Patio Technical Specifications

The decision to install a hardscape patio can be an exhilarating time. There are so many factors to consider with design and layout as a patio is an extension of the living or family room and therefore needs careful planning to meet expectations. The design of the patio should match the space available and we encourage the homeowner to examine as many different layouts as possible.

Therefore, our advice is — “learn about the type of patio you need and want and take your time to make a decision”. — We encourage the homeowner to examine as many different layouts and choices as possible. Look through the Wichman social media sites noted on the last page as well as examine “Pins” on Pinterest and” Ideabooks or Projects” on Houzz. Pick up and examine as many of the various landscaping design booklets or browse through the various product design brochures offered by the paver manufacturers as well as offerings made by the landscape supply houses, to get a sense of what is available in the way of product choices. For your convenience, we have listed embedded sites to view at the end of the bulletin.

This technical bulletin addresses the basics of patio construction design features. It will help the homeowner plan the best layout that meets their needs and budget.

Patio

The first consideration is the placement of the patio and the proximity to the house and foundation. Next, look at the size it will encompass as well as the shape: regular or irregular that it will take. Add in other additions to define form and influence functionality: Landscape, Lighting, Pillars, Fire Places, Fire Pits, Seating Walls, Privacy Walls, Walkways, Steps, Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Entertainment Centers, Pergolas, and Gazebos. All of these factors will greatly impact the cost of the design and hence your budget.

When considering a patio, not only are hardscape pavers an option but Bluestone and other natural Flagstones are suitable for the application. Wichman Landscape Construction can advise best on the product choice for the hardscape portion of the patio; and check with your local landscaping supply house, and see what they have to offer. Furthermore, we will work along with other Sub- Contractors as a General Contractor to install features such as entertainment systems, pergolas, and gazebos.

When first starting to scope out the project, consider these issues:

• Property Lot lines. Your municipality will have copies of your lot survey on file. The survey will not only identify property lines but may provide a scaled template of your lot to help in the
• Utilities. Buried utility lines such water, cable, electric and gas may prevent you from constructing portions of the project. Mark the lines, if you know where they are, or call your local utility to have them mark the lines.
• Permits. Permits may be required if a retaining wall is part of the project and is above a certain height. Check to see what the local code is and whether or not you need an approved engineered wall design aligned with an elected supplier. There are different wall construction systems that can be considered. Wichman Landscape Construction can help you to determine, which wall retaining system would be appropriate
• Neighbors. Depending on the project scope and the proximity to neighboring properties, let your neighbors know about your project before you begin.
• Soil. One of the most important aspects of construction will be the type of soil that the project will lay on top of. Soil conditions will impact wall designs and can impact the sub-structure under the patio. Clay soils can cause a problem because they tend to hold moisture and need to drain to prevent freeze/ thaw problems. If a retaining wall is considered, clay soils will place more pressure on a wall because they retain moisture while sandy soils will drain moisture. A good rule of thumb is to pick up the soil and using your hand squeeze it to form a ball. However, never use organic soil; it will not hold the pressure. For Retaining wall design and technical issues, refer to the Retaining Wall design.pdf.

Planning Your Patio:

Use the embedded Wichman worksheet Grid technical sheet.pdf to layout both a plot as well as elevation plan to develop the design.

Once the grid is developed, Wichman Landscape Construction will develop a 3D design layout of the envisioned project and work with the homeowner to refine shape, size, and features of the patio. This

design layout will develop both plot and elevation drawings showing the project. It is a great way to define the breath of the scope as well as cost. A lot of work goes into preparing the overview and 3D

Design drawings are a great way to simplify and alter design features to meet the homeowner’s requirements as well as zero in on an acceptable budget.

Please fill in the blanks to develop the patio design:

Patio Width                                        Patio Length                                   Wall Type                   

Tiered                                    Free Standing               Seating Wall                     

Pillar Spacing                       Fire Pit or Fire place Walkway                             

Retaining                             Water Feature                             Lighting              

Outdoor Entertainment                  Steps             

Curved or Straight Walls                     

Corners: inside or outside exposure                         Outdoor Kitchen        

Gazebo or Pergola                

Please consider the following:

A.  Compliance of site to latest site plan

• Does the site plan and layout coincide with current site conditions?
• Do the section drawings match the topography of the job-site?
• Have site utilities been accounted for?
• Are there any recommendations for changes to the site plans to accommodate the added features such as a retaining wall?

B.  Review of reported soil conditions with Wichman Landscape Construction and if necessary a soils engineer

• Are on site soils consistent with soil parameters used in the design?
• Does the site show indications of multiple types of soils and has this been accounted for?
• Is there evidence of landfill areas on site?

C.  Review of above-grade water management

• Has surface runoff been accounted for in the site design?
• Will this site be irrigated?
• If storm drains become inoperable where will the water migrate to?
• During renovation of land will temporary drainage be an issue?

D. Review of below grade water management

• How and where will drain piping be installed?
• Is it possible to vent drain pipe to daylight?
• Is venting to a storm drainage system an option?
• Will outlets be located and protected from blockage or damage?

E. Site Access

• Does the site have easy access to earth moving equipment?
• Is there a plan to remediate the property to its former condition if the equipment used to construct the patio damages the surrounding property?
• Does the site allow for the transportation of soil either taken from or brought to the site as fill?

F.  Recommended material manufacturers that supply patio paver product into the Pittsburgh region:

• http://www.techo-bloc.com/
• http://www.lampus.com/
• http://www.unilock.com/
• http://www.belgard.com/

G.   Recommended Wichman & social media sites to view for further information and ideas.

• https://www.facebook.com/wichmanlandscape
• https://www.pinterest.com/jeffwichman/
• http://www.houzz.com/pro/jeffwichman/ public/wichman-landscape-and-construction
• http://www.houzz.com/stone-patio
• https://www.pinterest.com/wwwdreamyardcom/stone-patio-ideas/

When in doubt or you if have any questions, please consult with Wichman Landscape Construction.