Roy asked
Good afternoon, Thank you for offering your expertise and experience to those of us brave enough or stupid enough to attempt these projects.Project:
Expand back porch/patio area to create more “hard” surface for seating, eating, and cooking.Current Status:
Standard 8’x12′ concrete slab off rear single kitchen door.I have always wanted to do something with a mix of red and light gray (color of concrete) pavers to expand the patio area, mainly to avoid all concrete blandness or to have to tear up the current slab.
While watching Desperate Landscapes, it was suggested to build up the side areas of an existing patio and actually place pavers over the slab (of course place a layer of leveling sand down first.) Sounds like a great solution.
My question is, will this raise the level up too close to the door stoop? How much clearance is recommended or required from the bottom of the door frame/opening to the top of the pavers? I am concerned with water coming in during hard rains (I’m outside of Atlanta so snow is not a concern.)
Thank you
DIY Answer Guy
Hello Roy, an ambitious project. Good for you, make it a fun time.Here’s an idea to consider. Use the pavers as a border and acid patina the slab. If you decide to go that way let me know and I’ll get right back to you with the acid patina information and other options available.
Yes, a bed of sand under the pavers is needed.
As far as the patio height to threshold goes that differs per local building codes.
Here in Washington all decks/patios are flush with the threshold. We get a lot of rain!
Since you know how much it rains there you would have a better idea on what the high water level is and go with what you are comfortable with. If you do end up with a step remember it takes a few passes in and out of the house before you learn the step is there.
Careful out there.Enjoy your project and I’ll bet it comes out great and shows some real character.
Cheers!