Have you found that your existing patio is no longer meeting your family’s needs? If so, it doesn’t mean you have to move. It’s easy to make the space bigger. Below, I cover how to extend a patio, from DIY strategies to professional solutions, and give you tips to make the most of your bigger patio.
Before Getting Started
Before you can expand your patio, you’ll need to decide two things: how much bigger you want your patio to be and what kind of patio you want.
First, measure the area for the patio extension. With measuring tape and string, chalk, or spray paint, mark off the new space. Before you build, take note of any grass or topsoil that you will have to remove.
Next, choose the patio material you prefer. Your existing patio and climate may dictate your decision here, but know that you have a few options to think about:
- Concrete is durable and versatile, but it may crack in freezing temperatures.
- Pavers, made of brick, cement, or stone, offer a classic look and are easy to replace if damaged.
- Wood provides a natural appearance, but it can become slippery after rain or soggy in climates with regular rainfall.
- Gravel is cost-effective and easy to install, but it can shift over time and isn’t suitable for all patio extension projects.
- Interlocking tiles are prefabricated tiles that can be easily laid over existing surfaces.
- Decking: While more involved than some options, adding a deck can extend patio space and create a multi-level outdoor living area.
As you plan your build, you may have to factor in the addition of a retaining wall to provide a smooth transition between the original patio and the extension, especially if you’re working on uneven terrain.
How To Extend a Patio with Concrete
A concrete patio works for homeowners looking to create a seamless extension of an existing concrete patio. You’ll need:
- Plate compactor or manual tamper
- Bag(s) of concrete mix and required items to mix the concrete
- All-purpose gravel
- Wooden boards and nails
- Concrete release agent
- Straight-edged tool
1. Compact the Soil
To prevent future cracks and shifts in the concrete slab, you’ll need to compact the soil, which creates a solid foundation for the patio. Use a mechanical plate compactor for large areas and a manual tamper for smaller spaces. You can rent both machines from your local home improvement store.
2. Lay a Form and Base
Create a mold for the concrete using 2 x 4 boards. Drive the boards into the ground with nails to outline the extension area. Apply a concrete release agent to the inside edges of the boards so they’re easy to remove after the concrete cures.
Next, add a layer of all-purpose gravel and compact it to create a solid base for the concrete.
3. Mix and Pour the Concrete
Follow the instructions on the concrete mix package to prepare the mixture. For the best results, use an extra-strength or crack-resistant concrete mix.
Pour the concrete evenly into the form. Use a straight-edged tool to screed the top of the concrete and create a flat surface.
4. Let the Concrete Cure
Concrete needs at least two days to cure. After you pour it, cover it with a plastic tarp to protect it from debris and moisture. Wait at least a week before placing heavy furniture on the new patio extension.
How To Extend a Patio with Pavers
For homeowners who prefer a more decorative option or want to avoid mixing concrete, extending a patio with pavers is an excellent alternative. You’ll need:
- Soil compactor or manual tamper
- All-purpose gravel
- Paver sand
- Pavers
- Edging strips and nails
Buy paver sand, not fine sand. Fine sand will erode and cause stones to shift. You can find paver sand, such as polymeric sand or paver joint sand, at a home improvement store.
1. Create a Paver Base
To create a paver base, compact the soil using a soil compactor or manual tamper. Add a layer of all-purpose gravel and compact it again. Then, spread a layer of paver sand, level it using a board, and compact it a final time.
2. Lay Your Pavers
Starting from one corner, place the pavers in your desired pattern, working outward and making sure each paver is snug against its neighbors. For a professional finish, use a masonry saw to cut pavers to fit around edges or obstacles.
3. Add the Finishing Touches
Once all the pavers are in place, install paver edging around the perimeter to hold the exterior pavers in place. Finally, spread paver sand over the entire surface, sweeping it into the cracks between pavers. Use a plate compactor to settle the sand and secure the pavers in place.
How To Decorate Your Extended Patio
Once you complete the patio extension, the fun part begins — decorating the new space.
Adding comfortable and durable outdoor furniture and a pergola for shade can make your patio the perfect spot to relax outside. During cold weather, turn the space into a nighttime treat by incorporating a fire pit or outdoor fireplace.
I recommend adding lighting to extend the usability of the patio. String lights, solar lights, lanterns, candles, and LED fixtures enhance the space and also improve its safety.
The addition of potted plants and landscaping can soften the patio’s edges and integrate it with the yard. For more versatility, change up your patio decorations based on the season. Add flowers for spring, nautical items for summer, pumpkins for autumn, and string lights for winter.
Final Thoughts About Extending a Patio
Extending a patio is a rewarding project that enhances a home’s outdoor living space. Whether taking DIY approaches with concrete or pavers or choosing a simpler solution like interlocking tiles, extending your patio can provide years of family enjoyment and increase your property value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extending Patios
How Do I Extend My Patio on a Budget?
Concrete and gravel are the cheapest materials you can use to extend your patio.
Concrete typically costs around $5 per bag. One 60-pound bag makes enough concrete for 1.5 square feet of a 4-inch-deep patio. You’d need approximately 67 bags to produce enough concrete for a 100-square-foot patio, bringing your total cost to $333.
All-purpose gravel also costs about $5 per bag. You’d need approximately 55 bags to cover a 3-inch-deep, 100-square-foot area, bringing your total cost to around $275.
We also suggest renting as many pieces of equipment as you can. Most home improvement stores rent out tools like compactors, tampers, oscillating saws, and more, which can help you save hundreds of dollars on equipment.
For example, you can rent a plate compactor for four hours for around $60. You’d pay $500-$1,500 to buy a new one. You can rent a concrete saw for $45 for a four-hour timeframe. Buying a new one costs $500 or more.
Renting these products is far more cost-effective than buying them – especially if you plan to use the tools for only a couple of home improvement projects.
How Do I Know if My Patio Slab Is Level?
You can use a line level and bubble level to ensure your patio is even. To create a line level, drive nails or stakes into each corner of your work area. Tie a string to each nailhead to surround your project space with a “fence” of string.
Then, use a bubble level to ensure each string is at a consistent height from the ground.
Can I Refresh My Old Concrete Patio?
You can easily refresh your existing concrete patio to make it look new. Use a recoat primer or concrete stain to add a glossy finish to the worn-out surface. Depending on your preference and needs, you can select an acid-based or water-based solution for your patio refresh project:
- Acid-based stain bonds with the concrete to create a longer-lasting, fade-resistant finish. This option is less likely to fade or chip away as time passes.
- Water-based stains fill in the pores of old concrete, adding color and dimension to the worn-out surface. Water-based products typically come in a wider variety of colors and dry more quickly once applied.
Check out our guide on how to stain wood if you need tips for refreshing your wooden patio or deck.
What Are the Benefits of Extending a Patio?
The main benefit of extending your patio is that it gives you more space to enjoy your home and yard. Along with boosting your curb appeal, a more extensive patio provides ample room to entertain guests, serve meals, and socialize outdoors.
