I am planning to put in a paver patio. The patio will cover a narrow portion of my back yard from the sidewalk to a flowerbed, and a larger, flatter part adjacent to the deck. This narrow portion is about 8 to 10 feet wide, and maybe 15 feet long, and has quite a slope to it, sloping down from the sidewalk to the flower bed. I can probably reduce the slope by a couple of inches - but it will still be steeper than the usually recommended 1" to 4ft grade. I am paving this area because it is very high traffic, and extremely succeptible to weeds, and I am very tired of trying to keep it attractive. I wish I had the exact slope - it is not so steep that there is any problem mowing or walking on it, but I would say that when you step off the sidewalk and head towards the flowerbed, you can defintely feel the grade. I am wondering what your opinions are on this? Will I have problems with this later? If so, what will they be? Thanks very much for your help - I am a single mom that tries to do it ALL myself!!

 

It sounds like it would be a bit too steep.If it's a narrow walkway you want to put in,you can add steps,usually with 7 1/2 to 8 inch risers.If this is more of a patio design you should add a retaining wall.

 

Unfortunately a retaining wall is not possible in that area. Also, steps would not work since they would have to run lengthwise, and would render the entire strip pretty much unusable as a passthru to the main backyard. Thanks for the suggestions, but I have already decided to put in the pavers, or some other type of no-maintenance ground cover. I just want to know what "too steep'" means, really. If I can walk and run on it now with no problem, then would the grade be an issue with pavers? What problems do you think might arise? Thanks again.

 

Well I have been walking on city sidewalks with quite a slope.

 

Well you know what - that is a good point. Maybe the "too steep" thinking is from being concerned about patio furniture (or whatever) setting level. And I won't have any of that there - it's just a passthru - nothing more. So I believe I'll do the pavers and not worry about the slope!