Patio foundations
The construction of an outside patio is an example of a seasonal DIY project. It is best carried out during the spring or summer months, when conditions are likely to be dry and bright. Even during the optimal months, it is important to keep the weather conditions in mind, by ensuring you have waterproof covers to keep the rain off your work.
Planning for the patio should start by defining the space to be used. Measuring and then clearly marking the outline of the length and breadth of the patio helps in calculating how many paving stones will be needed, and what type of garden furniture can be placed on the patio.
For patios that are to be partially embedded in the ground, and thus requiring some digging, it is important to check with the previous owner of the property or the local authority if there are any water, electricity, or other types of pipe or cable running through the ground. Damaging these can be dangerous, as well as extremely costly to fix.
Raised patios that angle slightly downwards at the outer edges (more or less imperceptibly to the naked eye) are good for limiting the quantity of standing rainwater. Raised patios require strong sand and gravel foundations, as well as sufficiently thick paving stones.
It is essential to get the laying of the patio foundation right, as inconsistencies will almost certainly lead to a partially sunken patio. Where the underlying ground is particularly wet, use more foundation sand and gravel to avoid damage later.