Grading on Terraces and Patios

Construction can be as simple as laying flat stones on grass a few square feet in extent, with no other preparation, to the more elaborately-constructed affair set on a concrete base, as much a part of the house as a living room. Between these extremes are numerous variations, all built to fit the pocket book and the mode of living of the family. Flags, or flat tile laid on a concrete base is the most durable form of terrace floor construction. Four to six inches of concrete is poured over a six to eight inch base of tamped cinders.

A very satisfactory floor can be laid without using concrete. Make an excavation nine to twelve inches deep, pitch the subsoil grade one-quarter of an inch to the foot and tamp it firm. A six-inch layer of cinders is added and firmed, and then a three-inch cushion of sand and, finally, the tile or flags are imbedded in the sand, making a simple, serviceable floor. If flags are used with the idea of growing grass or pavement plants in the joints, tamp the sand firm before laying the flagstones, set the flags with a one-inch space between and brush into these spaces a mixture of soil and peat-moss.

Rough stones with a partially flat face are also satisfactory on a similar base. A level floor is obtained by pouring cement and floating it into the hollows and spaces between the stones. In recent years wood paving has come into prominent use. It makes a soft, cool floor, interesting in texture. Round or square blocks of cypress or redwood, old railroad ties sawed into squares are also used. All are set grain-side up. Cypress has holes in the wood in which grass, clover or pavement plants may be grown

If flags are used with the idea of growing grass or pavement plants in the joints, tamp the sand firm before laying the flagstones, set the flags with a one-inch space between and brush into these spaces a mixture of soil and peat-moss.