DIY Concrete Paver Patio | From Beginning To End!

If you are interested in learning how to install a concrete paver patio, check this video out to understand the basics of quality paver installations. Enjoy the video and feel free to comment with questions and feedback!
#patio #diyprojects #pavers #landscapeconstruction #hardscape #landscaping #concrete

[@annhodge9952]

Of course this turned out beautifully! Not only did you install a beautiful patio for the homeowner but you replaced that horrible step and made sure the rain water would not damage the siding causing future problems!! Such great work! It's a small space, but the patio creates a nice area for the homeowner.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! I always try to cover as many issues as I can when doing installs like this. Unfortunately, not all people do… like the guy who built the original steps… 🤣✌🏻

[@ivanfreely6366]

Nicely done. Thank you for putting in the effort in making this video. Mentioning the concrete edging as opposed to the plastic one was very helpful.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, thanks for the support. Concrete is a much better paver restraint than plastic edging in my opinion. ✌

[@victorfebo2672]

So beautiful work to only have it for 8X12! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much, quality is always key. even in the small applications. ✌

[@Sierrabuildco]

Thanks for sharing brother! Great video! 🙌

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it! ✌

[@nadovidaich2364]

Awesome job!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌

[@gerritmelein427]

Nice work, I do the same edge restraint also. Easy and effective.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It certainly is, got to keep it simple 👍🏻

[@ChickenFarmerMA]

Ha. So I'm researching for a patio. Your stuff comes up and I watched one about a concrete edging first. Then go to the channel, then this one and see the company name. I knew that was a MA accent but you're right around the corner!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Nice! Its very cool that local people are finding the channel! Warren Landscaping is my cousins company, I do some Sub-Contracting for him. I hope the videos are helping with your research! ✌

[@KenMrKLC]

For all you paver guys out there….. THIS is a very good example of why you shouldn’t just charge by sq foot… in this example it’s a very little amount of square feet but lots of prep labor and intricate work irrigation pipe, small area etc. nice job my dude

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Well said, your are 100% correct. Every project is far different and needs to be priced accordingly. Thanks for the feedback brother! ✌

[@natedog2508]

Great Job on the Patio! Hope they check that AC unit and get it cleaned all that dust just went into it.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, and unfortunately with the dust, I figured it would be better than hooking up water and covering it in paste… the lesser of 2 evils I guess ✌🏻

[@skilledhands8198]

Amazing skills!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌🏻

[@juliet839]

Excellent job 🥇🥇🥇👏

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you!

[@mikecaron1507]

I just recently installed some granite steps with a paver lentil for the bottom step. It creates a true 7" rise off of the patio or walkway. It could even make the second step up to the back slider more equal with the bottom step next time. Nonetheless great videos man! Keep it up!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Very good idea, I will have to give that a shot next time ✌🏻

[@lucianojimenez90]

Very good job 👍🏼

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks ✌🏻

[@yvonnegibson5304]

Great job! I'm going to try this for a small space in the back of my yard! Mines will be smaller than a 10x10 Lol

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! Good luck with the project, it’s a blast building things like this and then be able to look back at what you built. Very fulfilling 👍🏻

[@squeekhobby4571]

Very well made

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you ✌🏻

[@fabricioalmeida348]

Hi buddy nice work 👏👏👏

[@garyfederico8533]

nice work !

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! ✌

[@steved.5628]

That original step looks like a typical builder special

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It certainly was man! 🤣✌🏻

[@alexramos323]

Great content

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌🏻

[@AnderCoServices]

Awesome videos. Will you do a video on pricing jobs for new Hardscapers and stuff to look out for

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks! I might have an estimating video coming in a week ✌🏻

[@theOriginalRadar]

another informative video, thanks! Content-wise it's pretty good but production-wise I'd recommend you'd a) get a mic and b) put some time into post-production editing to balance out the sound levels. The music is much louder than your voice and it cuts out rather than fades gently. Love the channel, really fun to watch!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback brother! I am about 4 months into my video editing career and after the 1st couple months, I really started learning more on the post production work. Most of my newer videos have much better sound transitions and sound balance. Most of these original videos I made could certainly have been better, but unfortunately I can't go back through them all again. And I DEFINITELY need a new mic for voice overs, the one I have is not good at all.... I appreciate the comments and feedback, its all about getting better, little by little! ✌

[@regulardude2011]

Haven’t watched the video yet, but I’m sure it’s gonna turn out great

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌

[@fidodidojohn]

Nice work! Love all your videos. I just did an install of a patio at my home after watching this. Turned out great! For the area where the stone is, is there also concrete edging under the stone? Where mine stops there is only a 4 inch gap to the home's foundation that I was going to fill with the 1/4 chip. Would that hold enough or would I need the concrete edging there as well? Keep up the great work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! That is really cool to hear, I'm glad the videos helped! You can certainly put chip in that gap or even a decorative stone if you want because you have the room with 4 inches. ✌

[@joseplatas1044]

Great job! It looks awesome. I wanted to ask you for your opinion on how many concrete bags do you need to do the edging of a 10x10 patio? I try to look online but I didn't have much luck.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

You will probably need a little over 2 full 80lb bags, 3 to be safe… ✌🏻

[@fabricioalmeida348]

What is the border you used? And is this the granite city from nicolock??looks great

[@michaeljuliano2869]

You’ve inspired me to give this a go. Looks great. What edge restraint would you recommend for 20mm porcelain pavers? I was thinking a perimeter of concrete blocks under the paver, glue the paver to the block then cement restraint as per video…..thoughts?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

That's awesome to hear! I would recommend the same edge restraint process as shown in the video. Some time soon I will be making a video on how I install the concrete edge restraint in more detail. But just laying the porcelain pavers on the bedding stone and concreting the edges the correct way, you will be all set. Good luck!✌

[@nikolasvel]

Dude, you are awesome. I am following your advice and trying to DIY my own patio. I developed low spots "waves" in my finished base layer that I am hoping to make up with the 3/8" stone while screeding to grade. Do you think if i need more than 2 inches of 3/8" stone to screed in those low spots I should try and add some 3/4" stone first.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, glad the videos have been helpful. I try not to have anything more than 1.5 inches of chip stone. If it is more than that, definitely add 3/4 stone to the low spots and compact.

[@jabirahmed8090]

Question would you need some type of French drain near the foundation of the house??

[@johnwealthy6044]

Beautiful work!! I’m sure you must have covered this in another video but I have a clay soil and about to put the base down. What geotextile is best suited for clay soils?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. Here is a video I made about clay sub soil 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3LHmZZ-gJqlrZY

[@LVCMS]

Great job. I am on week 2 of my DIY paver patio. Lots to be said for experience, mine still doesn't look half as good for 200 sq feet. Funny how experience works.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, I have done a lot of paver installs..... practice makes perfect man, it is very cool you had the confidence to give it a shot. There is something satisfying about being able to look back at something you build like that. ✌

[@LVCMS]

@@TheChristianHardscaper I wish I could get someone in to do it but everyone is like six months out

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@LVCMS I believe it, I am about 3-4 months out myself... there is a high demand for this work right now and not many people doing this work right now...

[@bebejesisoto]

Do you guys do driveways? Im located in worcester Ma this is so exciting to see a local doing his thing on YT, not many ppl show their work or process your gonna do amazing.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you very much! We do install paver driveways also. I’m glad local people are finding the channel! 👍🏻

[@bebejesisoto]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Your welcome best of luck with your channel 👍

[@marshallkirkmanmusic]

Very nice 🤙 Do you tamp the sand setting it into the joints after the concrete is cured? Does this cause any problems with the edge pavers that are binding to the concrete?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I do it either at the same time so the concrete is still wet, or after its hardened. At which point you just need to be easier around the edges. Even if the bond breaks a little, the concrete will still be there to hold it all back. ✌

[@user-lb4sm2un7j]

What types of adhesive to jointing cap is it strong as cement sir

[@alexramos323]

Subscribed

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks!

[@victordepatto5593]

Thanks for the last reply. Just one more question. Is the 3/4 inch crushed stone for the base, clean, or is it like a shoulder stone with dust in it? In the video it looks clean. What do you recommend? Thank you again.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes, it is clean crushed stone. Also known as open grade base. I recently made a video that explains my backfill method in depth. I really recommend watching it if your planning a project of your own. Here is the link to that video👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4TSmmZ7fsSSiMU

[@marioramirez41]

I'm watching your video and I have a question about the video I have patio where did you buy your pavers patio

[@gbj6581]

Nice job. Question for you. When you cut the pavers with that blade at the end, i see you did it near the door side. Does it matter which side the cut pavers go. Meaning would it go on the other short end near the garden side or is it not noticable.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, as long as your cut pieces are not to small... they blend in pretty well either place. In this situation, I figured on the back side of the patio would be best ✌

[@gbj6581]

@@TheChristianHardscaper gotcha. Cool thanks for the info 👍

[@JP-vq7wg]

Great work! Which concrete brand do you use for your edging? Does it have fiberglass? I live in the Philadelphia area and looking to have my driveway done with pavers. The contractor I spoke with said he uses open aggregate like you but uses plastic edging with spikes. He said he will use concrete if I want him to. Thank you.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! I typically just use a regular bagged concrete mix like Quikrete or Sakrete (80lb bags). And I would definitely recommend the concrete over plastic edging, especially with open grade base because the spikes do not hold well in loose aggregate. Good luck with the project!

[@mrosas2403]

Do you have a video on how you level the pitch water to run ? I’m having a hard time understanding on how to do that ? I’ve read that for every 8ft it’s supposed to have a 1’ drop but you say 1/8 for water to run Also at what point to do lever for the pitch of water at 3/4 crush stone ?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Yes I do I have a couple videos on how to set up the screed rails. The 1/8 of a pitch rule is when the bubble of your level just touches either line on the sides of the bubble. We say 1/8 because it represents about a 1 inch slope per 8 ft. ✌🏻

[@mitchbosworth2404]

Great work. I particularly like the step. Would you mind telling me about what you charge for this?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, the step is very nice. Solid (Grey) Granite. This job would typically cost between $3000-$4000

[@keithrayeski6417]

Awesome transformation!!! Hey, is the whole world venting radon gas?!?!😖 See those monstrosities of vent systems everywhere now! Great marketing!!😎🤣

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks, and yes, they are certainly going in like crazy around here... Not very pleasing on the eyes at all... LOL 🤣✌

[@sal6830]

Hi another great job and video. For some reason I find it relaxing lol quick question. When doing a large paver patio roughly 980sq ft how do you know to go with small or large pavers? Is there any pros and con? Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey there, glad to hear the videos are relaxing for you. I try to make them that way. A large patio is easier to build with larger pavers. They are heavier and tougher to lay but you can get more sq footage done in a shorter time than small pavers. They also have less of a chance to sink or shift. I usually recommend the bigger pavers for large areas for that reason but also because small pavers in a large space can look too busy with too many joint lines... I hope that helps, good luck with your project! ✌

[@sal6830]

@@TheChristianHardscaperwould you use the large ones for the walkway if the walkway will be 5ft wide or use the smaller ones for the walkway? Thanks for your reply to my earlier question.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I would match the walkway pavers to whatever I choose for the patio and vise versa... Bigger pavers don't look bad on a walkway but small pavers in a large area looks busy in my opinion...

[@patton3509]

I just demolished my 7x7 concrete patio that was tilting towards the house. Now there's sizable pit where it was. My plan is to put a 12x13 paved patio at the same spot...Do I fill it with dirt and then gravel? How many inches should the top of the dirt layer be from the shingle? Thanks for all your videos they are so helpful. I've never done any hardscaping in my life and this is overwhelming 😧

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

On typical paver installs, you want to be excavated down 8-10 inches from where the top of the proposed patio / walkway will be. Leaving 5-8 inches of stone backfill material and 2-3 inches for the paver thickness. Check out this playlist right here for an entire patio install from beginning to end with much more detailed information 👉kzbin.info/aero/PLo6xdtKoDxWbYjsOpGsFjTau4U3YDuOmc

[@user-vf3ll1xt6s]

Do you worry about the imperfections with chip stone like you would with sand or does it not matter too much bc its all stone?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Correct, you don't have to worry too much about imperfections. Once you set the pavers, you can hammer them into place to get them where you want them to be. ✌

[@garywood7263]

What is the name of the grey paver and the edge paver?

[@neverrestboxinggym]

Looks real good. Why is it that you guys tend to pick up your own materials? Have you thought if it would be cheaper to have it delivered (gas to pick it up, labor to pick it up, wear and tear on equipment, etc) I just figured it’s cheaper for me to get it delivered and add it on to the cost of the job.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you! And as far as deliveries, I actually have my pavers, wall block, etc... delivered quite often. I think it is a great thing to take advantage of. That being said, some of these smaller jobs where it is 2-3 pallets of material, we can easily grab it on the way to the job and save $200-$300 for delivery. But I know what your saying and I totally agree how helpful and cost effective getting the material delivered to you is for a medium to large job. 👍

[@michaelking3206]

What paver joint did you use? Looking to do a DIY paver patio myself using this system.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

We used (Slate Grey) colored Polymeric sand from (Alliance). There are a lot of different polymeric sand manufacturers though, whatever you can find in your area. I have a few videos on how to install it on my channel, check them out if you want more info ✌

[@clulessable]

Do I see 2 four way junctions in a row at 18:44? On the soldier course. Just giving you ****! I know how you frown on them. And, for good reason. Anyways, beautiful job. Love your channel. Keep up the excellent work.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

🤣 You certainly did... LOL most times that will happen on the border. Good eyes though! ✌

[@victordepatto5593]

I noticed you don’t plate tamp once it’s all laid out and finished. Can I just use a rubber mallet or use the hand tamp lightly as I saw you do in this video

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I tamp the pavers once I have swept in the first layer of polymeric sand. That settles the pavers into the bedding stone and also settles the sand into the joints. Then I sweep more polymeric sand into the joints, blow off the excess and water it down. ✌

[@patton3509]

Shouldn't there be a gap between the top of the paver and the bottom of the siding? I've been told it needs to be minimum 6"? It's a confusing topic bc I've seen 2", 3" or none.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It all depends on the situation, there is no code for that here but ideally you want to stay below the siding a few inches. This situation didn’t allow it….✌🏻

[@domilion2008]

Is that concrete (cement with aggregates) or mortar mix (cement with sand)?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Its concrete, mortar just isn't strong enough to hold the edge in ✌

[@lokionthelowkey9664]

If you dont mind- have several questions my apologies- is there a way to reach you to send u a few photos(email maybe)? it be so greatly appreciated- such as: 1). does the concrete edging go around the entire patio? reason I ask is I didn't notice any placed on side closest to the house ( for a diff scenario, would the edging still need to be placed on the edge right near a fence? or just on the other sides that arent right near a fence?.. 2). does soil have to go over completed edging? or what else can go over it to cover the edging? or does it need to be covered at all? do u wait a few hrs or a day to put anything over the edging? 3). do we need to figure out a pitch? to me thats probably the most challenging part of this project. for my back yard we are doing patio for 3 small light weight Metal garden sheds which have no flooring to them bikes will be stored inside & trash cans.. 2 of the sheds are 6x4ft & the other is 5x3 which will be placed in the middle, we figure we will line them near our back fence.. the over all back yard space is small, we live in a city with neighbors in close proximity on 3 sides and street in front. the back yard space to work with is only about 34 ft x13ft - so as for now We've figured a space of 25ft by 6ft, its going to have very little foot traffic on ocassion- No cars or anything heavy.. we are NEW at this having not much knowledge- only just reading and watching videos.. we were going to use 12x12 concrete pavers and instead of sand deciding on the crushed stone, & using it between 1.5 inches in between each 12x12 paver.. 4.) keeping this as affordable as we can, how deep do u recommend we dig? 5.)how many inches do we lay of pea gravel and then how much of the crushed stone on top of the cloth? ty so much

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Hey there, so I have quite a few videos on my channel that can answer those questions. Here is a video that goes through the base prep in detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs Here is a detailed video of setting screed rails and screeding 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHvZepVmatKgfdk

[@lokionthelowkey9664]

Thank You@@TheChristianHardscaper

[@adrianlouviere7650]

Very nice job and content. My free 2 cents. Cut the music volume and add a consistent voice volume. Thanks

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you. I totally agree on the music and voice overs. This was one of my first videos and I have learned alot about video editing since then...LOL ✌

[@Justforall7]

Nice job buddy. How much a project like this cost?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, a patio this size can cost between $4,000 - $6,000

[@gary24752]

Does the grass grow over the concrete edging or does it end up burning or turning brown once it gets hot? You should have put down plywood to run the loader on instead of running on the grass. You just compacted the snot out of the soil. How slippery is the granite step when wet?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the wonderful comment ✌ Depending on how you install the concrete edging the grass will grow well. In a hot period of the year with lack of water, yes the grass will probably die 1-2 inches out from the concrete. But what I always tell people about that is, what is more important, the grass growing right up against the pavers? or is it more important for the patio / walkway you are installing to be locked in tight to prevent the edges from sinking in 2 years like they do when you install plastic edging? There are other options to border your patio than just grass, mulch beds and stone aprons are what I recommend most of the time. And there is no way you could have laid that much plywood down (300 feet) and still make money. It is cheaper to repair lawn damage in certain areas than wasting time and resources on so much plywood. The customer was extremely happy and the grass grew. The Granite step has a thermal textured top to prevent it from being to slippery. These are very common steps, installed all over the place. They are a lot less slippery than painted wood and way less slippery than the Trex (plastic) material... ✌

[@gary24752]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Wouldn't the cost of the plywood be spread out over a number of years before it would have to be replaced?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@gary24752 maybe the cost of the plywood itself, but not all the labor that goes into laying it down and picking it up... Don't get me wrong, If I only need 8 pieces or less to insure no damage, I would. But real long travels like this, it makes more sense to fix the lawn damage then lay plywood.

[@gary24752]

@@TheChristianHardscaper Grass will not grow properly on compacted soil. If you don't fix the compaction, the grass will never reestablish itself as the roots will never go deep like they are supposed to do, The soil will not air out unless you at least core it. What is the labor for rototilling, leveling, fertilizing, seeding and mulching?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I agree that it is not the greatest thing for the grass, but you need a heavy machine to install things like thing. Lawn damage is a cost of business when it comes to hardscape installs. Laying plywood still mattes down the grass and compacts the soil too. On hot days, plywood can really hurt it, especially if it is there for 2 or more days...

[@studio463]

How deep do you have to dig before any layers?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

10-12 inches. Here is a link to a video I made which explains the process in much more detail 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZnEe5hpf9Z3bKs

[@gletap6774]

Hi Christian. Can you do my walkway. I live in Toronto.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

✌ I wish I could! But from Massachusetts, that would be a long commute...🤣

[@eaglei1849]

Hi Gleta, i know a company who works like these boys do and have done work at our house in the Toronto area. Let me know if you still need someone

[@zonic1456]

What's the edging paver used on this project.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

The pavers were made by (UniLock). Not sure the exact style pavers though honestly. I only installed them, forgot to get the info on them. 1st time I ever used them.

[@zonic1456]

@@TheChristianHardscaper they look really nice. What are some of the pavers your recommend for borders?

[@ericrohrabaugh8727]

Do you charge per sq ft or more of time and material time of quoting?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I almost never charge per sq ft.... Every job is just so different. I always estimate based on how I envision completing the job. So yea, time and material is the way to go. But don't forget overhead. You need to factor in what it costs to run your business. Equipment costs, insurance costs, fuel, etc... That stuff should not come from your labor charges. That should be separate.

[@ericrohrabaugh8727]

@@TheChristianHardscaper awesome, thank you and good work!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@ericrohrabaugh8727 No problem, thank you! ✌

[@RandomDudeOne]

So it is possible to do a good job without using a power compactor? Rather not have to rent one of those beasts if I don't have to.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It absolutely is, small applications like this can definitely be done with a hand tamper. We tamp the thin layer of stone under the fabric into the sub soil, lay the fabric, backfill on top of that and tamp once more when you get to desired height. Also, this only works if you use (3/4 inch, clean, crushed stone) this will not work for dense grade / gravel base with sand / stone dust bedding material. ✌

[@thedrake007]

Have you ever done a video on how you charge?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

I haven't yet. I focus mainly on how I build. I have had multiple requests for that kind of video though, I will probably do a video or 2 on that this year sometime but I really have to plan it out so it can come across the right way. ✌

[@thedrake007]

@@TheChristianHardscaper we are in Tulsa Ok and are expanding our business into patios and retaining walls. Thank you for your videos, they have been extremely helpful. We have our first Homa and Garden show next weekend and are unvailing these products. God bless you sir!

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

@@thedrake007 Oh nice! Thanks for that feedback, I'm glad the videos have been helpful. Good luck at the show, I hope the new business venture works well for you. God Bless!

[@e4d578]

why is the patio so small?

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

This was in a condo community and they regulate the size. That is the largest size the customer was allowed to make it.

[@abrahamsanchez496]

Great job I will recommend you 100% to wear a dust mask to protect your lungs buddy .

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thank you, and I hear you for sure. I don't wear them as much as I should. ✌

[@jorgemartinez724]

0:36 0:38

[@Nephew075]

7:46 beat name????

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

It's called "CaHoots" I have it licensed from Epidemic Sound ✌

[@ncooty]

I've got to say, that last course was ugly, and right where they'll see it every time they go in or out. If you'd started at the most visually important spot (the door), you could've ended with a full paver on the other end. And if I were the neighbor whose yard you destroyed (and compacted), I wouldn't be happy with just some grass seed. You could've put down pads for that mini-skid or limited your trips (and priced that in) versus destroying somebody else's turf.

[@TheChristianHardscaper]

Thanks for the feedback, but I disagree on the last coarse being ugly.... I decided to start in the corner by the step, laid out just fine. The cuts were more than half pieces so I was fine with it. And as far as the lawn damage, that is the cost of this business. There is no way that i am laying out $1000.00 of plywood or $3000.00 of rubber mats to do this job. That is silly. Also, the grass grew in just fine ✌