Stunning New Patio Construction
Pavers laid and connected to the new deck, sunroom, and sunken patio space.
Backyard before patio install.
Project Summary:
At Exterior Impressions, we take great pride in the art of creating outdoor spaces that not only enhance the beauty of your property but also provide a lasting and functional extension of your home. Today, we want to share with you the Exterior Impressions difference when it comes to patio construction. We are currently in the process of installing a 200 square foot patio as part of a larger project that includes a deck, sunroom, and sunken patio space. Our dedication to meticulous planning, expert craftsmanship, and the use of quality materials is what sets us apart, ensuring that your outdoor space becomes an oasis of beauty and functionality.
Digging out the space where the new patio will be installed.
The Importance of Proper Excavation
The foundation of any durable and visually appealing patio begins with meticulous preparation. We commence the patio construction process by measuring and laying out the proposed area. Unlike some other contractors who may excavate 6-8 inches deep, we go the extra mile, digging 12 inches deep. This generous excavation provides us with over 9 inches of compacted base to lay our pavers, which is more than 30% deeper than what many others may offer. This substantial excavation, while essential for the quality of your patio, also results in a significant amount of excavated soil, or "spoils," that needs to be managed or hauled away.
New foundation for the patio using clean 57 stone as paver base.
Creating a Solid Paver Base
Once the excavation is complete, the next step is compacting the area with a plate compactor. This initial compaction is crucial in building a strong and solid paver base. Subsequently, we lay a layer of geotextile, which serves to prevent the base stone from migrating into the subgrade.
The area is then filled with clean 57 stone, which forms the foundation for your patio. In the case of this 8' x 24' patio, we used over 14,000 pounds of stone for the base. After the stone base is brought to the required level, it is compacted again using a plate compactor.
The use of clean 57 stone as our paver base is a reflection of our commitment to quality and innovation. This "new technology" in patio installation offers several advantages. The voids between the stones allow water to pass through and infiltrate the soil, which is particularly important in Maryland's winters. It helps prevent heaving caused by freeze/thaw cycles. Additionally, clean 57 stone is over 90% compacted before we run our plate tamper over it, resulting in a highly stable and compacted base that won't expand and contract with temperature fluctuations or moisture.
Preserving Your Property
Handling and moving such a significant amount of material during the construction process requires heavy trucks and equipment. While it can be a messy endeavor, we take every precaution to protect your lawn and driveway. We use protective mats and employ careful practices to ensure that your property remains in pristine condition throughout the project.
EP Henry Pavers
Crafting a Beautiful Patio
Once the base stone is installed, leveled, and compacted, we move on to the leveling bed. Here, we once again use a clean stone, as it allows water to flow through it, preventing issues that can arise with materials like sand or stone dust. This layer is screeded to perfection, ensuring the pitch and level are exactly as intended for the final patio.
With the setting bed in place, we can now lay the pavers. We recommend quality paver products such as Techo-Bloc or EP Henry, although there are several other reputable brands available. The pavers are carefully arranged in the desired pattern, and the borders and edges are expertly cut. To lock in the edges, we use concrete edging, and we finish by sweeping and compacting polymeric sand into the joints.
For those who desire an environmentally friendly and permeable solution, our clean stone paver base allows for the use of permeable paving sand, creating a fully permeable patio or driveway space that allows water to pass through and return to the ground naturally.
Final Grading and Cleanup
Once the sand is installed and the patio is meticulously crafted, we perform final grading and cleanup, ensuring that your new outdoor space is pristine and ready to be enjoyed.
In conclusion, at Exterior Impressions, we believe that every outdoor space we create is a work of art. Our commitment to proper excavation, high-quality materials, and expert craftsmanship sets us apart, and we take every measure to ensure that your property remains undisturbed during the construction process.
We hope this glimpse into our patio construction process has given you a deeper appreciation for the level of care and dedication we bring to every project. This new patio space is now ready to be enjoyed, offering a beautiful and functional addition to the home that will stand the test of time.
To create your own stunning new patio, be sure to fill out our contact form for a free quote!