Before you start digging a hole for your new patio or walkway, you should do some planning. Taking the time to map out your patio now will ensure satisfaction and enjoyment of your new hardscape. When you are finished designing, check out Laying the Foundation for a Patio or Walkway at Lowes.com/Videos for Part Two of this three-part series. You'll learn the proper way build a strong base for your project. Then, complete the project with Part Three, How to Install a Paver Patio.
Do what you want to do
- There is no right or wrong design for a patio or walkway. It's your house and your yard, so do what you like best.
Determine the size and location
- Think about how you will use the patio.
- If you want a place to entertain friends, consider building a patio near a pool or along the house.
- A quiet retreat for you and your family might include a walkway and small patio near a garden.
- An outdoor barbecue area for summer cookouts would be most functional near your house, so you don't have to walk far for cooking supplies.
- If you already have outdoor furniture that you want to use, design your patio large enough to accommodate it.
Choose your pavers
- Pavers and stepping stones are available in many styles, colors and shapes, from brick pavers to cut stone to natural stone.
Choose a pattern
- Jack-on-Jack and basketweave are two of the easiest patterns to install because there is minimal cutting required.
- Running bond has staggered joints and isn't difficult to install. We used this pattern in our How to Install a Paver Patio video.
- Pinwheel, 90° herringbone and 45° herringbone are more advanced.
- Pick a design that works well with the look of your home.
- A jack-on-jack and running bond pattern work well with a traditional-looking home.
- A pinwheel design adds a great accent to a more contemporary home.
Map out the space
- Before digging, have a professional mark the location of any electrical or gas lines. By dialing 811, you'll be connected to your local utility company for assistance—free of charge.
- Mark off the paving area with nylon mason string and stakes.
- Level the strings with a line level.
- Check the area for square by measuring the diagonals. If they are equal, the area is square. If not, make any necessary adjustments.
- Mark the ground with marking paint.
- Step back and look at the marked area. Make sure that you won't disturb any nearby tree roots when excavating the ground.
- If you are not satisfied, adjust your lines and mark again.
Making curves
- Random curves
- Lay a garden hose on the ground in the desired curved shape.
- Cover the hose with sand.
- Remove the hose to reveal a curve in the sand.
- Radial curves on corners
- Tie a piece of string to a stake that is equidistant from the two adjacent edges.
- Tie the other end of the string to a can of marking paint to form a compass.
- Spray the curve on the corner.
- Look at the area again and make any adjustments.
Determine the amount of pavers and base material you'll need
- Multiply length x width to determine square footage of the area.
- Lowe's has helpful guides to make these calculations for you.
Ask a Lowe's associate for convenient delivery of all your supplies
After you have finished your design, move on to Part Two, Laying the Foundation for a Patio or Walkway at Lowe's Video Center.Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.