Brick or plank patio?
Question:I have a not too big patio area that is currently covered with the small white decorative rocks and the black tarp under it. weeds do grow out from under.
I want to make a patio out of brick or laying down a wood plank or something after removing the rocks. what is your opinion on this / best practices? I don't intend to keep this setup for long, just for a party that is coming up soon and would probably take it apart and either hire a pro to install or do some type of landscaping perhaps for a bbq or so.
Right now, just need extra space to have people sit outside with some chairs and a table.
BUT I don't want it too look too ghetto ;)
Answers:
With all due respect, you're going way too deep into this for a one time thing.
I might suggest a few sheets of concrete backer board, (which can be re-used after the fact), and set them level.
In a PARTY situation unless this is to make some impression beyond the party atmosphere ETC. then you should probably bite the bullet and have it done correctly "first". IF anyone who is partying has any negative comments about what they're walking or sitting on, then they probably aren't enjoying the party very much anyway.
No matter what else you do other than having a slab poured there will be plant life intrusions at some point.
Steven Wolf
gravel it quick and easy all you need is some mussle and a rake. you can also get different colour and size. seeing ts only temporary
Remove all the top soil, bring it back up to 2" lower + the thickness of the paving bricks with 2A gravel. Put in 2" of sand and level. Install concrete paving bricks and tamp in place. Sweep polymeric sand into joints and spray down with water. Now you have a patio that will last years and it will not look ghetto at all.
Freezing is not a problem, the sand interlocks them and they move as a unit. So does a concrete slab. If freezing was a problem no one would have patios.
jake has a pretty good idea if you dont live where it freezes! if it does your patio blocks will buckle and heave from the frost. bricks will do the same thing ! best bet is to get the patio done right the first time(via the pro) that way you have no added expence!
The temporary solutions are all rather labor intensive and sort of half a**ed. How soon is your party? I would think it would be more practical to put in some permanent patio or deck. It is more work but it isn't wasted work. Paving stones make a nice patio, and when installed correctly the do NOT have a problem with frost heave, excellent product to avoid heave or you could put in a ground level deck..
as a temporary patio you may consider buying a carpet remnant to lay outside. it would define your space as well as level small imperfections in the yard. there is way to much expense and labor in either wood or pavers to do a temporary patio. when your ready for a permanent patio follow some of the above ideas
More Related Questions & Answers...