- 1). Dial "811" before starting any job. This is a free service that will come to your home and mark off any underground utility wires.
- 2). Measure the length and width of your desired patio dimensions. Pound a wood stake in the ground at each of the four borders and tie a string around the outside of the stakes to denote your building area.
- 3). Dig a hole within the area you marked off that is 6 inches deep into the ground.
- 4). Set a 2-by-4 on the ground and set a level on top. The level should be sloping away just slightly from your home or garage, which prevents flooding and drainage problems.
- 5). Pour a 2-inch layer of gravel and spread it evenly across the bottom of the building area.
- 6). Compact the crushed gravel using a hand tamper.
- 7). Add another 2-inch layer of gravel and repeat the compacting step.
- 8). Add a 2-inch layer of sand atop the gravel and drag a 2-by-4 along the sand until it forms an even layer all the way across.
- 9). Set the 18-inch pavers atop the sand one by one, starting in any corner you choose. Leave no more than 1/8 inch of space between each of the pavers. Tap each paver into place with the rubber mallet.
- 10
Pour sand into the spaces between the 18-inch tiles. Use a broom to spread the sand around thoroughly. Make sure all spaces have been filled. - 11
Rinse the sand off the surface off the tiles and allow the tiles to set and dry for several hours before using.
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