If you want to create a new patio space in your yard, a great way to do that is by creating a patio out of pavers. Pavers are affordable and easy to install, making them a great do-it-yourself decking material.

1. Check for Utility Lines

When you use pavers to create a patio, you have to dig down into the ground. Although you will not be digging that deep, you still want to make sure that you are careful. Before you dig call 811, which is the national number for getting information about where utility lines are located before you start digging on your property. You always want to know where utility lines -- such as plumbing, electrical, and gas –- are located before you do any digging in your yard.

2. Get the Soil Moist

Next, you don't want to start digging into hard soil. That will just increase the amount of work that you have to do. The day before you want to dig out your patio area, take a garden hose with a spray attachment and water down the area where you want to dig. Do not drench it; just get it nice and damp to the touch, and allow the water to soak in overnight. That way, the next morning, the dirt should be softer and easy to dig.

3. Go Deep When You Dig

When you dig, make sure that your dig deep into the ground. You want to dig below the dirt line for your yard. You are going to want to place your pavers so that they are sitting deep in the dirt and are even with your yard. Keep in mind that you are going to have to put down other items before you put down your pavers. You are going to want to put down a landscaping cloth to keep out weeds and pea gravel to ensure proper drainage. That is why you need to dig deeper than the height of your pavers, so you can create the space for all the layers that go under your pavers.

4. Always Create a Solid Base

Make sure that you create a solid base for your pavers. After you dig out your patio, you are going to need to level out and compress the soil. You are going to want to add gravel for drainage if appropriate and put down landscaping cloth to keep the weeds out of your garden. Make sure that you have the right base in place for your pavers.

If you want to create a patio out of pavers, make sure that you know where your utility lines are before you start to dig. Get the soil moist the night before you plan on digging to make the job a little easier. Go deep when you dig so you can create a solid base for your new patio. For more information, contact your local stone delivery service. 

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