The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Our dream DIY paver patio is officially complete, transforming our backyard into a stunning and functional outdoor oasis. After weeks of hard work, dedication, and a fair share of muscle aches, the sense of accomplishment is truly exhilarating. We’ve not only created a beautiful extension of our home but also a perfect space for family gatherings, quiet relaxation, and playful adventures.
With a deep breath and feeling slowly returning to my weary muscles, I’m back to share the thrilling conclusion of our patio-building saga. You might recall where we left off: with me, admittedly a bit (or a lot) exhausted, sprawled out on the almost-laid pavers late on a Friday night, dreaming of the finish line. The journey was arduous, but the vision of a completed outdoor living space kept us motivated through every cut and every bag of sand.
As many of you know from Sherry’s recent Mother’s Day post, we wisely decided to take Saturday off. This much-needed break allowed us to recharge, spend quality family time together, and kick off Mother’s Day celebrations a little early. However, the brief respite from the physical demands of patio installation seemed to make me forget the sheer effort involved in each subsequent step. What I optimistically planned as an “hour or two” to finish cutting the pavers around the edges quickly spiraled into a grueling “seven or eight” hour marathon.
Let me elaborate on the paver cutting process to illustrate why this final stage proved so time-consuming and challenging. Building a patio with elegant, curved edges, like ours, inherently demands a significant number of intricate cuts. I was fully aware of this going in, but my lingering confidence from a successful bathroom tiling project years ago had me feeling ready to tackle this more-than-beginner-level design. I genuinely believed I was prepared for the nuances of creating a beautifully shaped outdoor paver patio.
To achieve precise cuts for the curved perimeter of our DIY paver patio, I followed a meticulous marking strategy. First, I carefully positioned each full paver stone against the existing border pavers, often referred to as a “soldier course,” ensuring it aligned perfectly with the intended curve. Then, using a sharp pencil, I marked the exact area that overlapped the border. This ensured that each cut would seamlessly integrate with the soldier course, creating a polished and professional finish for our outdoor living space.
For the actual cutting, I relied on my trusted “brother-from-an-inanimate-object-mother”: the wet saw. This particular tool and I developed quite a bond during our initial bathroom renovation project in our first home. Back then, it felt like an indispensable ally. However, after the recent whirlwind of paver patio craziness, our relationship has become, shall we say, a bit strained. We’re certainly not as “chummy” as we once were; the honeymoon phase is definitely over after this intense outdoor project.
In fairness, it wasn’t entirely the wet saw’s fault. The primary issue was that this specific model, a budget-friendly loaner from my dad (who bought it for a modest $99), wasn’t quite designed for the demanding task of cutting through the thick 2.5-inch pavers we chose for our patio. Investing $700 in a heavy-duty, professional-grade wet saw wasn’t in our “bursting patio budget,” so I decided to make do with what we had. This meant each paver required at least two cuts: one from the top, and then another from the flipped-over side to complete the separation. For some particularly long or awkward cuts, I even had to make up to four passes, repositioning the paver multiple times because part of the machine’s frame obstructed the full stone from sliding through. And even after these multiple cuts, a stubborn middle section often remained uncut, necessitating a quick chisel-like maneuver with a hammer and screwdriver to finally break the paver apart. This tedious, multi-step process for each stone significantly contributed to the extended timeline of our DIY paver patio project.
Consider this: with two to four cuts required for each paver, and over 50 stones needing trimming for our curved backyard patio, it quickly becomes clear why my “hour or two” estimate ballooned into an entire day. By the third hour, that $700 “big daddy” wet saw was looking incredibly appealing, a worthy investment for its efficiency and power. However, ever the frugal DIYer, I persevered with the borrowed, free option. Once a paver was cut (and assuming my accuracy, which wasn’t always perfect), the next step was to carefully lay it into its designated spot. Using a rubber mallet, I gently tapped each stone, ensuring it settled slightly into the prepared sand bed, achieving a level and secure foundation for our beautiful new outdoor space. This same technique was used for all the pavers, both in the main field and along the border, to ensure uniform stability.
Despite the considerable hassle and physical exertion involved in cutting each individual paver for our DIY backyard patio, there was an undeniable satisfaction when a perfectly shaped stone finally clicked into place. It truly was a beautiful thing to witness the intricate pattern emerge. Moreover, I later discovered a comforting truth: the paver sand I would eventually brush between the stones would cleverly camouflage many of my less-than-perfect cuts, offering a forgiving finish and adding to the overall charm of our new outdoor living space.
By the close of Sunday, I had triumphantly completed all the necessary paver cuts. Remarkably, I even found enough lingering energy to tackle another small but important task: removing and re-attaching one of our sagging gates. This minor adjustment was crucial, as the gate had been threatening to scrape against the newly laid patio stones whenever it was closed, ensuring the longevity and pristine condition of our outdoor space.
Behold our recently completed paver patio in all its pre-sand glory! At this stage, you might notice some of the edge pavers appearing a bit lighter or whiter. This is simply residual dust from the wet saw that hadn’t yet been rinsed off. Once everything was cleaned, these subtle variations disappeared, revealing the true, vibrant colors of our chosen patio stones and a cohesive, inviting outdoor living area.
And here I am, amidst the glorious aftermath of paver cutting, showcasing my post-project “sexiness.” Happy Mother’s Day, Sherry, indeed! That delightful spray all over my shirt and face is a testament to the wet saw’s vigor. Thank goodness for safety goggles – my only regret is not having a full mask! And do you see the unusual yellow tinge on my hands? That’s a peculiar stain from my work gloves, which apparently aren’t fond of getting wet. A small price to pay for a stunning DIY paver patio, though!
Oh, and since I promised more details about the intricate paver pattern we chose, here’s a closer look:
This particular paver pattern is quite versatile and goes by several names; we’ve heard it referred to as both an “I Pattern” and a “K Pattern.” For those who enjoy splitting the difference, feel free to call it a “J Pattern”! Personally, I tend to see it as more of an “H,” cleverly constructed from two 6×9-inch pavers and four 6×6-inch pavers, all elegantly flanked by additional 6×9-inch stones on every side. There are diagrams available online that can make visualizing this “H” configuration even clearer than our photograph. This intricate design adds unique character to our outdoor paver patio.
Our decision to opt for this specific paver pattern wasn’t arbitrary. The previous owners had chosen it for the pavers in our driveway, and we were keen to maintain a cohesive aesthetic across our property, creating a unified and polished look. Beyond that, we were drawn to its distinctive appearance – a kind of “organized chaos.” It presents an illusion of randomness, yet there’s a precise, methodical arrangement behind it all, which appeals to our inner DIY nerds. The knowledgeable lady at the stone yard did caution us that this pattern could be more challenging to install than some truly random patio designs. However, we honestly found it quite straightforward once we laid the first few pavers. We simply built out from one or two of those “H”-shaped configurations, and the rest fell into place, creating a beautiful and dynamic outdoor living space.
When Monday arrived, it was time for the penultimate and crucial step in our DIY paver patio project: applying the paver sand. I retrieved a sturdy broom and the remaining bags of paver sand. You might recall that when I ran short on Friday and had to make an emergency run to Lowe’s, I must have overcompensated, as I still had a substantial amount left! The primary purpose of this top application of sand is to meticulously fill all the tiny cracks and joints between the pavers, preventing them from shifting over time and inhibiting weed growth. This process is essential for the long-term stability and beauty of any outdoor paver patio. The steps were refreshingly straightforward after the cutting marathon. Step one: generously dump the sand directly onto the pavers.
Step two: With your broom, systematically push and sweep the sand across the entire surface, working it diligently into every crack and crevice until they are thoroughly filled. This image shows the progress after just one bag of paver sand has been applied and worked in, giving a good indication of the transformation taking place.
Step three: Once the cracks are sufficiently filled with sand, lightly mist the entire patio surface with water. This critical step helps the sand settle and compact deeper into the joints, ensuring maximum stability and a durable finish for your beautiful paver patio.
While I described it as a three-step process, in reality, the paver sand application felt more like a twenty-step endeavor, akin to those “rinse and repeat” instructions on shampoo bottles. The initial misting caused the wet sand to slide quite a bit between the pavers, creating a somewhat messy and uneven surface on top. It wasn’t quite the immediate, pristine finish I had envisioned for our DIY paver patio.
So, I repeated the sweeping and misting process. And then I repeated it again. Followed by a few more touch-ups. This critical sanding step, much like the paver cutting, seemed to take considerably longer than anticipated – a recurring theme throughout this entire backyard transformation project. However, by Monday afternoon, all the sand had settled beautifully into place, creating a consistent, even, and highly stable surface for our paver patio. Happily, the initial yellow-orange tint of the wet, clumpy sand completely disappeared as it dried, transforming into a lovely, complementary gray tone that perfectly integrated with our pavers, enhancing the overall aesthetic of our outdoor living space.
Oh, and here’s a crucial note for all you aspiring DIY patio builders considering your options: If your budget allows, you might consider splurging on polymeric sand. This specialized sand is brushed into the paver joints and then lightly misted with water, which activates a binding agent, causing it to harden into a concrete-like consistency. Polymeric sand offers superior weed discouragement, ant prevention, and overall joint stability, making it a premium choice for durable paver patios. However, thanks to our already stretched patio budget, we opted for standard paver sand, which saved us approximately $100. We had successfully used standard sand on the patio at our previous house, enjoying it for over three years with only very occasional weeding, so we knew it would be a reliable solution for now. The beauty of this choice is that we can always upgrade to polymeric sand later. If we find we have an extra $100 down the road, it’s as simple as using the highest setting on a hose to spray out the existing sand from the cracks and then switching to the fancy polymeric stuff. It offers flexibility without compromising the immediate functionality and appeal of our outdoor living space.
Anyway, with the sand step finally completed, I moved on with a sense of jubilant relief (I was genuinely beyond excited to be almost done!). My last task before officially handing over the reins to Sherry was backfilling the exposed edges of the patio with dirt. This seemingly minor detail is incredibly important both aesthetically and functionally, as exposed plastic edging can be quite unsightly – akin to a visible panty line (VPL) in the world of patio design. Unfortunately, I forgot to capture an “after” photo of the borders completely filled with dirt, so let’s fast forward to the truly finished “after afters.” But first, let’s take a moment to appreciate the “before” shots, showcasing the area filled with liriope plants that previously occupied this space, offering a stark contrast to our newly transformed outdoor living area.
And now, for the grand reveal: our patio-tastic “after” photos! These images showcase our beautiful new outdoor living space, complete with wonderfully temporary furniture arrangements. We’ve temporarily styled it to give you a glimpse into its potential and how it truly expands our home’s footprint.
Since we judiciously sold all our previous patio furniture before moving (it wouldn’t have suited this new layout anyway), the current arrangement is a quirky collection of random items salvaged from our sunroom, basement, and even our cluttered playroom. Much of it, admittedly, isn’t rain-proof, but Sherry enthusiastically dragged it all out for the “after” photos simply for fun. She firmly believes that an empty patio reveal would have been “a real womp-womp” – and I definitely agree! This temporary styling instantly helps with visualizing scale and potential uses. Plus, who am I to deny my wife an hour of creative play with our existing pillows and various furniture pieces? Ultimately, we both cherished the idea of beginning to envision the myriad ways we can enjoy our fantastic new 300 square feet of added outdoor living space. Of course, it will look even more spectacular with permanent outdoor furniture once we’re ready to invest in those pieces down the line, truly completing our backyard transformation.
Our long-term dream for this beautiful paver patio is to transform it into a versatile outdoor living room. We envision a comfortable daybed or loveseat paired with a stylish coffee table, creating an inviting and casual gathering spot. Additionally, we plan to designate a dedicated area for Clara, perhaps a sandbox slash baby pool, perfect for endless hours of outdoor fun. While we have plans for a distinct outdoor dining zone elsewhere on our property, this “outdoor living room” setup on the patio will still be perfect for enjoying casual meals al fresco, blending comfort and practicality in our expanded outdoor living space.
Naturally, Sherry embraced the “fantasy world” aspect of staging the patio with gusto. She even played a game of Scrabble against herself to conjure up this cozy, inviting scene, strategically placing two water glasses to subtly imply she wasn’t out there enjoying the patio all by her lonesome. Busted, but charming nonetheless!
But speaking of playing, our biggest hope is that this new patio becomes a much-loved space for Clara. Without the vast driveway of our old house, we desperately needed a safe, enclosed area where she could play outdoors without us constantly worrying about her venturing into the street. This newly created, gated-on-all-sides patio is absolutely perfect for those times when she wants to be outside but doesn’t quite feel like playing in the grassy backyard beyond. After all, drawing with chalk just isn’t as much fun on grass, is it? This secure outdoor living space offers her freedom and us peace of mind.
While Clara might still be a few developmental milestones away from mastering a game of hopscotch, it’s certainly not too soon for her to enjoy the simple pleasure of tapping sticks of chalk together on our smooth, expansive paver patio. Every small interaction helps her explore and appreciate her new outdoor playground.
And she only attempted to eat the chalk twice! That, my friends, is definite progress in the world of toddler exploration on our new DIY paver patio.
Amongst all the temporary furniture and decorative items on our newly finished paver patio, there’s one fixture that is absolutely permanent and holds a special place: the grill. This essential outdoor cooking appliance has been patiently tucked away in my basement workroom since we moved, primarily because I simply had no other suitable spot for it (it endured a brief, rather awkward stint in the carport). From the very inception of “Project Patio,” I meticulously planned a dedicated area for this baby. While I might talk a big game like some seasoned grillmaster, I’ll admit I’ve probably used the darn thing less than a dozen times. My sincere hope is that its beautiful new home on our expanded outdoor living space will inspire us to get much better acquainted with the art of grilling, especially once we complement it with some permanent outdoor furniture that truly completes the setup.
As for Sherry, she’s far more excited about what she affectionately calls the “crowning jewel” of our new paver patio: a charming ceramic bird feeder. She managed to snag this delightful piece at Marshall’s for an incredible $9.99 a few weeks back. It had been patiently waiting on the counter next to our bathroom sink, safely out of reach of curious Clara hands, just anticipating its grand debut on our finished outdoor space. And honestly, it looks infinitely better presiding over the patio than it ever did beside the sink!
So there you have it – the triumphant conclusion to our epic DIY paver patio building journey! And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as we’re now just in time to start setting up for an even more exciting event: Clara’s birthday party this Saturday. Perhaps we’ll challenge our guests to a friendly game of hopscotch on our brand-new, smooth outdoor surface? It’s the ultimate test of both balance and our paver stability!
We’d certainly appreciate a few crossed fingers for good weather this coming Saturday. Last year, it rained on Clara’s birthday, so we’ve unscientifically decided that it simply *cannot* rain again this year – although, realistically, the odds are probably the same every year! In a moment of classic jinxing, as soon as we finished the patio, I turned to Sherry and quipped, “You know what this means, right? We finished the patio in time, so it’s absolutely going to rain on Saturday. We’ve totally jinxed ourselves.” Here’s sincerely hoping I’m wrong and that the sun shines brightly for Clara’s outdoor birthday celebration on our beautiful new paver patio.
Oh, and for a different perspective, here’s a rarely seen angle taken from our new, lower paver patio, looking up towards the existing upper patio (which was always there) and the sliding doors in the living room and sunroom that lead out to it. That upper area, while charming, was simply too small to comfortably accommodate our grill, let alone any substantial seating arrangements. We are incredibly grateful and thrilled that we expanded our outdoor living space so significantly with the addition of this spacious and inviting paver patio below. It truly unlocks the full potential of our backyard for entertaining and everyday enjoyment.
Reflecting on the entire DIY paver patio project, from initial planning to the final cleanup, we estimate that we dedicated approximately 30 hours of labor. It’s worth noting, however, that our project involved navigating numerous curves and unexpectedly encountering some stubborn concrete during the demolition phase, which added to our timeline. Therefore, it might not necessarily take everyone quite as long. And now, for the moment of truth: a detailed breakdown of our “big ol’ budget” for this backyard transformation:
- 300 square feet of Cottage Stone pavers (from Southside Building Supply): $621
- Heavy-duty plastic patio edging and spikes (from Southside Building Supply): $69.00
- Paver sand (from Southside Building Supply & Lowe’s): $107
- Gravel (from Southside Building Supply): $240
- Delivery for pavers, sand, and gravel (from Southside Building Supply): $145
- Miscellaneous supplies (wood stakes, line levels, nylon string, and hand tamper from Home Depot): $40
- Weed blocking fabric & crampons (from Home Depot): $30
- Grand (ouch) total: $1,252*
*We actually paid $1,332 initially but received an $80 deposit back when we returned the bags that our gravel and sand came in, bringing our final cost down to $1,252.
We’ve previously discussed how our initial, ambitious under-$1,000 budget was ultimately blown – Sherry, in fact, initially proclaimed this would be a two-day, under-$500 project, a humorous miscalculation in hindsight! But despite the budget adjustments, we are incredibly happy with what we spent. More importantly, we are immensely proud of the hard work we put in, saving nearly $4,000 by tackling this project ourselves instead of hiring a professional. Estimates for a paver patio with curves of this size typically started around $5,000. So, every ounce of blood, sweat, tears, and even those strangely orange glove-stained hands, was absolutely worth it for our beautiful, custom outdoor living space. If you were to ask me if I’d embark on such a project again tomorrow, my immediate answer would be: “Chiiiill! Let me relax for a hot second and truly savor this accomplishment first.”
Psst- Interested in revisiting the entire DIY paver patio process from its very beginning to the triumphant end? Here’s a convenient chronological guide to our backyard transformation journey: explore the first post, detailing our initial planning and design considerations; delve into the second post, where we began prepping the area; discover the challenges and unexpected budget adjustments in the third post; learn about further area preparation in the fourth post; and finally, witness the crucial steps of adding gravel and sand, along with the majority of the pavers, in the fifth post. Each step contributed to the creation of our dream outdoor living space!