{"id":18471,"date":"2019-05-13T18:14:02","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T18:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.homedepot.com\/?p=116271"},"modified":"2019-05-13T20:46:25","modified_gmt":"2019-05-13T20:46:25","slug":"backyard-makeover-with-a-paver-patio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementblogs.com\/hg-blog\/backyard-makeover-with-a-paver-patio\/","title":{"rendered":"Backyard Makeover with a Paver Patio"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With summer just around the corner, we all want our backyards to be ready for hosting. Blogger Ale Graf of Piloncillo y Vainilla\u00a0<\/a>(Brown Sugar and Vanilla) tackled her backyard hardscapes project to create the perfect outdoor kitchen and entertaining space where she can share her best recipes with family and friends.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Before the Makeover<\/h2>\n

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We have a new outdoor kitchen and patio addition to our backyard, and I couldn’t be more excited to show it to you. First, let me walk you through the whole experience and how it all came together.\u00a0It all started with a dream of an outdoor kitchen, a place to entertain in an \u201calmost always\u201d flooded space in our backyard.\u00a0You know that space that nobody uses, not even Miko, our dog. We tried everything to make the space useful, from placing a ping-pong table to starting a new lawn. All of our efforts failed. Then we thought of extending the patio, but we had no idea if it was possible.\u00a0So, basically it all started with a dream and a sketch.<\/p>\n

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We went to the store with our sketch, our dream and no idea where to go from there. We left the store with a solution, a plan and eagerness to get started. One of The Home Depot\u2019s associates suggested pavers for our new space. He showed us the complete line of <\/span>Pavestone pavers<\/a>. He also showed us how easy it is to install them. After taking a look at all of the options and learning a bit on how to install the pavers, we decided that the best choice for us was the RumbleStone plank paver<\/a>. We loved all of the colors and sets\u00a0offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When we got home that night, we went online to watch videos explaining how to install the pavers<\/a>. We measured the space and made our final decision. It’s so straightforward to calculate the material that you need. Pavestone has a project calculator on their site. It counts for you!<\/p>\n

1. Prepare the Area<\/h2>\n

First, we prepared the patio area. We marked the perimeter using spray paint and wooden stakes then attached a mason line. We immediately started to clear the space from grass and soil with a shovel. I think this was the most challenging and time consuming part of the project. It was really fun though!<\/p>\n

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\"Outdoor<\/p>\n

The pavers arrived just when we finished clearing the area. The service was fantastic and very impressive to watch. The Home Depot delivered every block right to my front yard!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Level the Soil<\/h2>\n

Next, we leveled the soil with a rake and compressed it with a steel tamper<\/a>. This step is super important because it gives you a firm base for the pavers. Because of the type of soil we have, we did not need to add an additional stone base. When you make your patio, be sure to double check what your specific needs are.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Lay Sand and Pavers<\/h2>\n

Then it was time for the sand and placing the pavers. Be sure to <\/span>level the sand <\/a>with a 2 in. x 4 in. stud so all of the pavers are even after the installation. We also used two electrical conduits<\/a> that helped as a guide when leveling the sand. Another very cool thing about the Pavestone pavers system is that you can choose any pattern to install them in. We decided to do a double stack bond and closed the perimeter with ProFlex paver edging<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Add a Layer of Sand<\/h2>\n

After we finished installing and securing the pavers with the edge, we added a light layer of sand and pushed it with a broom into the gaps between the pavers. Then we ran a plate compactor<\/a> across the patio. We repeated this multiple times and voil\u00e1 we were done.<\/p>\n

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5. Install the Grill Enclosures<\/h2>\n

Then it was time to start installing the grill enclosures. It’s as easy as stacking blocks. At some point, it even felt like we were playing with our favorite childhood toy. The first step is to decide where you are going to place your grill. We have a wood pizza oven<\/a> and a grill <\/a>in our outdoor kitchen. Total foodies, right? The second step is to start layering the RumbleStone pavers<\/a>. There is no way to go wrong with this system. All of the blocks perfectly fall into each other.<\/p>\n

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Installation Tips<\/h2>\n

Here are some tips and tricks that I feel will help you out along the way:<\/p>\n