There are various options for masonry patios, but a few stand out as more common than others. In the mid-Atlantic region, bluestone (also known as Pennsylvania flagstone) is one of the most popular. This natural fieldstone is mostly blue and grey in color, with some brown mixed in. Occasionally there are lilac pieces as well. It comes in square cut pieces as well as irregular-shaped. The irregular shaped gives it a more natural look with its less refined look. It can be installed over a concrete base with a mortar setting bed (preferred), or a crushed stone base.
Interlocking concrete pavers are another very popular choice for patios. These are man-made, concrete bricks that come in various style and color options. They typically range from 2 3/8” -4” thick. These pavers originated from old world paving methods in Europe. They are almost always installed over a crushed stone base, but can also be installed over concrete. Both would have a sand setting bed as well. Sand is installed between the joints, and there is a manufactured sand with a polymer in it that can help prevent weeds from growing in the cracks.
Other options that are less popular would be travertine, marble, granite, and porcelain pavers. These usually come from overseas and have a higher cost, as well as not appearing to mimic the natural elements of our region.
Raised Patios
A raised patio is often preferred over a carpentry deck for many reasons. For some, it’s the old world look of a rustic stone patio. A patio can have a longer life span than a deck as well as be less maintenance. Costs can be comparable to a deck in many cases, if the patio is not raised very high.
Construction of this type of patio involves building a support wall around the perimeter. For this we pour a concrete footer, then build a wall using cinderblocks. The cinderblocks will have vertical and horizontal bond beams using rebar, and the cells will be filled with concrete. The patio area inside these walls will be filled. We usually do this with soil, then a layer of gravel on top. We then pour our concrete base, which will overlap and sit on top of the walls. A vapor barrier is necessary beneath the concrete as well. At this point, you have constructed the actual patio and can mortar stone to it. There are various options of stone to use.
In regards to permits required, it varies among different municipalities, but in the Washington DC area most require a permit when the patio is raised 20” or more from the ground. It will also require a guardrail to meet code, if it is over 20”.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces have become popular in the last 15 years as more people want to spend time in their backyard. Having a fireplace not only adds a layer of warmth to any gathering, but is a great conversation piece as well. For most whom we install these for, they say they are just as much for the architectural beauty as for the use they get out of it.
We start with a heavy concrete footer. The fireplace is constructed using cinderblocks for the framing, with a clay flue. The flue will connect to the firebox, which will be lined with fire-rated brick and refractory mortar. One thing we always do is make the fireplace at least 10’ tall. We do this so that we can make the flue tall enough to draft well. If you make it short, it can be hard to get the fireplace to draft well, causing smoke to blow in your face as you sit in front of it.
Once the fireplace is framed, you can decorate it with whichever stone you like. Some features that can vary are a mantel, height of the hearth, a false window, or borders at the top. You can also use a metal cap, or a stone cap. This part is all in the design.
