Laying the patio is a critical part of any house construction. As simple as it may seem, choosing the proper patio height will help you avoid construction falls.
So, what if you have to make the patio on the same level as DPC? Can the patio be on the same level as the house? The information in this post will greatly help if you are wondering about these issues.
I will explain where it’s possible to lay the patio level with the house floor and provide additional helpful advice. Keep reading, and I will show you!
Table of Contents
Can the Patio Be On The Same Level As A House?
The answer is yes. You can construct the patio on the same level as the house (internal floors). However, ensure that the vertical DPM is correctly installed, as well as the drainage. The patio also has to slope away from the walls.
Constructing a patio that has the same height as the ground is not against any construction law. However, it will cause some constructions to be false if you don’t do the paving properly.
Therefore, this practice should only be done by people who thoroughly understand what they’re doing. To make this possible, you have to ensure that the DPC is perfectly vertical with the paving ground.
The drainage system must also be installed correctly. In addition, the patio needs to slope away from the walls. If these conditions are not met, you will encounter annoying splashback problems from heavy rain.
When the water cannot drain properly, it will pile up on the patio and damage your house’ floors or walls in the long run. So, always be aware of the drawbacks despite its beautiful look.
How High Should Your Patio Be?
As mentioned above, you should only construct the patio that levels with the ground when the conditions are met. And it should only be an unavoidable circumstance when the paving is too high and leaving a gap is impossible.
It brings a more beautiful appearance to your house but also drags along some splashback problems and consequences, especially in areas with heavy rains. So, always leave a gap between your patio and the house if possible.
Patio Height
The patio should be around 0,5 to 1,5 inches higher than the grade and at least 150mm below the DPC level. In addition, the distance between your house doorway and the patio’s top surface should not exceed 20 centimeters (8 inches).
You can adjust the patio height in these ranges to achieve your desired balance between construction integrity and visual appearance. If you don’t have enough materials or the paving is already too high, bending the rule is still possible.
However, it will cause annoying problems relating to drainage and splashback. So following the construction rules is advisable.
Patio Slope
The patio slope should correlate with the yard slope, reaching a slope ratio of around 2% to 3% for higher visual appeal. Normally, the patio’s highest point should start from your house and gradually slope away from it.
This construction allows the water to move away from your house and avoid damaging its structure, foundation, and materials. If the yard is level with the house, it will look more visually appealing.
However, you must install a drainage system so water can evacuate efficiently without pooling up in your house’s foundation or patio.
If you prefer a level ground, consider setting the slope ratio between 1 and 2%.
Steep Slopes
If the slope on your patio is very steep and affects the house’s appearance, you can consider leveling the paving. First, identify your desired height and find a spot on the slope that fits that height.
Then consider leveling the ground while adding more concrete and dirt to make it look more pleasing to the eyes.
The Basics Of Patio Foundation
Besides the patio’s height and slope, its foundation is also crucial for any house construction. Here are rules for you before constructing the patio’s foundation.
Depth
You should consider the use of a patio before digging its depth. The foundation has to be deeper in the ground if the paver has to bear heavier weight.
In other words, you need to put more base materials under the patio to make it stronger. So, you need to dig deeper into the ground to leave room for them.
For small and regular houses, a patio’s depth between 4 and 5 inches is sufficient for the base materials. You need to increase it to 8 inches for the driveway since it has to bear more weight from your car.
Also, you need to spare an additional 1 inch in depth for sand, plus the pavers’ height (around 3 to 3,5 inches). For these reasons, the total depth of a regular house patio should be about 8 to 8,5 inches.
Filler
Crusted stone is the most prevalent material for the patio base used by professional housebuilders. Alternative materials like dust, compacted soil, or sand may seem ideal, but they come with much less durability.
You should lay the crusted stone about 2 inches thick for one layer at a time. You can wet the gap between the two layers to help it achieve the ideal shape better, making the paver more resilient to heavy rain.
After filling the patio’s hole with crusted stone, apply that 1-inch sand layer on top.
Pavers
The final step is paver laying. A common mistake people make is sliding the pavers to put them in position, which will create an uneven paving surface.
Don’t let the paver touch the sand, and press it up against the nearby paver.
Weather and rain will slowly erode away the sand layer filled between the pavers if the patio base is not strong enough.
Therefore, these steps are crucial for the construction integrity of the house.
What To Consider Before Building Your Patio?
The position of the patio is crucial, so think about the sunlight position. Ask yourself if you want to enjoy an afternoon drink under mild sunlight or want to get complete shade all day.
The patio’s shape is another critical aspect. It doesn’t have to be rectangular. Adding soft and aesthetic curved edges will bring more beauty to your yard.
Also, choose the patio’s materials that suit your house construction. Don’t go for isolated colors or too strong and eye-intense patterns that don’t fit the surrounding landscape.
FAQs
Do you still have unsolved queries on patio construction and its proper height? I have helpful advice and information on building the house patio in this section.
What Is The Best Depth For A Patio?
The recommended depth on the ground for regular houses’ patios is around 6 inches, or 150 mm. If that patio is used for putting some heavy furniture or parking the car, you need to dig deeper.
Use a measuring tape to ensure that the patio’s hole reaches your desired height.
Can A Patio Be On The Same Level As A House?
The outdoor patio should always be lower than the area it attaches to, in the case of the house. This construction allows the water to drain and ensures the house’s construction integrity.
If you inevitably have to make the patio level with the house, ensure to install a drainage system and set up the correct DPC.
Should The Patio Be Higher Than The Lawn?
Yes, the patio should be higher than the lawn, but not too much. If the distance is too large, it may lead to tripping hazards when you walk around the house.
The distance between the lawn and patio top surface is from 1 inch to 1,5 inches.
Can A Patio Be Above Ground Level?
Yes, you can construct the patio above ground level. In fact, this practice is encouraged since it helps the water evacuate more efficiently, keeping your patio clean and durable for much longer.
How Much Should A Patio Slope Away From The House?
The ideal slope rate is 3 mm (1/8 inch) for each running foot. The highest point of the patio surface begins from the house and gradually slopes away.
Ensure that the slope is not too steep, or it will affect your house’s visual appeal.
Final Thoughts
In summary, many homeowners still construct their patios on the same level as the ground as the internal floors. However, leaving a gap of at least 150 mm between the paving level and the DPC (or floor) is advisable.
This practice is applicable but not advisable. You should always leave a gap between the patio and the house, if possible, for efficient drainage.
I hope that the answer provided can satisfy you. Thank you for reading!