Question on brick paver patio

9 years ago

We are just finishing installing a new deck that will be dry underneath and want to eventually install a brick paver patio under it. That is going to take awhile to save up to do this one as the deck was rather expensive (Lock-Dry, 600SF) / Patio would be about 800SF.

Right now there is a mix of gravel and soil under the deck. mainly red clay soil..which I would like my dog to NOT track in or dig in. And if I just put out mulch he will dig.

I read the base for a patio is gravel. I gather crusher run. But do you think I could put down #7 gravel which would keep the dog from digging then work in /cover with sand or granite screenings when time comes to lay the bricks. I am pretty sure crusher run right now would wind up with the dog coated in dust all the time.

I am trying to figure out a base that will keep the dog out of the mud for about a year (shepherd can do some damage and, yes, he gets a lot of exercise) until we can build the patio and gravel is cheap. Getting concrete down there would require a pumper truck with a LONG run of hose.

Any other suggestions? I am thinking the brick pavers make the most sense as they are not that expensive (f=if we do the labor) and we can expand to the garden area pretty easily as we go.

Comments (3)

emma
9 years ago
I just finished having egg rock put under my deck and it is 2 or 3 inches or more deep so nothing can get to the dirt. I really like the look of it. I will eventually do the front flower beds to keep maintenance low. I have arthritis so bad in my knee if it doesn't slow down I will be in a wheel chair in 6 months. I am preparing for that. They put down the gardening fabric first.
jocoyn
Original Author
9 years ago
Sounds wonderful but I don't know how great a surface it would be to walk on?
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hippy
9 years ago
When it comes time to put the Pavers down. you will want a 6 to 8" base of compacted Medium gravel. Medium gravel allows the pavers to lay more flat/level and allows good drainage.

Crush & Run is a little to coarse with so much rock dust in that sets up like concrete and does not drain the best. And you do not want to put Landscape fabric under it.

Landscape fabric is fine and highly recommended if you wish to just place the gravel on top of it like with Emma's egg stone or mulch for it helps with weed control.

One method we use here to keep animals from digging is to put down chicken wire then the type of stone we will use to lay pavers on if the project is to be delayed or held off (such as in your case) until a later date. The chicken wire being thin will easily compact into the dirt with the gravel and not effect compaction. If an animal does dig such as a dog. It will stop once it reaches the wire.