How to Extend Porch Space Without Building an Addition

Measure the new patio space carefully. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage. If you are using 12-inch pavers or flagstones and the patio is 144 square feet, you need 144 pavers.

Remove all vegetation and soil to a depth of 8 inches. Compact the soil with a plate compactor.

Rake a 5-inch layer of gravel over the compacted soil. Sprinkle with water and compact with a plate compactor. Check the angle of the compacted gravel with a spirit level. The patio should drop away from the foundation by 1 inch for every 8 feet. This prevents water from standing on the patio or seeping under the house.

Build a border around the patio with 2-by-6-inch boards placed on top of the compacted gravel. Pound stakes into the ground next to the boards. Predrill through the stakes and into the boards, and screw them together. This border will hold the pavers in place.

Rake 3 inches of sand over the compacted gravel. Using the plate compactor, compact the sand.

Place your first row of pavers tightly against the foundation or walk. Add or remove sand under each paver to ensure that the patio is level. Tap each paver into place with a rubber mallet.

Start your second row with a half paver, butted tightly against the first row and the bordering boards. Continue the row by laying full-size pavers until you reach the end of the row. Insert another half paver to finish the second row.

Lay a full-size paver in place to start your third row. Continue alternating full-size and half-size pavers at the beginning of each row to make a running bond pattern.

Run the plate compactor over the entire patio once all the pavers are in place. Sweep sand over the patio with a broom. Run the plate compactor over the patio a second time to settle and compact the sand as well as the pavers.

Sprinkle the patio with water. Add more sand if necessary to finish filling every crack and crevice between the pavers.