A DIY patio is going to be an interesting and fulfilling experience. Though many companies can help you with your patio ideas and installation, doing it yourself gives you more satisfaction and a more personalized outcome. A DIY patio is a medium-skill set project, so you must procure materials and tools to get it going.
A gardener is always a nature lover. We recommend using solar-powered generators as they are environmentally friendly and much more economical. We recommend using the Jackery 3000 Pro and 2000 Plus for your DIY patio project, as they are large enough to handle the tool's power consumption.
What Tools & Materials Do You Need for a DIY Patio?
A DIY patio project is a medium to high-skill project. It would help if you had some basic construction tools like a shovel, trowel, and rake and already have them all because you are a DIY enthusiast. The material list is also very basic and is relatively easy to procure. The choice between the patio paver and concrete is a question to ponder.
|
DIY Patio Tools & Materials |
|
|
Materials |
Tools |
|
Nylon masonry line Four 12-inch-long metal spikes Hand tamper or plate compactor Two 1-inch-diameter metal fence pipes 4- or 6-foot-long level Rubber mallet Plastic or metal edging and metal spikes, or premixed concrete Polymeric sand |
Line level Shovel Wide metal rake Trowel |
What to Consider Before DIY Patio: Lay Concrete or Patio Paver?
The biggest decision you must make in this project is whether to use concrete or patio paver. Both have pros and cons, so let us analyze both options and see the best choice for your circumstances.
Concrete is a tough material for a DIY patio, but the problem is that high or low temperatures and moisture may cause expansion and contraction, eventually cracking. On the other hand, pavers are denser and tougher; hence, water cannot be absorbed into these stones. So, patio pavers are better for durability.
However, maintenance and repairs are common in concrete or patio pavers. The most common way to repair concrete is to patch the area after removing the affected area. The patch will show as a repair, though. While on patio pavers, it is much easier. You lay out the affected or a few surrounding pieces and lay new pieces.
Laying patio pavers is much easier than laying concrete, so for DIY patio projects, patio pavers are a better choice for ease of installation. However, concrete is much cheaper, so it depends on which is your requirement.
How to DIY Patio?
- Use the masonry line and line level to mark lines for your patio.
- Dig 6 inches below to start making the foundation for your DIY patio. The edges around have to be 10 inches deep.
- Use a shovel to throw half of the aggregate in the area and then spread it evenly using a metal landscape rake.
- This first layer has to be compressed using a hand tamper or a plate compactor to make it compact.
- Now spread a layer of coarse sand roughly an inch in depth. Use pipes as guides.
- Now that your foundation is laid, the next step is to set the pavers.
- Secure the structure using a plate compactor and then fill it with polymeric sand.
- Install the edging.
Jackery Solar Generators for DIY Patio
The Jackery solar generators have become essential equipment for every household for many reasons. These generators have highly reliable battery management systems and advanced IBC technology. These technologies ensure they are quickly charged within 2 hours, and the charge flows without fluctuation.
Following is a list of minimum and maximum wattage of the most commonly used construction power tools, and then we will discuss the recommended Jackery solar generators.
|
Appliances |
Minimum Wattage |
Maximum Wattage |
|
Electric Drill |
450 |
1500 |
|
Edger |
960 |
2400 |
|
Electric Weed Trimmer |
500 |
500 |
|
Water Pump |
3000 |
1000 |
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery solar generator 3000 Pro has a large capacity of 3024 Wh, which is enough for most power tools and home appliances. It has very fast charging, and it takes 3 to 4 to go from zero to 100% using solar panels. 3000 Pro is compact despite being so high in capacity. It is 30% lighter and smaller than its competing generators in the market.
|
|
Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
|
|
Capacity |
3024Wh |
|
|
Battery Cell |
NMC (lithium-ion battery) |
|
|
Cycle Life |
2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
|
Dimension |
Length: 18.6in (47.3cm) Width: 14.1in (35.94cm) Height: 14.7in (37.36cm) Weight: 63.93lbs (29kg) |
|
|
Recharging Methods |
Solar Panel: 3-4 Hours AC Adapter: 2.4 Hours Car Adapter: 35 Hours |
|
|
Output Ports |
AC Output(x1): 120V~ 60Hz 25A Max AC Output(x3): 120V~ 60Hz 20A Max USB-C Output(x2): 100W Max, 5V⎓3A, 9V⎓3A, 12V⎓3A, 15V⎓3A, 20V⎓5A |
|
|
Working Hours |
Electric Drill (1500W) |
1.7 Hours |
|
Edger (2400W) |
1 Hour |
|
|
Electric Weed Trimmer(500W) |
5 Hours |
|
|
Water Pump(1000W) |
2.5 Hours |
|
|
Customer Review |
Kenny Barrett This generator is a game changer. The battery lasts for hours. Solar panels work great and can be used ANYWHERE. |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Solar Generator 2000 Plus has an expandable capacity that allows you to use battery packs and solar panels to get a gigantic 24 kWh output. Its advanced IBS technology makes charging very quick, i.e., only two hours to use solar panels completely. Its ChargeShield Technology gives durability to the battery and boosts its life by 50%.
|
|
Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
|
|
Capacity |
2042.8Wh |
|
|
Battery Cell |
LFP (LiFePO4 battery) |
|
|
Cycle Life |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
|
Dimension |
Length: 14.7in(37.36cm) Width: 18.6in(47.3cm) Height: 14.1in(35.94cm) Weight: 61.5 lbs(27.9 kg) |
|
|
Recharging Methods |
Solar Panel: 2 Hours AC Adapter: 2 Hours Car Adapter: 25 Hours |
|
|
Output Ports |
AC Output(x5): AC Output(×4)：120V~ 60Hz, 20A Max, AC Output(×1)：120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max, AC Total Output，3000W Max, 6000W surge peak USB-A Output(x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max USB-C Output(x2): 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) |
|
|
Working Hours |
Electric Drill (1500W) |
1.15 Hours |
|
Edger (2400W) |
45 Minutes |
|
|
Electric Weed Trimmer(500W) |
3.5 Hours |
|
|
Water Pump(1000W) |
1.7 Hours |
|
|
Customer Review |
Stephen Dudzik 2000 explore with 600 w of panels So far, I was highly impressed with the quality of the equipment, the loan, and the excellent packing. Stephen thought the packing would make an excellent base for a Faraday cover. |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 4kWh Kit
The Jackery solar generator 2000 plus, when coupled with a double 2000 Plus kit, gives you expandable capacity going up to 6000W capacity. It gives you increased output and parallel operation from all AC/DC ports. Consequently, you can power up to 18 devices simultaneously.
|
|
Solar Generator 2000 Plus 4kWh Kit |
|
|
Capacity |
4 kWh |
|
|
Battery Cell |
LFP (LiFePO4 battery) |
|
|
Cycle Life |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
|
Dimension |
Length: 14.7in (37.36cm) Width: 18.6in (47.3cm) Height: 14.1in (35.94cm) Weight: 61.5 lbs/ 27.9 kg |
|
|
Recharging Methods |
Solar Panel: 2 Hours AC Adapter: 2 Hours Car Adapter: 25 Hours |
|
|
Output Ports |
AC Output(x5): AC Output (×4)：120V~ 60Hz, 20A Max, AC Output (×1)：120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max, AC Total Output，3000W Max, 6000W surge peak USB-A Output(x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max USB-C Output(x2): 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) |
|
|
Working Hours |
Electric Drill (1500W) |
2.3 Hours |
|
Edger (2400W) |
1.5 Hours |
|
|
Electric Weed Trimmer(500W) |
7 Hours |
|
|
Water Pump(1000W) |
3.4 Hours |
|
|
Customer Review |
Larry Gee Great Jackery product and design The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus and Battery Pack with the 400W solar panels package is a great combination for home backup and RV usage. The 120VAC and RV receptacles and the others are great on the unit. If I need more power, I can purchase another battery pack. The wheels on the generator are great, as 64 lbs is easier to pull/push than carry. It would be nice to have a wireless charging area on the generator's top. Small wheels on the battery pack will not work, as 42 lbs is heavy. |
|
DIY Patio Ideas
The beauty of a DIY patio is your customized personal touch. You can make your style statement on your patio with different materials, furniture, lights, and plants. Let us present some basic DIY patio ideas that can inspire you for your next project.
Firepit Patio
Fire Pits in the patios add a style element and make your winter nights a more nostalgic experience. You can use both concrete and patio pavers for this idea.
Classic DIY Patio
This classic DIY patio idea plays on the beauty of nature. The ground can be made with brick, concrete, stone, or gravel. The top ceiling gives shade on brighter days and adds a style element.
Concrete Patio
The simple hard patio allows an even surface on which furniture can be easily placed. It is easy to clean and maintain. You can add more style elements like plants or lights to add more visual appeal.
DIY Patio FAQs
1. What size of solar generator do I need for a DIY patio?
While constructing your DIY patio, you will need high-capacity solar generators like the Jackery 3000 Pro and 2000 Plus. You can operate your grinder, drill, and edger easily for hours. Afterward, when you have to power your light and fan on the patio, even small- to medium-sized generators will work.
It is important to note that we use 85% of the capacity of the generator to estimate working hours, as there will be a loss of capacity during use.
Working time = Capacity Wh * 0.85 / operating wattage of your water pump
2. What is the cheapest way to build a patio?
Concrete is cheaper than patio pavers. Following is a breakdown of material costs to give you a clear understanding of the overall cost.
|
Materials Needed |
Costs |
|
Gravel |
$30 per ton |
|
Soil Fabric |
Approx. $2 per sq. ft. |
|
Mortar |
Approx. $22 per sq. ft. |
|
Paver Edging / Edging Stones |
$3.30 – $5.10 per linear foot |
|
Paver Sand |
$5.50 per 0.5 cubic ft. |
3. What is the easiest patio DIY?
The easiest DIY patio uses large pavers on a flat, level surface. You can even use local Home Depot pavers, which are cheaper and easier.
4. Are DIY pavers worth it?
DIY pavers allow you to use your personalized touch to your house. Also, patio pavers add value to your house value.
Final Thoughts
A patio adds extra living space in your house to plan your get-togethers or family time. When you want to spend less money here and want a DIY patio, it is your opportunity to add your style statement. We have discussed how to DIY a patio and also some basic DIY patio ideas to help you go through the journey easily.
Leave a comment