Installation Instructions

To begin, make a drawing of the existing area you want to put
your patio; noting any existing trees, planting beds or decks it
needs to be tied in with. Be sure to measure everything. Use
a straight, 16' 2×4 with a 4' level on it and a tape measure to
get a rough idea of how much the yard slopes (note that on
the drawing too). With the drawing and measurements, use
the Landscaping Estimator on Menards.com to lay out a few
different designs. (Image 1)
Remember these helpful tips:
-Patios must have a slight slope (1" for every
4' to 8') for proper drainage. If you don’t provide enough
slope, rainwater will settle into low spots, eventually
softening and washing out the sand and subbase
materials beneath. A flat or poorly sloped patio could
even direct water into your basement. Too much slope
and it will feel like things are rolling off your patio. Bear in
mind you can build up low spots with an extra-thick layer of
subbase.
-Ask yourself how you’ll be using your patio. A minimum of 25
sq. ft. of patio per house occupant is recommended. A patio
at least 16' long in one direction is often the most functional.
Plan for at least a 6' × 6' area out of any traffic path for
a dining table and chairs. Do you need space for a grill?
Lounge Chairs? A wading pool? Planters? Hopscotch? Sketch
these on you tracing paper as well.
-In small areas, use simple pavers and patterns (like the
running bond). In large areas, you can break up the expanse
with a variety of patterns or dividing bands.
-Curves add interest and grace to the patio-but also a lot more
cutting and extra work.
Pavers, Materials and Tools
When ordering pavers, estimate the square footage of your
patio, then add 10%. If you have a lot of curves, borders or
half pavers add 15% extra. This allows for damaged pavers
and provides extra ones for future repairs.
Use plastic edger to outline the perimeter and hold everything
in place.
Paver Base, available at your local Menards, is the perfect
subbase material. Each ½ cu. ft. bag will cover 3 sq. ft. at a 2"
depth. Paver leveling sand and paver locking sand will also be
necessary for completion of your project.
For tools, you’ll use everyday hammers, levels and tape
measures as well as larger tools, such as a flat-plate vibrator
and a masonry saw.
Planning and Layout
The first thing you should think about is where the last paver
will wind up. Will your yard accommodate the slope and size
of your patio? Will a square patio end in nice, full pavers or
skinny little slivers?
With your plan in hand, lay down garden hose and 2×4s to
form an outline of your patio (Image 2).
SCALE DRAWING
Outline the patio perimeter using a
garden hose to indicate curved areas
and long 2x4s for straight sections.
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PATIO AND SIDEWALK INSTALLATION
TUMBLED BELGIAN