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How to Build Patios, Walkways, and Driveways

23 articles and videos with the details you need to build sturdy and attractive landscape features out of brick, concrete, stone, and more.

Whether you’re building a new patio as a summer project or looking to add strength and style to your driveway, there are many structural and design decisions that require thoughtful consideration. These outdoor spaces are some of the most prominent and lasting features of your house, so you’ll want to tackle these projects with precision and care.

This list is full of useful tips and step-by-step guides to help you through the process, covering everything from design inspiration to material choices to installation techniques. Need help deciding what driveway material to use or learning how to lay a flagstone walkway? Or are you still trying to decide between a deck and a patio? This collection of articles and videos from the Fine Homebuilding archive covers all of that and more.

  • How-To 1
    brick walkway
    Tips for Laying a Better Walkway

    Careful base prep is what keeps bricks or other pavers in place when installing hardscaping.

  • How-To 2
    concrete paver patio
    A Concrete-Paver Patio from the Bottom Up

    Accurate site work and a well-compacted stone base yield an outdoor room that's firm, flat, and attractive.

  • How-To 3
    Cutting Belgian Block
    How to Cut Belgian Block

    Learn two reliable techniques–and what tools you will need for each–for cutting and shaping granite pavers.

  • How-To 4
    Building a Concrete Walkway
    Video Series: How to Build a Concrete Walkway

    Learn how to build forms, install steel reinforcement, pour concrete, use floats and trowels, and stamp a decorative pattern.

  • How-To 5
    belgian-block driveway apron
    Add a Belgian-Block Driveway Apron

    Learn how to install granite pavers to add style and strength to any driveway. This illustrated tutorial covers every step, from creating a solid base to finishing the mortar joints.

  • How-To 6
    concrete
    Tips for Pouring a Concrete Patio

    Mike Guertin outlines the entire process, from preparing the site to pouring and finishing the concrete slab for a patio.

  • How-To 7
    concrete patio finish
    How to Finish a Concrete Patio Slab

    Get the perfect texture with these easy steps, whether you want your patio to be coarse or smooth.

  • How-To 8
    laying-a-flagstone-walkway
    Laying a Flagstone Walkway

    Setting the stone is the fun part; preparing a solid base first will make the walk last.

  • 9
    Tips for Specifying, Pouring, and Finishing Concrete

    Get the right mix and be sure to order enough concrete for your next footing, foundation, or slab.

  • Design 10
    designing-outdoor-patio
    Inspiration for Building a Backyard Patio

    These 2 concepts for cozy outdoor spaces are full of smart patio design ideas.

  • How-To 11
    laying pavers
    Laying Concrete Pavers

    For a driveway, walk, or patio, get the base right, and the rest of the job is straightforward.

  • How-To 12
    Concrete against siding
    How to Safely Pour Concrete Against Siding

    Find out what type of flashing you can install between new concrete steps and existing siding or sheathing to prevent rot and other water damage.

  • Tools & Materials 13
    Permeable vs. Impermeable Pavers – What’s the Difference?

    Consider the material’s cost, installation demands, and environmental impact when choosing pavers for you next patio, walkway, or driveway project.

  • How-To 14
    artistic-mosaic
    How to Create Artistic Brick-Mosaic Patios

    Learn how to prepare the base, design patterns, and cut and install the bricks for a truly custom dry-laid brick patio.

  • Design 15
    deck vs. patio
    Patio vs. Deck Throwdown

    Two Fine Homebuilding editors face off on the pros and cons of these popular exterior spaces.

  • Design 16
    gravel-driveway
    Driveway Material Choices – What’s the Difference?

    Learn the pros and cons of asphalt, pavers, gravel, and more so you can pick the best materials for your new driveway.

  • How-To 17
    Concrete Steps With Brick
    Refacing Concrete Steps With Brick

    A level may be a mason's best friend, but to cover up an unsightly set of concrete steps, an experienced eye takes over.

  • How-To 18
    How to Build Dry-Laid Stone Steps
    How to Build Dry-Laid Stone Steps

    Skip the mortar and use packed stone dust for a rustic walkway that will last a lifetime.

  • Design 19
    The Groundwork of Landscape Design

    A professional landscape designer offers advice for every phase of the process, from grading to lighting.

  • How-To 20
    Placing Gravel the Easy Way

    No need for shovels and wheelbarrows–have your local concrete supplier place gravel with precision and ease.

  • How-To 21
    Getting the Right Concrete

    Whether by bag or truckload, the correct concrete mix can make a project, and the wrong concrete can ruin it.

  • How-To 22
    round-corners-for-concrete-forms
    Round corners for concrete forms

    I was on a job that required a poured-concrete step with 6-in. radius curved corners. I've had good luck in the past using hardboard to form odd-shaped curves, but the…

  • How-To 23
    Brick-Path Screed

    All walks, drives and patios should be constructed to ensure proper drainage. Concrete sidewalks are normally flat, but walks made of brick, tile or paving blocks should have a slight…

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