I'm about to replace my cracked concrete slab with a new paver patio, but I'm stuck on how much slope to include for drainage. The patio will have an L shape, with the longest side being 20 feet away from the house. I'm considering a slope of either 1/4" or 1/8" per foot, but I'm worried that a 1/4" slope means I might be creating a 5" drop, which could mess with my lawn grading. Is 1/8" sufficient, or would a split like 3/16" be a better compromise? What do you think?
1 Answer
You're definitely on the right track with needing a drop for drainage, and I'd recommend aiming for at least a 1/8" per foot, which translates to a 1% slope. Personally, I prefer a steeper 3/16" per foot for better drainage. Just make sure to take your measurements accurately to ensure everything drains the way you intend. Also, you’ll probably need to adjust the grading of your lawn around the patio to accommodate this slope. Don't let the lawn’s existing grade dictate your patio slope since the drainage is more crucial!
Thanks for the tips! What do you think about grading in both directions, like 1/8" East/West and 1/8" North/South? Is that smart or should I keep it level in one direction?