Patios

The most critical part of a patio is what you can't see. This involves excavating the soil and replacing it with layers of crushed stone and compacting it to a specific density.

A patio must never be perfectly flat. It needs a slight "pitch" (usually a 1-inch drop for every 8 to 10 feet) to ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation. 

Choosing between manufactured concrete pavers, natural flagstone, or outdoor porcelain tile affects both the aesthetics and the maintenance level. 

Without a border, the stones on the outer edges of a patio will eventually migrate outward due to foot traffic or soil movement. Professionals use concrete "snaps" or heavy-duty plastic edging pinned with steel spikes. 

The gaps between stones are filled with specialized sand. Modern "polymeric sand" contains additives that harden when misted with water, turning into a flexible, glue-like bond. 

The layout of the stones (such as Herringbone, Running Bond, or Ashlar) isn't just for looks; it affects structural integrity. Certain patterns distribute weight more effectively across the sub-base.