The first and most important step in making a DIY patio is deciding where the patio will be built. This means observing the path of sunlight throughout the day, finding out where the neighbor's property starts and yours ends in especially tight yards, and measuring the space in which you want to build the patio. It is important to consider how the DIY patio will be used as well so the best size and orientation can be determined. If the ground is uneven in the location in which the patio will be built, it will need to be graded or stepped to accommodate.
Once the size of the DIY patio has been determined, the builder will need to determine what materials he or she wants to use for construction of the patio. Concrete is a popular choice because it is not exceptionally difficult to pour and it is relatively inexpensive, but the time required to pour a concrete DIY patio will often be longer than other methods. If the homeowner decides to pour a concrete slab for the DIY patio space, he or she will need to rent or buy some specialty equipment for mixing, pouring, and smoothing the surface. Rebar will also be needed for use within the concrete structure.
Another increasingly common method for building a DIY patio is the use of pavers. These are stones, bricks, or concrete blocks that can be laid out in a variety of patterns, then filled with sand and other fill. It is important to research the methods by which pavers are properly laid down, and it is equally important to choose pavers that will be durable and attractive in the patio space. Before pavers can be laid, the ground will need to be graded, and a base layer of cinders or other material will need to be laid down and compacted.
Before any of these steps can be taken, it will be important for the homeowner to determine a budget for the project. The cost of materials as well as any labor should the homeowner hire help can add up quickly, so the homeowner should do some research into the price of equipment and supplies before starting. It is also important to remember that at DIY patio project can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the methods used for construction, so the homeowner should be ready to dedicate the appropriate amount of time to the project.