: One without walls. But before you start picking out flagstone, furniture and fireplaces, you should first consider your foundation. Mark off the area where you patio will go using the tape measure, stakes and string. Try to make sure that the ground is as level as possible. This will mean less work later when you have to ensure that your base is level. Edge the area around the patio perimeter to a depth of 4 inches, using the spade. Remove the sod and dirt to the same depth as your edging. Check for levelness of your excavated patio by setting a wooden 2-by-4 inch board down on top of the base. Over this, place a carpenter’s level. If your patio is not level, excavate
