Building a patio is surely an exciting process. You get to transform extra space outside your house into something where you can relax, unwind, or carry out your hobbies. But, building patios can also be an expensive process. On top of that, considering the number of options out there, it is easy to become confused and distracted. To help you with that, we are going to discuss decomposed granite, which is slowly becoming a popular option for being budget-friendly and durable. Let’s take a look into how you can build a decomposed granite patio like a professional patio builder.

What Is Decomposed Granite?

Before we get into discussing the process of building a decomposed granite patio, you should become familiar with the material as well. After all, it is one of the most sought-after landscaping materials nowadays.

In simple words, decomposed granite is a natural material derived from granite that breaks down with time. It comes in three primary types which are natural, stabilized, and resin-coated. Natural decomposed granite as the term suggests is a type that is all-natural and without any stabilizer. This type is most commonly used for low-traffic areas like garden paths.

Stabilized decomposed granite is the opposite of natural granite and is composed of stabilizers. This type of granite offers more stability and tends to be the perfect option for areas with higher foot traffic. And, resin-coated granite tends to be the most durable option as it offers a hard surface like asphalt while retaining the natural look of granite.

This is an ideal option for areas with heavy foot or vehicular traffic. While each type has its advantages, some are commonly shared. For instance, they tend to be eco-friendly and low maintenance. Decomposed granite allows water to seep through, which reduces runoff and promotes natural drainage.

Plus, decomposed granite requires relatively less maintenance as compared to the other types of materials used for patios. In addition to that, decomposed granite is available in various colors that not only help achieve unique visual appeal but also blend in with the surroundings.

How To Build A Decomposed Granite Patio?

Now that we have discussed the basic concept surrounding decomposed granite along with its common types, it is time to shift our attention toward building a decomposed granite patio.

Preparation

The first step of building a decomposed granite patio is preparation. This is also the most important step of the process so it must be done carefully. The area needs to be thoroughly prepared to ensure the granite patio is long-lasting and durable.

So, the first thing to do is site assessment. If you have a sufficient amount of space, you will need to thoroughly inspect the area and find a perfect spot where the patio will be built. You will need to find a place where drainage, sunlight, and all other requirements are met. If you want to build other structures like an outdoor kitchen, then you should communicate with your outdoor kitchen contractor Long Island so you choose the right spot for your patio and outdoor kitchen.

Plus, these factors will help you decide the type of decomposed patio you should go for. You might have planned to build a natural decomposed granite patio but the available space may not allow it. So, you may need an expert’s help as well.

Next, you will need to measure the dimensions of the area accurately to prevent mistakes that could be costly. Outline the area where the patio will be installed and make sure it is well-defined with clear boundaries to help with the excavation process.

And before you begin digging, remove any debris, existing landscaping materials, or similar elements that could influence the building process.

Excavation

Now, begin the excavation process according to the measurements. You need to excavate whether you’re installing a swimming pool or a patio, however, the requirements will be different in both cases.

For most patio installations, experts dig around 4-6 inches deep but that depends on the type of project. Since you plan on building a patio, it may or may not require that much digging. Once that is down, you will need to add a layer of gravel base to help with drainage and add stability.

Adding a 2–3-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the excavation will prevent water from pooling as granite allows water to seep through. Next, the gravel will need compacting using a mechanical compactor. Ensure the gravel is properly compacted so that the base is level and stable.

Installing Decomposed Granite

Now comes a crucial part of the process which is installing decomposed granite. Now that you have prepared the ground, you will begin spreading decomposed granite in thin layers. Make sure the layers are not more than 2 inches. This technique ensures that the distribution of granite is equal and avoids clumping.

If you plan on turning your patio into a meeting or get-together spot on the weekends, you should add a stabilizer to make it stronger for high volumes of traffic. Stabilizers help bind the decomposed granite, making the surface more durable and reducing soil erosion.

Once each layer is laid evenly, use a plate compactor to compact them. Keep compacting because you need to get a total depth of 3 to 4 inches. This will ensure the decomposed granite neither shifts nor erodes over time.

At this point, the installation of decomposed granite is complete and it is now time to add the finishing touches.

Finishing Touches

This final step ensures that your decomposed granite patio achieves a professional finish and look. All your hard work, time, and effort will come down to this. After compacting the layers, you will grab a rake and remove any bumps to give the area a more clean look or finish.

If possible or budget allows, you can install edging made of wood, metal, or stone to contain the granite. This helps the patio maintain a clean look for a longer duration. Otherwise, strong winds and extreme weather conditions can carry the granite as well.

In the end, you will water down the patio to further stabilize the granite layers. This will also activate any stabilizers you added. This final step adds durability and binds the surface together.

How To Find The Right Professional?

Finding the right man for the right job can be a tough process especially if you have several options around you. Instead of wasting time and energy on each option, you should ask for referrals and filter professionals based on their portfolios.

You should always opt for someone who carries sufficient experience and is authorized by the state to carry out such tasks. Although, professionals tend to be on the expensive side but offer guarantees for their work. Always gather multiple options and cross-compare them to pick the best package.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that you will need a professional’s help as well to ensure you don’t end up wasting all your money. You may be able to build a decomposed granite patio yourself if the area is small and simple but if the design is unique, you will need to put in a sufficient amount of time and effort, if you plan to do it on your own. However, hiring a patio contractor Long Island for complex designs and bigger patios would be better.