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Creating a Circular Patio An eyesore of a backyard becomes a patio showplace for this Massachusetts firehouse. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-206

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The project begins with the clearing of the area. It's important to see what you have to work with before you design and begin your project. Once the area is cleared, Dean and Derek can evaluate what they have to work with. The yard is confined by a brick wall and driveway on one side and a chain link fence on the other. With these limitations accounted for, they opt for a circular paver patio. The first step is to decide where it goes.

They locate the center point of the yard by measuring the distance between the chain link fence and the brick wall, and marking the halfway point with marking paint. The proposed circular patio will have a radius of six feet, so they measure six feet in any direction from that center point to get a sense of the patio's size and location (figures C and D). Adjust the location until you get an area that feels right. It's also a good idea to establish your walkway area by stepping off of your platform or door and finding the most comfortable entry into the circle. It's all about traffic flow.

Figure C

Figure D

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	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Once you've decided on your circular patio location, pound a metal stake into the center point of the circle. Attach nylon string to the stake and measure out the radius of your circular patio, adding a couple of inches to that measurement to give yourself some leeway when working. Dean and Derek attach the can of marking paint to the string at a length of six-foot-four inches (for a radius of six feet) and spray out a perfect circle.

Safety Alert: Before digging, call your local utility authorities and request that they mark out underground pipes or cables. You don't want to disturb these when excavating.

• Begin excavating at the edges and dig towards the center and down six inches. As you dig, keep an eye out for the pitch of the patio area. You'll want a patio that is either level or pitches slightly away from standing structures. If you need to make adjustments, toss excavated earth or extra loam into the lower area of the patio to build up height. Smooth the excavated patio area with a landscaping rake.

• Once the area has been completely excavated make sure the base is uniformly six-inches deep and has the proper pitch by setting up crisscrossing strings (figure E).

• Place spikes at opposite ends of the circle, run string tightly between them, and use a line level to check the pitch (figure F) and a tape measure to check the depth of the excavation (figure G).

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