One of the best ideas to make your yard stand out is a well-designed patio. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also enables you to get more use out of the space by providing a space for patio furniture and fire pits!
Among the different types of patios you could choose from, gravel patios are a great choice because they look unique and are simple to set up yourself. While you can always choose to contact a professional, it is pretty easy to set up your gravel patio with quality landscape supplies in Calgary.
Professional or DIY Gravel Patio?
It might seem like a good idea to choose a professional landscaper for most projects. There are undoubtedly several pros to getting a professional, such as faster speed, less work for you and even less running around with materials and tools. But this type of patio is simple to DIY, and it costs significantly more to have done by a contractor. Depending on the type of gravel you choose, and if you require delivery, you could easily prepare your patio for just a few hundred dollars!
How to Build a Gravel Patio
Building a gravel patio is relatively simple. There are just a few steps that you need to follow to ensure a successful installation, such as:
Decide on Location
The first step is to figure out exactly where you want your gravel patio to be. It needs to be installed somewhere where you won’t have to get rid of your existing plants and can still provide aesthetic value plus a nice view of the rest of the yard.
Prepare the Foundation
Next, you need to begin digging deep enough to accommodate 4-6 inches of gravel. This will depend on the size of gravel you use; larger-sized gravel will need a bit more depth. Also, keep in mind, the more topsoil you remove, the less settling you will experience. If you don’t go deep enough, you could end up with bare patches from foot traffic or moving patio furniture around. Depending on the location, you may want to consider landscape edging to separate the gravel and ensure it doesn’t spill into the lawn or garden.
Landscaping Fabric
Once the foundation is prepared, you need to spread the landscape fabric throughout your patio area. This will ensure you are not constantly battling weeds! Keep some excess fabric on the sides as you will need some extra slack for the weight of the rock.
Adding the Gravel
Finally, it is time to add the gravel; you can choose washed rock, pea gravel or even decorative rock for added aesthetic. Spread it gently and evenly throughout the area that you want your patio to cover. Once you are done, use a rake to help level it out and tamp it down with something flat to prevent settling.
Decorating the Patio
Your gravel patio is finally ready, and it is time for customization. You might want to add some potted plants, or maybe some lawn chairs on your patio. Now you can sit down, admire the result of your work and enjoy!
