Garden Advice

How to Build a Raised Patio

Fantastic Team
Published: May 25/2021
Last update: Jul 11/2024
7min read
Views: 10,591

A raised patio can be the secret trick up your sleeve for any green space that is not completely flat. With a small or a large garden, there are many raised patio designs that can help structure the area. Whether you have already decided on the when and where of building a raised patio or are still considering your options, this article is for you.

So, if you are someone who:

Have a sloped garden and want to establish several levels;
Want to create an outside area that is low maintenance;
Have a small garden that you want to use to the fullest;
Have a large garden and you want to section it off;

Or have any other similar idea in mind, then read on.

How to build a raised patio

Building a raised patio can be an easy task when you know the main steps of the process. Before you commit to anything, it is very important to think about the main reason for and use of the patio. Then you can decide how big it should be and where to locate it. Once that is done, you can proceed with the below steps:

Step 1. Clear the area

Before you do anything, you will have to remove any debris, larger rocks, vegetation and clutter.

Step 2. Mark the area

Use stakes or anything else available to mark your area. If you are planning on a curved patio, a good idea would be to use a garden hose or a thicker rope to mark the line of the shape you envision. Once this is done, you will have a clear idea on how the space will look and its size. And when you know the size, you can also properly estimate the budget for the job.

Step 3. Plan the height

Most patios are usually adjacent to the house. If this is your case, make sure the house floor and your patio floor are on the same level to achieve continuity going in or out. But of course, the patio can also connect to the home with steps, or be anywhere else in the garden, unrelated to the house floor level.

Step 4. Dig a trench

Your patio will need a retaining wall, so you must prepare properly for it. Dig a trench with square corners and enough depth to support the wall. Then level and compact the bottom, using a piece of wood.

Step 5. Ensure your patio is waterproof

To make it damp-proof, cover the trench and the patio base with a landscaping fabric. Then, place on top some rocks and sand (concrete will work, too) to create a leveled horizontal surface.

Step 6. Retaining wall

The wall that surrounds and holds the raised patio in place should be strong and stable. That is why the first course of bricks is vital to the integrity of the entire wall. Once that is properly done, continue up to the desired height. Finally, you can seal the bricks.

Step 7.Pave your patio

Start installing the patio pavers from the retaining wall inwards. If you have used sand for the base, make sure to not disrupt it too much.

Step 8. Pointing the pavers

Finalise your project by filling the gaps between the pavers with sand. Spread out some fine-grained sand and sweep it to fill the areas between the pavers.

These are the main steps to building a raised patio. But there are several patio varieties you can go for, depending on your area and personal choice.

Raised patio on a slope
Raised concrete patio
Raised brick patio

Depending on which option is the best for you, different materials may be required. Either way, make sure to plan for a few days’ work in dry weather.

How to build a raised patio on a slope

A raised patio on a slope is a great idea to create several levels in your garden and maximise the space you have available. Think carefully about the sections you would like to establish and the size of each one. When planning for a patio on a slope it is best not to extend it past 15 feet. When it is more than that, the structure is often too difficult to hold, and it may only last a few years.

When you have a sloped garden, you will need to spend a bit more on the preparation part. After sectioning the desired area with stakes, it is time to level the area. Depending on which end of the slope the patio will be, you will have to either add soil or remove some.

Apart from professional equipment, you can also use a makeshift level by tying a string between two stakes and keeping the soil level just under it. After that, proceed with the main steps, we’ve described above.

How to build a raised concrete patio

A concrete patio is the next best thing if you are looking for something different than patio pavers. Follow the initial steps up to step 6. Then it is time to establish a solid base, so the concrete does not crack:

Establish a solid base – Lay a level of crushed stones or rocks.
Reinforce the concrete – Establish a rebar grid – this will hold the concrete together.

Once that is done and your concrete is mixed it is time to get creative. If you want a simple concrete patio, proceed with the instructions on your concrete mixture. But if you are looking to change things up, there are some interesting options you may want to consider:

Establish a solid base – Lay a level of crushed stones or rocks.
Reinforce the concrete – Establish a rebar grid – this will hold the concrete together.
Concrete forms – There are different forms available that you can install and then pour the mixture in. Once the concrete is set, you can remove them.
Concrete powdered dye – You do not have to stick to grey if you do not want to. Once the concrete is poured over the area, spread the dye dust lightly. Then, using a concrete floater and gloves, smooth the tint over the area.
Textured concrete – There are many options available for creating textured concrete by simply adding some mineral salt into the mixture.

Once you have chosen your concrete design, make sure to follow the instructions on your concrete mixture until it fully sets.

How to build a raised brick patio

Apart from pavers and concrete, another suitable option for your patio is using bricks. Follow the main instructions up to step 7. Once you are done with the base, it is time to lay the bricks. Carefully consider how many you will need and the pattern you will lay them in.

Make sure to start arranging the bricks from the retainer wall inwards. Once the bricks are laid, you can brush out fine-grained sand over them to fill the gaps between. This will keep grass and weeds from growing in between and keep your patio easy to maintain.

Contact professionals!

If this sounds easy on paper but challenging in practice, then it may be best to consider hiring a specialist. We will be happy to assist you with the entire project! Fantastic Services offers professional paving services, designed to enhance your green space in a unique and creative way.

Share your vision and leave all the hard work to the professionals. This will save you the time of doing the work yourself, as well as shopping time for materials and hiring any specialists’ tools and equipment. Get one step closer to your dream garden space and arrange your service now.

Need a professional?

Get in touch with us and request your gardening professional today.

Takeaways

Creating a raised patio is a good hardscaping option for uneven terrains.
Preparation of the ground is key to successful results.
You can use various materials for building your raised patio (pavers, bricks, concrete, etc.).
If you’re not the best of DIY-ers, then don’t struggle, but resort to professional assistance!