Adding a patio to your home can create a beautiful yet functional outdoor living space. As a place where you and your family can enjoy a cookout or birthday party, the uses for your patio space are endless. The great news is that whether you decide to build your patio yourself, or whether you hire patio builders to tackle the job, it's a fairly easy process and can be accomplished in a weekend.

Marking out the area and preparing the ground

The first step is to create a level building surface. Mark out the area where you want your patio to be and clear away any grass or sod from the area. Dig out 8 inches of the ground material and compact the surface. Layer gravel to create a 10 cm deep bed. Place stakes along the outer perimeter of the bed at .6 m intervals. Keep in mind that most building codes stipulate that the patio must slope away from the house to avoid damage by rain water to the foundation.

Place the forms

Forms are rigid barriers that will keep your cement in place after you have poured it. The forms can be made from ordinary planks and should be nailed securely to the stakes. The forms should be level with the stakes because you will be using them as a guide to keep the concrete level while pouring it.

Place the reinforcement

Reinforcing your concrete is always advisable when building a patio. Reinforcement consists of mesh or rebar placed in a grid-like pattern within the pit, prior to pouring the concrete. The mesh will make your concrete stronger and can prevent cracking.

Mix and pour the concrete

Mix your chosen concrete per the manufacturer's instructions and then pour the concrete into the form. You may need someone to assist you so that you can pour the concrete quickly while having your assistant push the concrete into place. Smooth the surface of the concrete by pulling a flat board over the surface of the concrete. You should make at least two passes in opposite directions, until water forms on the surface.

Finishing touches

At this point, you can take a moment to round the edges of the concrete or create a decorative pattern on the surface. The concrete needs to cure for at least 48 hours and should be covered with a plastic sheet to keep any debris from embedding itself on the surface and to keep the moisture locked in. Once the concrete has cured, it's ready to go! Additionally, this same process can be used to lay a concrete slab for the base of a carport or shed.

If you have an questions, contact a specialist like Coffs Harbour Blinds & Awnings.