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Summer is right around the corner, and do you know what one of the best feelings in the world is? Stepping out into your own backyard and relaxing on a beautifully crafted patio.
Summer barbeques, gathering around a fire, enjoying a morning cup of coffee…all these experiences could be yours!
But…before you get too excited…
…before you grab a shovel and start breaking ground, you need to do one thing first: PLAN.
The secret to a long-lasting outdoor living space is careful planning and preparation. Having all your supplies ready before any work begins. Having things ready ahead of time reduces the likelihood of mid-project delays, missing components, and headaches of all kinds. It’s the way to do it, and we’re here to help you.
If you are hunting for the right patio materials in Armstrong, BC, this comprehensive shopping checklist will help you prep your cart so you can build with confidence. Visit Shepherd’s Hardware today for all your backyard patio essentials.
This is one of the biggest decision when it comes to your patio. The surface material you choose will set the entire aesthetic tone for your backyard. Here’s how to weigh your options based on budget, style, and maintenance requirements.
Concrete pavers offer incredible durability and excellent slip resistance, making them a safe choice for BC’s rainy days. Unlike solid concrete slabs, a patio built with pavers manages natural ground movement and freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, as the joints allow for flexible shifting.
If you love a classic, timeless, or rustic look, traditional brick is an excellent option! Bricks offer rich, warm color palettes that won't fade over time, and can easily create that inviting atmosphere everyone loves in a well-designed backyard.
If your yard has a slight slope or you want to build a multi-level outdoor living space, don't forget to add retaining blocks to your list. They are highly versatile and perfect for framing raised patio areas or built-in planters.
Flagstone and slate offer breathtaking, high-end organic beauty that is really impossible to replicate. Keep in mind that natural stone requires a higher budget and more precise fitting, as individual pieces vary in shape and thickness. But if you can stomach the upfront expense, it will most definitely be worth it.
We’ve talked about what’s on top, what about what’s underneath? The foundation does all the heavy lifting, and if you skip or cheap out on the base materials, that brand new patio will only look beautiful for so long. Sinking, shifting, or general unevenness are bound to set in. To make your patio stand the test of time, invest in these fundamental layers:
This is your first line of defense. Laying a commercial-grade geotextile fabric directly over the excavated soil prevents weeds from growing up through your patio while keeping your gravel base from sinking into the dirt.
For proper drainage and stability, you need a sturdy sub-base. Plan to buy enough crushed gravel to create a packed layer 3 to 4 inches deep across your entire patio footprint.
Once your gravel is compacted, you will need a smooth bedding layer for your pavers to sit in. Pick up enough bedding sand to lay down 1 to 2 inches across the surface.
Once your surface materials are laid, you will need polymeric sand to sweep into the gaps. When misted with water, this specialized sand hardens to lock your pavers tightly in place and stop weeds from nesting in the cracks.
Once you build this beautiful patio, it’s important to give it a secure perimeter. Otherwise, the outer edges will slowly spread outward (things like foot traffic and weather are the causes of this). Edge restraints act as invisible boundaries that lock everything together. Here are some options:
Now, let’s talk about the tools.
Having the right tools on hand turns a grueling weekend chore into an enjoyable, rewarding DIY success! Check your garage or shed before heading out (you never know what’s hiding in there), and for everything else, Shepherd’s Hardware will have you covered!
Planning ahead means you can spend your weekend building rather than making endless trips back and forth to the store.
Visit Shepherd's Home Hardware Building Centre in Armstrong to pick up all your blocks, base materials, and tools today! Our expert team will help you calculate exactly how much sand, gravel, and stone you need to transform your backyard!
Don't dig your backyard without a plan! Discover the essential patio pavers, base materials, and tools you need to buy before starting your weekend DIY project.
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Discover how hardscaping can turn your backyard into a functional, beautiful outdoor living space with patios, walkways, fire pits, and more—plus expert help from Shepherd’s Hardware.
