How we build a patio on clay
On Atlanta clay, every patio goes in this way:
- Dig out topsoil and soft clay to the depth the base needs.
- Lay geotextile fabric where the soil is weak, so gravel doesn’t sink into clay over time.
- Add crushed gravel in thin layers, compacting each one.
- Screed a bedding layer, set the pavers or stone, and lock the edges with edge restraint.
- Fill joints with polymeric sand or mortar, depending on the material.
Every patio slopes slightly away from the house, about a quarter inch per foot, so rain runs off into the yard.
Choosing a surface
- Concrete pavers come in many colors and shapes, are easy to repair, and are usually the best value.
- Permeable pavers let water soak through the joints into a deeper gravel base. They help on lots where runoff is a problem.
- Flagstone and bluestone give a natural look. Dry-laid stone suits casual spaces; mortared stone gives a smooth, formal surface.
What affects the price
- Size and shape of the patio, and the pattern of the pavers
- Material: concrete pavers usually cost less than natural stone
- How much digging and grading the site needs, and whether it slopes
- Access for equipment, especially on tight intown lots
- Add-ons such as seat walls, steps, a fire pit or lighting