Making a Garden Patio Out of Concrete Squares

Select a patio site. Allow for drainage by selecting a site that drains away from the foundation. Before starting your project, it is important that you mark all underground pipes and wires. Call your local gas and electric companies to assist you.

Stake out the area with stakes and strings. Remove the top 6 inches of soil from the staked area. This will allow room to install the base material, sand and the concrete squares.

Lay down the landscape fabric, followed by a layer of gravel. Smooth the gravel surface with a metal rake. Then spread at least 1 inch of builder's sand on top of the gravel. To ensure the sand is level, drag the 2x4 across the surface.

Compact the sand's surface with the hand tamper. Tap the outside area of the patio twice with tamper and then tap the entire area again to ensure the sand is compacted. For a larger area, consider using an electric compacter to speed up the process.

Position the concrete squares on top of the builder's sand. Continue laying the concrete squares while periodically checking that the surface is level. If it is not, tap with a rubber mallet until it becomes level. Lay the pavers until the entire area is complete.

Spread builder's sand across the entire area and ensure the space is filled between the concrete squares. Sweep the surface with a broom to settle sand between the cracks. Spray the entire area with water to ensure it is settled and compacted.