A Large-Format Slab Patio in Vaughan, Built Across Two Seasons
In November 2020 we started a backyard patio for a home in Vaughan, laying large-format concrete slabs across the back of the house, and finished it after the winter, in March 2021.
Project snapshot
- Client
- Homeowner
- Location
- Vaughan
- Service
- Interlock & Hardscaping
- Date
- November 2020 to March 2021
Scope of work
- Excavation and a compacted gravel base
- Large-format concrete slabs across the back of the house
- A slight slope away from the foundation
- Edge slabs cut to size on site
- Winter pause, finished in spring
The challenge
This Vaughan backyard needed a wide, open patio off the back of the house, with room for a barbecue, seating and a hot tub, and a clean, modern look.
Large-format slabs give that look with far fewer joints than small pavers, but they are less forgiving: any unevenness in the base shows straight away as a slab that rocks or sits proud of its neighbour. And the job started in November 2020, with winter close behind.
Our approach
Goats Landscaping put most of the effort underneath, where it cannot be seen: a full excavation and a compacted gravel base across the whole patio, with a slight slope away from the foundation so rain drains off instead of running toward the house.
When the ground froze before the last rows were set, we stopped rather than lay slabs over frozen ground, and finished in March 2021 once it was workable again.
What we did
- Excavated the patio area behind the house.
- Laid and compacted a gravel base with a slope away from the foundation.
- Set the slabs row by row out from the house.
- Cut the edge slabs to size on site with a saw.
- Paused for winter once the ground froze.
- Finished the last rows in March 2021.
The result
- A wide, level patio from the back door to the fence line
- Room for a barbecue, seating and a hot tub
- Water draining away from the foundation
- A clean, modern look with few joints
Know-how from our crew
Good to know
Hardscaping in the GTA can run from spring thaw to late fall. If a project runs into winter, stopping on frozen ground and finishing in spring beats rushing a base that will heave later.
Why Goats Landscaping paused for the winter
The ground froze before the last rows were set. Laying slabs on a base that has frozen and thawed risks uneven settling in spring, so we stopped, protected the work, and came back when the ground was workable. A few extra weeks is a small price for a patio that stays flat for years.
Slabs or interlock for a patio?
Large-format slabs suit wide, open areas and modern homes; smaller interlock pavers suit curves and driveways that carry vehicle weight. Either way, Goats Landscaping starts in the same place: a properly excavated, compacted base with a slope away from the house.
Planning a similar project in Vaughan?
Goats Landscaping does hardscaping services across Vaughan and the rest of the GTA, for condos, townhouse complexes, businesses and homes. See what we do in Vaughan, or get a free quote.
Common questions
How long does a slab patio take?
It depends on the size, access to the backyard and the weather. This one ran from November 2020 to March 2021 only because winter arrived part-way through; a spring or summer patio of similar size goes much faster.
Can a hot tub sit on a slab patio?
Yes, as on this job, but a full hot tub is very heavy, so the base under that spot needs to be solid and level. Tell Goats Landscaping about it before the work starts.