This article considers whether the patio should flush with the grass. By this, could your patio and grass be at the same level? The ideal answer is yes; although the patio should be higher than the grade (ground of your lawn), the grass can be trimmed to flush with the patio.
As simple as this might sound, several factors come to play, including the height of the patio, your drain, water system, and the material your patio is made of.
Having your patio slightly higher than your lawn has a functional purpose while also generally adding to your patio’s beauty. But how exactly can you achieve this, and how do these several factors come to play, as noted earlier?
Another tricky factor that comes to play is how you trim your lawn; if the patio and lawn are of similar height, there is a possibility that the grass will outgrow the patio height and overwhelm it.
However, if the patio is built higher than the lawn, it increases the chance of accidents and tripping. Therefore, the best position would be to make your patio higher than your lawn.
How high should a patio be
While deciding on the height of your patio, you should keep in mind that your patio design must be slightly elevated. This makes it difficult for dirt, particles, and grass from the lawn to find their way onto the patio and prevents water retention from rainfall.
Apart from the damage water could do to your patio, it could also cause molds and mildews to grow on the surface, furniture, and rug. Therefore, an elevated patio serves a million purposes.
It is believed that a standard patio height should be at least between 0.5 and 1.5 inches. Note that this height is not the sole factor; another important factor is the slope.
Note that the recommended height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches is a general guideline; you could have your patio slightly higher to suit your desired taste, design preferences, or aesthetics.
However, going lower than 0.5 should be avoided at all costs as it makes it easy for your patio to fall victim to encroachment by dirt, grasses, and other particles. It could also make your patio waterlogged in case of a heavy downpour.
Additionally, remember that the quality of materials used in your construction can be as important as the surface elevation of structural integrity.
For example, you could have the appropriate patio height for your lawn, yet it might easily get weakened and defaced if done with poor material. Check out if you need a permit to build a patio and other outdoor living areas.
Types of Patio Surface
There are many types of materials that can create a patio surface. The right patio surface can make your patio the best part of your home, while the wrong one can turn it into a dust trap or an unpleasant experience. First, let’s look at the most common and popular options.
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Concrete
Concrete is a great choice if you want a long-lasting patio that will look good for years. A concrete surface can be easily modified with stains and dyes and can be colored to match any decor. It is also one of the cheapest options for a patio surface.
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Clay Bricks
The most common option is clay bricks, often referred to as paving stones. Clay bricks give you a lot of choices in terms of colors and sizes and can be arranged in a wide variety of patterns. They’re also easy to lay and repair if they crack or break. The downside is that they can get pretty hot underfoot in summer and slippery when wet.
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Concrete Pavers
Another alternative is concrete pavers, manufactured to look like clay bricks but are generally slightly thinner and lighter. Concrete pavers have all the same benefits as clay pavers, with one bonus being that they’re less likely to crack since they’re thinner.
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Flagstone
If you’re looking for something a little more natural-looking, flagstone is an option worth considering. It’s usually available in earthy colors and has a rough texture that lends itself well to outdoor use, providing good traction even when wet. In addition, they come with a crack surface design, enhancing the appearance of the surface. Unfortunately, flagstone is difficult to install yourself; you’ll need to hire a professional if you want this type of patio surface.
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Gravel
Gravel is inexpensive if you want something simple but attractive on your patio surface. Also, gravel comes in many different colors and textures to blend into the home’s existing design. In addition, gravel is easy to maintain and evacuate compared to other patio surfaces.
How sloppy should a patio be
The primary motive of having a sloppy patio is to have it direct all water flow away from your building towards the lawn. In the long run, this will maintain the structural integrity of your home.
A wet paved surface could also be the breeding ground of mosquitoes, making it difficult to use the outdoor space. Get rid of bugs and mosquitos with these tips and tricks.
But, on the other hand, it has a secondary aesthetic function, and this is because a sloppy patio is more pleasing to the eye than a flat-bed format.
On this, it is recommended to make it 2% or 3% sloppy for maximum visual appeal. It should be highest at the base of your home and gradually slope away so that water can flow from your property towards the lawn.
Apart from helping the structural integrity of your home by pooling water away from its foundation, it also helps preserve the materials used for your patio, such as polymeric sands, which otherwise are usually degraded by water.
In addition, having the water flow away will also help the lawn, which should be slightly sloppy; this ensures that excess water will not erode the fertility of the soil, thereby helping your grass grow evenly.
Should a patio be higher than the grass?
This answers the central question once again. A patio doesn’t need to be higher than the grass; it can be flush with it. Homeowners generally believe that having their patio flushed with grass gives their home a more modern and beautiful appearance.
However, a flush patio tends to collect excessive dirt and debris and will require maintenance from time to time. This disadvantage can be avoided by following the above height and slope recommendations.
How to maintain patio flush with the grass
A replacement may be consider
If your patio is lower than the lawn, the danger is multifold, and it is not worth the risk. This is because water from the lawn will likely flow into the patio and sink, making the structure weak. A total replacement is recommended rather than embarking on a white elephant attempt to raise it.
The grasses, dirt, and other particles will become a constant menace on your patio because the wind will easily blow them on the surface.
In addition, it is dangerous for the whole building because water will flow and sink back into the building foundation. Another risk is the increase in the likelihood of tripping and accidents.
Maintain your lawn regularly.
Regular maintenance prevents grass and weeds from crawling onto the patio surface and causing damage. However, the grass should be kept as short as possible to keep it lower than your patio and keep bugs out of your lawn. However, avoid cutting it too short, as this can harm the plant’s appearance, feel, and overall health.
Find alternative drains where needed.
If you think your existing patio is not sloppy enough to make water flow away, you can use French drains. French drains effectively prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations.
Including a French drain to your patio will allow the water to run off more effectively without having the opportunity to collect and cause structural damage to the patio, the lawn, or the building’s foundation.
Conclusion
With this, we hope your inquiry should the patio be flush with the grass should not be an issue of concern anymore. The risk and disadvantages of flushing your patio with the lawn are too much and should be avoided at all costs. For this reason, when building your patio, ensure it is at least 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the ground while slopping away from home.
A sloping patio will keep water away and prevent your patio surface from damage while preventing mold and mildew growth. If you are building your patio surface by yourself or hiring a professional, now you know the advantages of not having your patio flush with your grass or lawn.
