If your home’s patio looks like it could benefit from a little design, then incorporating a raised patio is the perfect project to undertake. Plus, incorporating retaining wall blocks will provide extra support and strength. The raised patio is simple and adds functional outdoor space through stairs, curves, and corners.
The Building Process
The first step is deciding where and how you want your raised patio to be. You will then need to excavate the area by removing all of the vegetation and grass and creating a trench. You’ll then need to compact the trench and patio area. Once compacted, there needs to be a drain pipe installed that will alleviate any built up water pressure. This drain pipe should be behind the trench and venting towards the bottom.
Prepping the Base
With the area prepared, the base can be prepared to create the raised patio by taking the following steps:
- Fill the base trench with wall rock and smooth it out
- Ensure that the trench is completely compact and level
- Place the retaining wall blocks at the lowest point first and make sure that they are level and aligned.
- Adjust as needed by filling with coarse sand beneath each block. As you stack the wall, keep an eye on the base so that it remains level.
- Place soil in front of the retaining wall blocks to prevent shifting as the area is compacted and filled.
- As each layer of wall block is placed, fill the back with sand or rock that is easily compacted and won’t settle over time.
With your wall at your desired height, you can now begin to place the patio floor. There are several options to choose such as natural stone, pavers, concrete, or brick that will fit every landscape’s style and design. When you choose the pavement, the backfill may need to be adjusted as needed.
Make sure that the installation of the patio floor is in accordance with the manufacturer instructions so that your wall obtains the best possible result. Remember, the patio will also require a 1% slope to allow drainage. This will also help provide comfort and balance to all patio users.
When your landscaping is in need of a little extra, having a raised patio installed with retaining wall blocks is a good idea. Not only will the raised patio provide added appeal, but can even raise the value of your home. So when you are ready, get in touch today for a consultation.
