My latest DIY project was the addition of my concrete paver patio. I live in a townhouse and my yard is quite small, but big enough to enhance and make cozy. I wanted to maximize the area, because I was having an issue with the water sitting in the yard each time it rained.

The builder did not do a great job grading the lawns as my section sits on hill. The water from my neighbors yard was traveling into mine and settling right in the dip in the yard. This created a huge mud puddle for the dogs and of course they loved to play in it.

I submitted all the proper paperwork for the addition to the HOA. I called three companies to come out and give me quotes. The man who was the most communicative was the one I chose to complete the project. It took three months to get the HOA approval. I reached back out to the company to let them know I was ready, but they would not return my call. I was like, huh?! Really!

I got a little frustrated and started leveling the dirt later that week. I spent all day sweatin’ trying to level this Carolina clay. At the end of the day I felt empowered to do the project myself.

I purchased these tools to complete the patio project.

I bought everything I needed at Lowe’s. I purchased 25 bags of base sand, a whole bunch of polypropylene base panels, and roughly 550 Ashland concrete pavers. Once I was able to get the dirt level, I brought in the sand and used the tamper to level it. I placed the polypropylene base panels on top of the layer of sand. All 550 Ashland concrete pavers were placed on top of the polypropylene base panels.

I laid the first row of the Ashland concrete pavers vertical and placed the second row horizontal. I kept repeating this pattern.

I mixed up some concrete, and added a little terracotta color to it. I took a trowel and laid the concrete up against the pavers to form an edge so the patio stayed in place. Once everything dried I brushed Polymeric sand in all the crevices and sprayed with water to harden it.