Build a patio

by nbear1

DIY Projects Completed

DIY Projects Journey Overview

Follow this step-by-step diy projects journey to see real progress updates, challenges overcome, and practical experience.

Progress Updates (8 total)

Update #1: Build a patio

Turn a section of my yard into a patio

Update #2: Area completely dug out

Dirt removed and the area is properly depth set

Update #3: Retaining wall first course complete

completed building a retaining wall for the patio as it is on an incline

Update #4: Completed almost the entire retaining wall

Completely used up all my retaining wall stones, but need more to finish the wall. After this step still need to get more sand and begin to fill in the middle and buy some paver stones to finish up the patio.

Update #5: Wall = DONE

80% complete
WINS: Got the rest of the retaining wall completed! Added cap stones. Got sand. FAILS: Not 100% level, but let's just say I kept it *slightly* sloped for drainage.
Challenges Overcome: Finished retaining wall! Also added caps along almost the entire perimeter. Need to get a cement saw to cut some stones to fit in gaps.
Obstacles Faced: Price of materials - need to buy pavers and sand.
Next Steps: Get pavers Get sand SCREE the sand - walk without rhythm (Dune reference, read it sometime) Place pavers Polymeric sand
Looking Back: Dont sweat the small stuff. You will notice the imperfections, but others won't u less they are absolute professionals. Enjoy your work and let others enjoy it with you once you're done.
Additional Notes: Keep up the good work the end is in sight.
Shoutout: Would like to thank my friends and family for the assistance and support to get this project rolling. The encouragement for this undertaking is super needed.

Update #6: Laid pavers

75% complete
Put down pavers and followed the pattern. It was a lot of work but so worth it to see the whole thing coming togther.
Challenges Overcome: Major milestone complete of laying the pavers out.
Obstacles Faced: Need to cut extra pavers to fit in odd spots where the eges aren't straight.
Next Steps: edge paver cutting, compacting, polymeric sand
Looking Back: Take more caution in making the edges straight
Additional Notes: Great job and hard work!
Discussion: Got some help from my Dad in screeding the sand and I laid out the pavers.

Update #7: Pavers complete

90% complete
Cut all the pavers and got them in the patio.
Challenges Overcome: Pavers are all done!
Obstacles Faced: Cutting was a challenge with the larger blocks.
Next Steps: Fill in gaps with sand or stone dust.
Looking Back: Take a little more time to measure and cut.
Additional Notes: Almost done!!!
Discussion: Cut all the pavers and put them in the patio. The stone cutting disk was too shallow so I had to make multiple cutting passes to finish each one.

Update #8: Completed patio

100% complete
Patio done! Since it's completion we've enjoyed Wyatts first birthday, mothers day, fathers day and my 30th birthday party on this patio. A little work is needed to repair some bits but overall it is completed.