Concrete Pavers Guide

If you want to install a new patio in your backyard, you have a number of options for the material you can use and the design you create. One of the more popular patio types is the concrete patio. There are many different shapes, sizes, and designs for a concrete patio. You can even choose different colors for the concrete by adding certain coloring to the concrete before you pour it. The ultimate design for your concrete you select will depend on the concrete patio molds or forms you use to create the project. There are many different kinds of molds and forms you can use. This article will briefly discuss the most basic ones.

Paver Molds and Forms for Patios

First, you can use a mold to create pavers. These pavers are brick made from concrete that can be arranged in a pattern. No cement or mortar is necessary to hold them in place – simply add sand between the joints, compact, and you’re done. You can purchase concrete patio molds for pavers online or at a hardware store, or you can make your own paver forms yourself, as is described at other parts of this site.

Molds and Forms for Concrete Slabs

The second major type is the concrete slab. These are like concrete pavers, except only thinner and with larger dimensions. These can also be made with molds that you can make or buy. Forms can be made similar to pavers molds, only larger – take four planks of wood and arrange the mold into the size slab you want. Then pour the concrete and let it cure and harden for 24-48 hours.

Concrete Patio Molds and Forms

The final kind of concrete patio molds is a large slab. This is essentially laying down the entire concrete patio in one large structure – these are not ‘laid’ like pavers and smaller slabs are. Instead, the forms are constructed on the site of the patio and filled with concrete. Creating these forms can be tricky, as you need to get the dimensions down pat. Any mistakes will compromise the looks and integrity of the final product. Forms are usually bordered with long planks of wood that serve as the boundaries of the large slab.

Making Your Own Concrete Patio Forms

1. After excavating the area to the proper depth (at least 4 inches), use stakes and string to mark out the dimensions of your patio, forms included.
2. Put in any expansion joints where they may be needed, such as near a foundation or other structure.
3. When setting up your strings, make sure to have the correct slope or grade so that water will pitch away from your house and other sensitive areas.
4. Use 2x4s as the boundaries of the forms. Cut the wood planks until they are in the proper length according to the dimensions of your plan. Nail them through the stakes to create the forms. You may want to add more stakes to provide more  of  a brace for the forms, perhaps one every 12 inches or so. Make sure the height is good – you want the forms to be one inch higher than the grass, though the actual height will depend on how high you want the final patio to be. Make sure it’s not a tripping hazard by being too high or too low!
5. Add braces and supports to the sides of the forms if you believe the concrete will put lots of pressure on them – concrete is quite strong when it is poured.
6. Your concrete patio molds and forms are done! Once the forms are all set up in the way you want – with as many slabs as you need – lay down gravel and wire mesh. Then begin your pour!

Good luck with your concrete patio mold!