How to Build a Patio Foundation

Building a stone or tile patio is a great way to improve your property's look. To do this you will need to build a patio foundation first. Having a strong foundation for a patio will ensure it lasts for years. Here are steps to take to build a mortarless patio foundation. A mortarless patio is made using compacted sand rather than concrete. 

1. Prepare the site you wish to build your patio. To do this, measure the exact dimensions where you want to place your patio. Mark these dimensions using garden stakes or small flags. Use string to tie between the stakes to mark the shape of your patio. 

2. Dig out the soil inside your marking to about six or seven inches in depth. Use a garden hose to soak down the area once it is dug out, then pat the soil down using a tamping tool or shovel. To make sure the ground is even you can lay a sheet of plywood over the foundation and use a level to make sure it's straight.

3. Cover the patio foundation with landscape sheeting. This will prevent weeds from growing.

4. Pour gravel on top of your trench. A gravel with rough edges is best for this because it makes the gravel more compact. Compacting the gravel to about four inches in depth is ideal. This can be done using a gravel compactor. Doing this prevents shifting and cracking. 

 5. Place play sand on top of the gravel, then use a rake to even out and smooth the surface of the foundation. The sand base should be compacted to about two or three inches in depth. 

6. Put a border around the edge of the patio. Make sure it's sunk tight into the ground to prevent weeds and grass from coming up. Now that your patio foundation is laid, you can place your preferred surface on top.