DIY Network

Stone Paver Patio A stone paver patio with a copper countertop is a relaxing place to entertain friends. From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-311

Figure A

Bob and Nancy Whitmore are devoted to maintaining their attractive yard, but almost a third of it is taken up by an unsightly, elevated deck and a seldom-used, aboveground pool (figure A). So following Dean Hill's design, Jackie Taylor, the Whitmores, and some of their friends and family get to work on a complete overhaul of the area that will create a relaxing space for entertaining. They tear down the deck and pool and replace it with a stone paver patio that includes a raised planter box and a bar with copper countertop.

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Tools
shovels
rakes
wheelbarrow
hammer
gloves
mallet
safety goggles
pry-bar
framing square
reciprocating saw

Building the Patio
This project involves demolishing the existing deck and pool and then building a new patio with stone pavers.

Materials
100 (2'x2') Deckstone pavers
160 (24"x24") Sonorastone pavers
4 (4"x4"x8') pressure-treated posts
8 (4"x6"x14') pressure-treated posts
10 (4"x6"x12') pressure-treated posts
10 (4"x6"10') pressure-treated posts
12 (4"x6"x8') pressure-treated posts
quick-setting concrete
60 (4"x6") joist hangers
1 (15 lb) box 2 1/2" deck screws

Figure B

The crew breaks down the existing pool and discards it (figure B). They use a mallet to break up the boards from the frame. (They wear safety goggles and make sure the nails are facing down when they carry the boards away.)

They keep the posts to use them as framing for the new patio. The posts are trimmed down to about three inches and then secured with quick-setting concrete.

Next, they attach 4x6 boards to the posts, by toe-nailing them, to fill out the frame, and check that each one is level. They attach joist hangers to the frame (figure C). The joists sit inside the hangers and support the deck pavers (figure D). They also install lag bolts and washers to connecting posts to give them extra sturdiness.

Figure C

Figure D

Before laying the pavers, the crew attaches a waterproof membrane to the wood for added protection from water damage (figure E). Then they secure the pavers around the perimeter with bolts and fill in the frame with the remaining pavers (figures F and G).

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Note: If you install pavers on the ground, make sure you tamp them well and then check for level. Also, do not use wire brushes or acid to clean pavers. Soap and water is best.

The finished patio (figure H) is a tremendous improvement over the previous deck. The paving stones are durable and easy to maintain.

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