Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - raised patio
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jsmith5379
05-14-07, 12:15 PM
I am in the process of putting a raised patio in my backyard. All I want is a defined area for a outdoor dining under a large maple tree, approx. 12'x12'.
My idea is to sink 2x8 pressure treated boards about 4" deep and secure them with rebar and fill the area w/gravel and paving sand and finish w/paving stones, using compacter to set the pavers. Is this practicle? All I find on the web is using interlocking retaining wall stones. Is this an industry ploy to sell interlocking blocks? I realize that stone is more durable than lumber but there are budget restrictions.
Note, I am in Northern Ohio where the winters can be quite cold, so freezing can be a factor.
My idea is to sink 2x8 pressure treated boards about 4" deep and secure them with rebar and fill the area w/gravel and paving sand and finish w/paving stones, using compacter to set the pavers. Is this practicle? All I find on the web is using interlocking retaining wall stones. Is this an industry ploy to sell interlocking blocks? I realize that stone is more durable than lumber but there are budget restrictions.
Note, I am in Northern Ohio where the winters can be quite cold, so freezing can be a factor.
psrs0810
05-30-07, 07:15 PM
How high do you plan on building this raised patio?
Also using a 4" base is absolute minium. 6" would be more ideal since you are in a freezing climate.
I do understand that the pressure treated lumber is more cost efficient, but it is not designed for paver installations.
If you can give me more specs, I can give you better answers.
Also using a 4" base is absolute minium. 6" would be more ideal since you are in a freezing climate.
I do understand that the pressure treated lumber is more cost efficient, but it is not designed for paver installations.
If you can give me more specs, I can give you better answers.
Concretemasonry
05-30-07, 08:22 PM
Your method is recipe for early failure, especially for a raised patio.
As mentioned, more that 4" of base is needed. The ideal cross section consists of 6" of compacted base, a 1" sand setting bed and pavers (usually 80 mm for a patio). Sand should be spread and vibrated between the pavers to provide an interlock.
What you are missing is the restraint that is necessary to keep the pavers stabilized and contained or restrained. Usually, steel, aluminum or plastic edging is set a ground level and spiked in place. This works because you have soil on both sides of the edging. Retaining wall block can be used if you have 2 layers for a patio 4" above the yard, with half of the top layer above grade. You could also pour a 4" wide curb that is about 12-16" high.
In my opinion, your 2x8 spiked with some rebar would not provide the necessary restraint, especially with some soils that could become saturated. The long-term problems with wood are obvious.
If you do not have good restraint, the pavers can separate slightly and rock causing sand to be moved and settlement. Even during the vibration of the pavers, the 2x8s could be forced outward slightly causing an early start toward a failure.
If you fel you have to use wood, move some stable soil so the soil helps to restrain the 2x8 until it rots.
Dick
As mentioned, more that 4" of base is needed. The ideal cross section consists of 6" of compacted base, a 1" sand setting bed and pavers (usually 80 mm for a patio). Sand should be spread and vibrated between the pavers to provide an interlock.
What you are missing is the restraint that is necessary to keep the pavers stabilized and contained or restrained. Usually, steel, aluminum or plastic edging is set a ground level and spiked in place. This works because you have soil on both sides of the edging. Retaining wall block can be used if you have 2 layers for a patio 4" above the yard, with half of the top layer above grade. You could also pour a 4" wide curb that is about 12-16" high.
In my opinion, your 2x8 spiked with some rebar would not provide the necessary restraint, especially with some soils that could become saturated. The long-term problems with wood are obvious.
If you do not have good restraint, the pavers can separate slightly and rock causing sand to be moved and settlement. Even during the vibration of the pavers, the 2x8s could be forced outward slightly causing an early start toward a failure.
If you fel you have to use wood, move some stable soil so the soil helps to restrain the 2x8 until it rots.
Dick
Raised Patio
09-15-07, 04:14 PM
jsmith5379: how well irrigated is your area you have for the building of your raised patio (http://www.raisedpatios.com)