Proper installation means you'll have an even patio that lasts for years. You can use patio pavers to build a simple walkway or seating area, without the need for mixing, pouring or leveling concrete. Although it's possible to lay the pavers directly on the ground without digging, over time, they will sink and become uneven, which can also lead to cracked pavers. Weeds and grasses can also invade the patio. Although digging out the paver bed is the best method, you can minimize the digging by installing a level base over the ground before installing the pavers. Removing the Grass Any grass or plants must be removed before you install pavers, which will require a minimum amount of digging. If the ground is bare and fairly level, you can skip digging out the sod and move on to installing a base over the ground. Cut the grass around the perimeter of the area you are paving, either with a sod cutter or a shovel blade. Dig up the sod in strips and dispose of it, compost it or plant it in another area.

After you remove the sod, level the ground with a rake. You can leave the ground at a slight grade to aid water runoff so it doesn't pool on top the pavers. Edging It In Laying pavers with minimal digging requires sturdy edging to hold the base materials in place. Install edging strips around the perimeter of the paved area so the base and pavers don't shift after installation. Rubber or metal garden edging, heavy plastic garden edging, or wood boards make suitable edging materials. The edging must be as tall as both the base depth and the pavers, because the base materials are sitting on top the ground. Create a Firm Base A no-dig paver installation begins with a firm base. Begin with a 4-inch deep layer of pea gravel, firmly compacted and leveled with a plate compactor. Ensure a firm base and decrease settling by laying only one-third of the gravel at a time, and compacting it before spreading out the next layer. Lay a 1-inch-deep layer of coarse builders sand over the site and compact it firmly with a plate compacter.

If the ground is uneven and you didn't dig to level it, some areas may require a deeper layer of sand or gravel than others. The base is ready once it's level and fully compacted. Paver Installation Tips Most pavers have notched edges that ensure they are spaced properly when laid, but if your pavers are smooth, leave a 1/4-inch space between them. Hardwood Flooring Lancaster CaYou can cut edge pieces with a masonry saw or with a chisel so they fit into the bounds of your paved area. Target Com Vacuum CleanerFor a large area, you can place stakes outside of the patio and stretch twine between them to create a grid. Standard Height Of Jacuzzi TubAlign the pavers with the grid as you lay them so they remain even. Finish Work Compacting the pavers into the base sand further prevents them from sinking, shifting or cracking.

Go over the entire paved area with a plate compacter, working from the edges inwards toward the center. After compacting, it's time to seal the joints. Spread paver sand over the entire paved area and sweep it into the cracks with a push broom. Compact the patio again so the sand can work its way into the joints. You may need to reapply the sand and compact the patio several times to ensure the joints are completely filled. Spring and summer are the seasons when tenants love to spend time outside, whether it’s enjoying the warm weather, hosting a cookout or encouraging their kids to “go play.” As a landlord, you want your tenants to enjoy the rental property, including the outdoor space, but sometimes the rules and regulations for patios and decks are not specified in the lease agreement, leading to problems. Here are 4 points of interest to always include in your lease agreement or a patio addendum so that you and your tenant won’t have any miscommunication about what’s allowed and what is against the rules.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s often surprising what kind of things tenants will put out on a patio as patio furniture. From sofas to dining room furniture to boards and bricks, makeshift patio furniture can lead to unsightly curb appeal and might even be dangerous. In the lease agreement addendum, it’s a good idea to specify that patio furniture or outdoor/garden furniture in good condition is the only allowable type. Take it a step further and clarify that any type of indoor furniture is not allowed outside on the patio. You may be asking yourself what the big deal is to have improper furniture on the patio. Indoor furniture can be damaged by rain, sprinklers or pests. If the furniture is moved in and out frequently, water and pests can be transported inside. If dilapidated, the furniture may pose a health hazard with the possibility of broken, rusted edges injuring someone. Finally, non-patio furniture simply looks bad. Regulations on whether or not tenants can grill on the patio should be made to ensure the maximum safety for both tenants and your property.

There are many cases of grills placed too close to a home, and the heat causes siding to melt, or sparks start a fire. Many landlords require tenants to place grills at least 10 to 15 feet from any exterior walls. You may also want to include language about the use or storage of any type of open flame grills, such as storing propane tanks indoors. If you are putting restrictions on grills or banning open flame grills completely, it’s a good idea to spell out the consequences of violating the policy. An example of this might be that a first warning results in a fine and a second warning results in an official notice to comply (get rid of the grill) or quit the tenancy. Allowing tenants to grow plants on the patio is a wonderful way to make a rental property feel more like home. Some landlords don’t want any planters or containers on the patio, while other landlords feel that it’s just fine as long as tenants follow the rules about them in the lease agreement. From container gardening to simply adding a touch of nature to an otherwise bare space, greening up a patio should come with guidelines and restrictions.

Examples of regulations for plants on the patio is setting a maximum size for the pot, asking that residents use natural dirt and planting material or that pots should not be placed in high traffic areas. The pots and plants should not detract from the appearance of the rental property and plants should be well cared for. Also, you should include in your lease addendum the requirement for tenants to use a protector under all pots to prevent water and dirt from staining the patio. Many tenants want to put their own personal touches on the rental property and that includes the patio. However, what one person considers attractive and decorative may be awful to another. Also, adding décor may unintentionally damage the patio area. While landlords cannot list every single allowable décor, there should be some general guidelines on what tenants can and cannot do. Examples of patio décor that you should be aware of include candles, tiki torches, rope lights, or other heat or fire source.