A sloped patio can make it hard to set up an outdoor dining space. Your dream of eating outside can be ruined by a wobbly table and sliding chairs. But this common problem, often there to help with water drainage, doesn't have to stop you. With the right tips, you can create a safe and stable dining area on a slope. This guide will show you good ways to fix the problem, from easy adjustments to bigger projects.
Why is an Uneven Patio a Problem?
Before you begin to search for a solution, you first have to realize why a sloping dining area is a real issue. If you do not account for the slope, it can be hazardous and unpleasant. It can also destroy your furniture. An unstable table can fall and cause injury or broken plates.
They also run on slippery surfaces such as concrete, so they are not safe to be sat on. It creates strain on the furniture's joints. Therefore, the furniture becomes weak and is likely to break earlier than it should. When you amend the slope, you are making the site a safer place for your loved ones and friends.
1. Measure Your Slope First
Not all slopes are created equal. The patch you choose is a function of how steep the slope is. A subtle drainage slope needs a different patch from a rather noticeable one. You can measure it for your own self without difficulty.
Place a long, flat piece of board on the patio, sloping downward. Place a carpenter's level on the board. Adjust the low end of the board until the bubble in the level is in the middle. Take a reading of how far away from the patio the board is. If the drop within a section of a four foot length is one inch or less, it's a slight slope. If it's greater, you have a medium or large slope and will require a larger correction.
2. Find Easy Fixes for Small Slopes
If you have a small slope or are a renter, these quick solutions can create a level dining area without a great amount of work.
Buy Furniture with Adjustable Legs
This is the easiest and best solution. Most decent outdoor furniture sets come with adjustable legs that you can adjust one at a time. You can screw them in or out to make each one longer or shorter. You can make the "uphill" legs shorter and the "downhill" legs longer until the chairs and table are solid. This works, and your furniture looks good still.
Use Strong Leveling Blocks
If your furniture doesn't have movable legs, you'll want to use leveling blocks (or shims). Don't use cardboard or deteriorating wood. You'll want to buy heavy-duty rubber or plastic blocks for outdoor applications. They won't get soft, disintegrate, or become slippery when wet. Put them under the short legs to create a solid base. You can find blocks that clip on to one another so they won't slip apart.
Make a Level Spot with Deck Tiles
Another wonderful and flexible option are interlocking deck tiles. You can install such tiles on your patio directly. The idea is to do so using adjustable feet installed underneath. Such feet enable you to raise each of the tiles to the correct position to achieve a completely flat surface. You simply need to create a platform large enough for your outdoor dinning setting. You essentially create a mini flat deck on your patio.
3. Find Fixes for Medium Slopes
When your patio's slope is bigger, simple blocks may not be safe enough. These next options take more effort but give you a better and more stable result.
Build a Low Platform Deck
A small deck built on top of the patio is a common and very good solution. You can build a simple frame with wood and change the height of the posts to make the top level. Then, you can cover the frame with decking boards.
This method completely fixes the slope problem and gives you a clear, stable area for dining. The platform should be heavy so it doesn't move. Or, you can attach it to the patio with special anchors. Make sure the edges are smooth so no one trips.
Use Adjustable Feet for Pavers
This is like the system for deck tiles, but these adjustable feet are made to hold heavy stone or concrete pavers. This lets you create a "floating" paver area over your old patio. The adjustable feet can handle big height differences and create a flat, strong dining space. This looks very professional and is a great way to make a special dining zone.
4. Find Long-Term Fixes for Steep Slopes
For patios with a very steep slope, a permanent fix done by a pro is often the best and safest choice for the long run.
- Add a New Concrete Layer: A good method is to pour a new, level layer of concrete over the old patio. A pro will clean the surface and then pour a special concrete mix that levels itself out. It's best to hire a pro for this, because they know how to make sure it is done right and water can still drain properly.
- Build a Small Retaining Wall: For very big slopes, the best fix might be to change the ground itself. This means building a low wall at the bottom edge of your dining area. Then, the space behind the wall is filled with gravel and soil to create a new, level spot. You can then put pavers or stone on top. This is a big project and you will likely need to hire a professional.
5. Choose the Right Furniture
Even after you level the area, the right furniture also helps with stability. If you are buying a new set, think about these things.
- Adjustable Feet: As we said before, this is the most important feature to look for. It gives you an easy, built-in fix.
- Heavier Furniture: Lightweight furniture can move around easily. Heavier materials like iron, steel, or solid wood have a low center of gravity and are less likely to move.
- Individual Chairs: It's better to get a set with single chairs instead of long benches. It is much easier to make four single chairs stable than it is to level one long bench.
6. Do a Final Safety Check
No matter which fix you choose, always make safety the most important thing. After your dining area is set up, do these last checks.
- The Wobble Test: Push on the table and sit in every chair. Nothing should wobble, rock, or slide.
- Make Sure No One Can Trip: Check that the edges of your new platform or paver area are easy to see. You don't want anyone to trip on them. You can use edge lights or a sloped trim to make the edge safer.
- Check the Water Drainage: Be sure your fix isn't blocking water. Water should still be able to flow away from your house.
- Check Your Setup Often: Look at your setup from time to time, especially if you used blocks or a non-permanent platform. Things can move or settle over time.
Enjoy Lawn Seating Without Damaging Your Grass
A sloped patio is a common problem, but you can solve it with the right plan. First, check how steep your slope is. Then, you can choose the best fix for your budget and skills. You can use simple furniture adjustments, build a platform, or hire a pro. A stable and safe dining area is possible. Don't let an uneven surface stop you from enjoying meals outside.
