Hello,
I'm new to the site. I am a homeowner DIY guy who is installing a raised paver patio. This will include steps up to the slider door.
The house was built in 2004 and the ground has been undisturbed for a couple years. There was a small 6x4 concrete pad below the slider where the steps led to. I built the wall around the area, leveled the sub base, then hauled in (by wheel barrow) 9 yards of 5/8-. I compacted every 2" bringing the grade up 6". I went over the top of the cement pad. The whole area has a grade of ~1/8" drop per foot away from the house. I chalk lined the house where the foundation 3 3/8" below final grade (allows for 1" sand and then pavers). I used a laser level and built the wall to achieve the 1/8" per foot grade. I used a 2x4 to level each layer.
It has been two days (it started raining) so I figure it wouldn't hurt to run the compactor over it one more time before I bring in the sand.
I plan on getting some foundation sealer to put on the foundation before putting the sand and pavers down. I'll have a 3" gap between the final grade and the siding. Will the sealer be sufficient or should I flash that area?
For the stairs, the plan is to get the patio built then build the stairs on top. To achieve this, I plan to use building blocks along the back leaving a gap between the siding and block. I also plan to flash the siding under the slider (pretty much whatever gets covered up I was going to flash). I plan on using masonry adhesive to attach the building blocks to the pavers and each other (they'll only be two high). I also plan to put weep holes on the building block side. After the building blocks are up, I'm going to run the stack stone wall around using the adhesive on them as well. Once the wall is up, I'll pull some of the pavers out from inside "the box" to allow for drainage then fill it up with gravel to achieve the proper base height.
The following pictures should show everything fairly well. My very rough stair/elevation sketches were made with MS Paint but you should get the idea. I'm undecided on the stair shape/design. Any suggestions are more than welcome.
The wall is right up to the property line. I went as far forward on the side of the house so I wouldn't have to have that tiny area around the egress to mow, landscape or upkeep. I had planned on just letting the downspout drain out over the edge. But now looking at the pictures, I'm wondering if that downspout could be ran into the ground and come out the wall? Thoughts or suggestions.
I've read here that I should have done the stairs first, but with the void under the build out, I wanted to do it this way to eliminate issues on what to do under there. I've been meticulous on keeping my heights proper so it comes out proper.
Here is a link to the pavers I'm using.
I appreciate any advise or criticisms.
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