A raised brick pavers patio is a popular and practical addition to any outdoor space. After all, this type of patio provides an elevated platform for outdoor activities, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. So it’s no wonder why you want to learn how to build a raised brick pavers patio!
Whether you want to create a space for dining, lounging, or entertaining guests, a raised patio made of brick pavers can be an excellent choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through this whole process, covering everything from design to the final touches – so keep up with us.
What is a raised brick pavers patio?
A raised patio is an elevated outdoor space that sits above the ground level, supported by a retaining wall or other structural elements. The elevation allows for better drainage, improved views, and a distinct separation from the surrounding landscape.
Brick pavers are small, rectangular blocks made of clay or concrete, commonly used for outdoor flooring. They are known for their durability, versatility, and timeless aesthetic appeal. When combined, a raised patio made of brick pavers offers a robust and visually pleasing surface that can withstand various weather conditions.
You may also like: Black joint sand for pavers – all you should know
How to build a raised brick pavers patio: step-by-step guide
Step 1: Design Your Patio
The first step in any hardscape project is design, and it is no different here. A well-thought-out design ensures that your raised patio meets your functional needs and complements your home’s aesthetics. Start by sketching your patio layout on a piece of graph paper, using each square as a modular square foot to estimate the needed materials.
Step 2: Mark Your Patio Layout
Once you have a design in mind, it’s time to mark the layout on the ground. Use white marking paint to outline the patio’s perimeter. White is the preferred color because it does not indicate a utility, reducing the risk of confusion during excavation.
Mark the trench for your wall block with marking paint. The trench will serve as the foundation for your raised patio, providing stability and support for the structure.
Step 3: Set Square and Establish Finish Grade
With the layout marked, the next step on how to build a raised brick pavers patio is to ensure the patio is square and set the finish grade. Start by stretching a string across your foundation to establish a straight line. Position the string as close to the foundation as possible without touching it.
Next, set the string to reference your grade. The finished grade is where you want the top of your paving stones to be when the project is complete. For our sample project, we will set the grade about an inch below the siding of the house.
Step 4: Excavate a Raised Wall Trench
Now that you have your string lines set, it’s time to excavate the trench for the wall block. The trench should be at least 4 inches deep, providing a stable foundation for the retaining wall. In addition to the trench, you will need 6 inches of compacted gravel below the wall block for added stability.
If there is any sod or grass, remove it before starting the excavation. Most of the time, you can begin from virgin soil and build up from there, minimizing the amount of excavation required.
Step 5: Lay a Gravel Base and Your First Course
After excavating the trench, the next step is to lay the gravel base – which provides a stable foundation for the wall block and helps with drainage.
Use the string lines as a reference to ensure the gravel is level and compacted evenly. Once the gravel is in place, you can begin setting the wall blocks. The blocks should be level side to side and front to back.
Step 6: Backfill and Lay Subsequent Courses
With the first course of wall blocks in place, it’s time to backfill and lay the subsequent courses. Start by filling the cells of the blocks with gravel to ensure they are stable and secure. Compact the gravel behind the wall to provide additional support.
Continue building up the wall in 4-inch lifts of gravel, compacting each layer as you go. Once you reach the desired height, you can glue the second course of wall blocks. This will ensure the wall is stable and secure.
Step 7: Add a Patio Wall Cap Border
Before moving on to the bedding material for the paving stones, it’s time to add the capstones to the patio wall. Capstones provide a finished look to the patio and serve as a border to keep the paving stones in place.
When installing the capstones, start from the corners and work your way out, using a four-cut miter to create a clean, professional finish. Before gluing the capstones in place, clean the blocks with a brush or blower to remove any debris. Then, apply a flexible adhesive like Surebond 20 and place the capstones on top of the wall blocks.
Step 8: Screed Your Patio Bedding Material
With the wall and capstones in place, it’s time to prepare the bedding material for the paving stones. The bedding material provides a smooth, even surface for the pavers and helps with drainage. The bedding material should be 1 inch thick, providing a stable base for the paving stones.
Use 1-inch square tubing or round metal tubing to create a consistent thickness for the bedding material. Then screed the material with a board or 2×4 to create a smooth, even surface for the pavers.
Step 9: Lay and Cut the Paver Field
Now that the bedding material is in place, it’s time to lay the paving stones. In our sample project, we will use Arena Stone, a 12×12-inch square paver that provides a clean, modern look to the patio.
Start by laying the pavers from the center of the patio and work your way out, ensuring that the pavers are square and evenly spaced. Use the string lines as a reference to keep the pavers aligned.
Step 10: Finish the Raised Patio
With the pavers laid, the final step on how to build a raised brick pavers patio is to finish the patio. Start by plate compacting the pavers to ensure they are firmly set in place. Use a plate compactor with a roller attachment to prevent the pavers from cracking or breaking during the compacting process.
After compacting the pavers, you can seal the pavers or use polymeric sand to make them durable and resistant. The sealing and the use of polymeric sand also prevent weeds from growing between the pavers.
Build a raised brick pavers patio with the help of experts!
Building a raised brick pavers patio is an involved process that requires careful planning, precision, and a keen understanding of hardscaping techniques. While it’s possible to undertake this project as a DIY endeavor, the complexity and labor involved often make it a daunting task for those without prior experience. This is where hiring an expert becomes not only beneficial but essential.
By choosing S&S Pavers, you ensure that your project is handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise. With over 10 years of experience in paver installation and a spotless reputation for valuing client satisfaction above all, S&S Pavers is the right partner for your project. From the very beginning, we take the time to fully understand your desires and help you select the best options at the best price.
Our team of professionals is dedicated to delivering a beautifully crafted patio that will enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. We offer free paver counseling, where you can get advice from our hardscaping pros without any commitment. Whether you’re still deciding on your design or are ready to move forward, we’re here to share our experience and ensure that your vision becomes a reality.
Even the simplest upgrade can make a significant difference in your outdoor space, and we’re excited to help you make that transformation. Let’s chat and explore how we can bring your ideas to life!
