Is a 1/8 inch per ft. slope (away from the house) sufficient for a patio?

Ron D
by Ron D
I have excavated, graded, compacted, added gravel in 2-inch stages, and compacted again. I've been doing this with a 1/4 inch per ft. slope away from the house. Unfortunately, I now discover that using this degree of slope will not allow me to connect properly with the remainder of my lawn without running into problems with the stoop at the back of my house (a long story). So I 'm thinking of re-grading the last segment of gravel to make the slope a 1/8 inch grade. I'm wondering if this is sufficient for a patio that is northern exposure and often gets a good bit of snow (Denver, CO). I'm also wondering if the 1/8th inch drop will hold up if I compact it thoroughly, given that the early layers were compacted with a 1/4 inch grade. Any info or advice will be much appreciated.
  6 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jul 28, 2012
    How big is this patio?...I normally like to see 1/4 or more but once your out far enough from the house it usually does not matter as much. Is this going to be a poured patio or are you going with pavers or flagstone?
  • Ron D Ron D on Jul 28, 2012
    I am using brick pavers. The patio is 16 ft. by 18 ft.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jul 29, 2012
    I think you should be fine...the pavers will allow water to perc through if needed...the trick is to prevent pooling at the house... post some pics when you get in completed.
  • Ron D Ron D on Jul 29, 2012
    Thanks for your help! Will the re-grading pose any problems?
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jul 30, 2012
    if you are tamping you should be fine...it is when folks skip this step and the fill settles in weird ways where the problems start.
  • Ron D Ron D on Aug 01, 2012
    Thanks again.