You have decided to improve the looks of your backyard landscaping. You’ve been looking to complete this DIY Brick Paver Project for sometime. Laying a brick paver patio in your backyard can enhance the looks while provide an entertainment area. With low maintenance you will be able to enjoy your patio for decades to come. As a DIY, you can save project cost with your sweat equity. The low-maintenance and staying power of a brick paver patio is well worth your investment.
About Brick Pavers
Brick Pavers are made from compressed clay. The compressed clay is placed into molds and then fired in a kiln at high temperature. When the clay emerges from the firing, you can expect a strong and impermeable brick paver. The manufacturer of pavers today, provides for a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes.
Brick Pavers Installation Overview
A new patio or pathway using brick pavers, can add true beauty to your home. The first step is to survey your project area. Then you can decide the shape of your new patio area. With this completed, you can proceed to mark out the area with white spray paint. With paint applied, call Ms. Utility to mark out all underground utility lines, This Is A FREE Service. With location of underground lines complete, you can start to grade the project area. Remove all of the weeds, rocks and roots. With a flattened and graded surface, you can lay down a geotextile fabric for material stabilization. Install compactable material and compact. Apply sand for the final leveling. Apply the perimeter edging. Install the selected brick pavers and tap into place, using a level and rubber mallet. Upon completion, broadcast sand into the brick pavers joints. The sand will lock the pavers into position. Apply the clean soil to the edge of your new patio with seed and straw. Tidy up your work project area and enjoy.
Necessary Patio Installation Tools
- Tape measure
- 8 Stakes
- Small sledgehammer
- Mason’s line
- Mattock
- Line level
- Shovel
- Rake
- Long, straight 2×4 board
- Carpenter’s level
- Rubber mallet
- Plywood scrap
- Broom
- Plate tamper
- Garden hose
- Patience
- Discipline
- Sweat
- Effort
Brick Paver Materials
- Paving bricks
- Brick patio edging
- Compactible gravel
- Geotextile fabric (stabilization sheet).
- Sand
A GEOTEXTILE FABRIC WILL REDUCE THE SETTLEMENT OF COMPACTABLE & SURFACE MATERIALS
Paver Installation
- Contact Ms. Utility
- Paint & Mark the Patio Edges
- Excavate The Area Uniform Grade
- Add Compactable Base Material
- Compact Base Material
- Install Paver Edging
- Add Sand Layer
- Lay First Row of Bricks
- Place Remaining Bricks
- Lock Bricks With Sand
- Backfill Around The Edge
Beautiful New Paver Patio For Your Entertainment Pleasure
Choosing the Right Brick Pavers for Your DIY Patio Project
Selecting the right brick pavers is crucial to the success of your DIY patio project. When choosing pavers, consider the variety of colors, shapes, and sizes available to match your backyard’s aesthetics. Opt for high-quality pavers made from compressed clay, as they offer durability and low maintenance, ensuring your patio stands the test of time. Proper selection will not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also make installation smoother and long-lasting. With the right materials, your new brick paver patio will become a valuable and lasting addition to your home.
Actual Event
Thomas, a DIY called into the office for some help. The email communication is provided below:
Initial Request For Service
Tom filled out a Contact Form and a request for service, see below:
I have a 520 sq. ft. back yard that I would like excavated in preparation for a new patio to be installed. Old brick patio and greenery to be removed.
I contacted Tom and discovered he lived in a Townhome and was at home during Covid. Tom shared he was motivated to do the project himself to save money and keep busy.
Email Communications
Hi Chuck, It was great talking to you earlier today. Thanks for giving me your email address.
- I am trying to build a 518 sq ft brick/paver patio in the backyard of my townhouse.
- Given the slight slope in my backyard a retaining wall or grading of some sort will be required.
- I need to remove the existing concrete and brick patio (less than 200 sq feet) and a short brick privacy wall.
- There is also greenier and garden stones that need to be removed.
- I have a large tree on the very end of my yard and it’s possible there are roots towards the end of where I want my patio to be.
- I’ve gotten permission from my HOA to have a truck on the common area lawn but I need to replace any lawn damage I may cause
- I haven’t yet determined if there are any utilities lines where I need to excavate
Thomas,
- Contact Ms. Utility (VA dial 811)
- Ms. Utility will mark the property for underground utilities
- Get your material purchased and decide on delivery date
- Have truck on site for material haul off
- Your brick pavers look to be set on a concrete base (probably and should be 4 inches thick).
- Get a jack hammer to bust up the concrete base (more work and disposal)
- Remove all materials on site
- Load on dump truck or dumpster
- Grade area to uniform depth
- Note:
- If the pavers go on a sand base you can go forward.
- If you want a concrete base you need to rethink this whole project
- Concrete work is for the professionals (we are pros)
- This adds a new layer of complexity and expense
- Concrete work is for the professionals (we are pros)
- Moving forward:
- Geotextile fabric
- Stone dust and compact
- Sand grade tight and level
- Selected brick pavers or flagstone
- Brick paver edging strips with landscape edging spikes
- Broom in sand to lock in paver material
- All material will be picked up and hauled away.
Workers Compensation
https://www.dirtconnections.com/workers-compensation-your-protection/
Ms. Utility
As for Google comment the link is below;
Thomas, again if you have any questions, just let me know. If you think it’s too much of a project, let me know, I can give you a real estimate, good for both parties.
Chuck,
Equipment rental – Jackhammer, and plate compactor (I was thinking Home Depot)
Tom,
- Call Berry Paving (talk to Sandra) at 703.550.0036, they have the small dumpsters. Sandra is a great, I like her a lot.
- Sand can be purchase and delivered in bulk from Rock Sand and Stone in Lorton, VA 703.339.8095, great people.
- Equipment Rental check in with Stan (love the guy) at Mega Rentals 703.541.0914 for the jack hammer (electric is available / 20 amps a must or tow behind hammer & plate tamper). Fall back position is Sunbelt Rentals in Lorton, VA, they have all you need.
Summary
Laying a brick paver patio in your backyard will enhance the looks and provide an area for entertainment. With low maintenance you will be able to enjoy your patio for decades to come. As a DIY, you will save project money with your hard work. With low-maintenance and staying power of a brick paver patio, you can enjoy your New Backyard Entertainment Area.
Summary
Dirt Connections was started with one goal in mind: providing quality residential and commercial construction services to clients on time and on budget. Reach out for more information on how we can support your next project.
For your convenience our estimates are free and by appointment. Call 703-940-9949 for a free estimate today!