Raised paver patio dilema

[GBU-24Paver]

Good Afternoon all,

We are planning on building a paver patio in the Ohio area, in which we would like to have a multi-level design. The upper level would be approx 10'x7' coming off the kitchen sliding door, with an additional level approx 4' outlining the upper level. We have come up with a design that we like and have asked a few local contractors to give us an estimate on the project. Here in lies the problem. One crew had suggested building a retaining wall and filling it with blocks to "build up" the ground below the upper level to give it the needed height. A different crew said that was not acceptable, and would build a retaining wall filled with concrete to "build up" to the correct height.

Is this just a different way of attacking the project and both are acceptable, or is one crew not competent? What would you recommend doing to build up the ground elevation under the upper level of the patio. Right now the ground is completely flat and approx 2' below the base of the sliding door. Im not sold on either idea, so if you wouldnt do it either way that they have suggested please give me your idea.

Any suggestions would be appreciated....Thanks

[Fine Edge]

I would use some type of stone / ABC that I could compact. There's no sense in having to pour all of that concrete or fill it with block.
What is the patio floor going to be?

[GBU-24Paver]

The patio floor will be made up of 4" x 5 1/2" pavers that are 2 3/8" thick from a local supplier.
With your idea of filliing it with stone, is there any concern with the stone settling over time?

[Lanelle]

The crushed stone should be installed in small layers and each layer compacted. This should give a stable base for the installation of interlocking pavers which are dry-laid. If you are having a mortared patio, then you have a different situation.

[GBU-24Paver]

Is there any concern about building a 3 sided retaining wall to build up the elevation, using the house foundation as the 4th side? I've read some articles about possible damage to the foundation wall from the extra pressure exerted on the wall.

[4seasons]

Should be alright to build a 3 sided patio. Fill the center with either 411 limestone or 57limestone,compacted every 2-3 inches if they are using a small compactor.

[Stonehenge]

I've read some articles about possible damage to the foundation wall from the extra pressure exerted on the wall.

I've read some of that, too, but I can't imagine that the pressures from the patio are going to be any greater than the pressure already put on the foundation from the fill that's there today.

The main concern I have with a 3-sided raised patio is where the patio elevation ends up - if you're above the concrete/block foundation, the wood behind it will eventually rot. In that scenario you should probably have a 4-sided wall, leaving a small gap between the patio and the house.

[4seasons]

what your probably thinking about is the larger compactors pushing the walls. Stay at least 2ft away with the big ones and compact with the smaller ones.