How To Build An Elevated Brick Patio

How to Build an Elevated Brick Patio

An elevated brick patio is a great way to add style and functionality to your backyard. It can provide a level surface for entertaining, grilling, or simply relaxing outdoors. Plus, it can help to define your outdoor space and create a more inviting atmosphere.

Building an elevated brick patio is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a few days. However, there are a few essential aspects to consider to ensure that your patio is built correctly and lasts for many years to come.

1. Planning

The first step is to plan your patio. This includes determining the size and shape of your patio, as well as the location. You will also need to decide what type of bricks you want to use and how you want to lay them.

Once you have a plan, you can begin to gather the materials you will need.

2. Materials

The materials you will need for your elevated brick patio include:

Bricks
Mortar
Sand
Gravel
Pavers
Edging

You can find all of these materials at your local home improvement store.

3. Excavation

The next step is to excavate the area where you will be building your patio. This involves digging down to a depth of about 6 inches. Once you have excavated the area, you will need to level it out.

To level the area, you can use a level and a tamper. A tamper is a tool that is used to compact the soil. Once the area is level, you can begin to lay the foundation for your patio.

4. Foundation

The foundation for your patio is made up of a layer of gravel and a layer of sand. The gravel will help to drain water away from your patio, while the sand will help to level out the surface.

To lay the foundation, you will need to:

Spread a 4-inch layer of gravel over the excavated area.
Compact the gravel with a tamper.
Spread a 2-inch layer of sand over the gravel.
Compact the sand with a tamper.

Once the foundation is in place, you can begin to lay the bricks.

5. Laying the Bricks

To lay the bricks, you will need to:

Spread a thin layer of mortar over the foundation.
Place the bricks on the mortar, making sure that they are level and evenly spaced.
Tap the bricks with a rubber mallet to secure them in place.
Continue laying the bricks until you have covered the entire area.

Once the bricks are in place, you will need to let them cure for at least 24 hours.

6. Grouting

Once the bricks are cured, you can begin to grout them. Grouting is a process of filling the joints between the bricks with mortar. To grout the bricks, you will need to:

Mix a batch of mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply the mortar to the joints between the bricks using a grout bag.
Smooth the mortar with a trowel.
Let the grout cure for at least 24 hours.

Once the grout is cured, your elevated brick patio is complete.

7. Finishing Touches

There are a few finishing touches that you can add to your elevated brick patio to make it more complete.

One option is to add pavers to the edges of your patio. Pavers are a type of brick that is used to create a border around a patio. They can help to define the space and make your patio look more finished.

Another option is to add edging to the edges of your patio. Edging is a type of metal or plastic that is used to hold the bricks in place. It can help to prevent the bricks from shifting or becoming loose.

Finally, you can add some plants or flowers to your patio to make it more inviting. Plants and flowers can help to create a more natural and relaxed atmosphere.

By following these steps, you can build an elevated brick patio that will last for many years to come.