How to Build an Above-Grade Patio

Excavate the patio site using a shovel or spade. Dig the site to a depth of 6 inches, then dig a trench along the outer edges that measures 6 inches deeper, for a total trench depth of 1 foot. Place all soil in a wheelbarrow for easier removal from your work site.

Compact the soil inside the excavated area, including the trench, using a soil tamper. Hold the end of the tamper's handle and pound the flat end of the device repeatedly against the ground. When the soil stops shifting under your feet and feels hard, you may stop using the soil compactor and check the area with a level. Remove high points in the soil with the shovel or spade and re-compact those areas.

Fill the trench with a 3-inch-thick layer of gravel. Level and compact the gravel using the soil compactor.

Follow the package directions to mix the ready-mix mortar with water in the emptied wheelbarrow. Use a spade or shovel to thoroughly stir the mortar to a brownie batter consistency.

Lay the first course of brick into place inside the trench. Place the bricks against the outer edge of the trench. Use a trowel to apply mortar to the ends of the bricks and lay each brick end-to-end inside the trench. Smooth the mortar into the joints on the outer, exposed side of the retaining walls. Continue to build up the walls, staggering each new layer of brick until you reach the desired patio height.

Allow the above-grade patio walls to dry for at least one week before back-filling the area inside the walls with gravel. Leave an empty space at the top that measures 2 inches more than the thickness of the patio bricks. Level and compact the gravel layer as described previously.

Cover the gravel layer with a 2-inch layer of sand. Level and compact this sand layer.

Lay the patio bricks into place on top of the sand layer and between the retaining walls. Apply mortar to the sides of the patio bricks and set them into place one at a time. Remove extra mortar from the joints with a jointer tool. Continue until you fill the entire space with patio bricks, then allow a week of drying time before using the patio surface.