| So you know you want to create that perfect | | | | sand and compact again. Once everything is |
| outdoor living space in your backyard, but you | | | | completely level and compacted, you're ready to |
| haven't decided whether or not it will be a patio or it | | | | start laying your patio floor. |
| will be a deck. They're both great options, but a patio | | | | Of course, either a deck or a patio will end up with |
| is probably the best way to go. This is especially true | | | | some accumulation of dirt and mildew. However, a |
| for the do it yourself crowd. | | | | patio can take a good power washing or scrubbing |
| Unless you have lots of carpentry experience and | | | | better than a wooden deck. With repeated cleanings, |
| have mastered the art of measures and miters, | | | | the finish of the deck will quickly disintegrate, which |
| working with wood or composite decking materials | | | | leads to increased maintenance. |
| can be quite a challenge. Of course it always looks | | | | Speaking of maintenance, wood decking will need |
| easy, but it's also easy to make mistakes when | | | | sealing or staining at least every other year or so. |
| cutting all the wood. These mistakes can add up and | | | | Even then, the wood will eventually be damaged |
| be quite costly due to wasted time and material. | | | | from water and sun to the point of needing |
| On the other hand, if you choose a relatively simple | | | | replacement after several years. A stone or brick |
| pattern, laying a stone, brick, or paver patio can be | | | | patio, though, could easily last a hundred years if |
| much simpler for the average do-it-yourselfer. | | | | properly installed. |
| Obviously, the more square the pattern, the fewer | | | | All things considered, patios are still continuing to |
| cuts are necessary. This makes for a fairly | | | | increase in popularity these days, but there are still |
| straightforward installation process that can be done | | | | times when a deck is the perfect option. For |
| over a weekend or two if working with the proper | | | | example, building a stone patio off a second story or |
| base. | | | | elevated location would pose a severe difficulty, but |
| With a deck, you must first set your concrete | | | | a deck might work there just perfectly. |
| footings and then build up from there. For a patio, | | | | Whatever your choice, make sure to do the |
| you do have to excavate in order to level the | | | | research and plan properly and you'll end up with |
| ground, but concrete mixing shouldn't be necessary. | | | | outdoor living space that is perfect for you and will |
| Just dig down several inches, add the proper gravel | | | | also increase the value of your home. Just |
| base then compact with a vibrating compactor you | | | | remember, measure twice and cut once! |
| can rent for the weekend. Next, top with builder's | | | | |