I am planning a 12'x16' patio with a retaining wall along one 12' side. The other 12' side ends at a former sidewalk that is now a pad for the ac (also finishing off that side-as it is the last unfenced side of the yard-with a 4' privacy fence). The yard slopes right about where I want the retaining wall, so I figure I'll use the soil I dig up to back fill the upper yard level. My question: since the retaining wall will be one edge of the patio, it has to go in first, right? It's just me doing the project, so each step will take awhile/a weekend or two (or more!). Any suggestions besides using sidewalk to determine slope, doing the retaking wall, taking a break, then tackling the patio excavation? Can a hand tamp since the patio is small-ish? If I do rent a tamper and can't get the base/sand/pavers laid in one day, am I defeating the purpose only tamping the base and not the pavers?
- posted
6 years ago