Patio and Deck: Making the Slope Grade

Ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles must be installed over proper surfaces in your patio or deck's elevated exterior area. Acceptable surfaces include mortar beds and sometimes backer board. You need to be sure to obtain permission from the easement holder prior to constructing decks or patios within existing easements. Be sure to get this agreement in writing.

You need to obtain a grading permit:

* When grading is being performed as a condition of a development permit.

* For any activity that disturbs soil or vegetation in environmentally sensitive land.

* For excavation of a site with 25 percent or greater slope, or one that involves excavation or fill which results in a slope grade of 25 percent or more (4 feet horizontal, 1 foot vertical), and is more than 5 feet in depth or height.

* For any activity that impacts sensitive resources in the coastal zone.

The finished edge, or lip, around a swimming pool is referred to as the grade elevation. In the case of a regular patio or sidewalk, you can determine the finished edge by the surrounding ground or the correlation between the surface and nearby steps, decks or driveways.

Two changes currently proposed are: replacement of the word "levels" with the word "points"; and the replacement of the word "structure" with the phrase "a building, deck, portion of a deck, or a patio cover."

The word "excessive" is defined as containing more moisture than can dry out of the assembly before that assembly freezes due to ambient temperature conditions. The trapped moisture will freeze and thaw and may cause deterioration known as spalling. Spalling is where part of the brick surface may break away.

Improper grade can contribute to the ingress of moisture, either from direct water run-off or the buildup of snow. Excess moisture present in the brick during the freeze-thaw cycles can result in spalling of the brick.

The Ontario Building Code and proper building practices dictate that brickwork should be a minimum of 150mm (6") above grade. This requirement also applies to any level surface such as paving, patio, deck or balcony. Furthermore, the ground should be contoured so that the water drains away from the wall or structure.

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Where to buy patio and deck furniture
A store where you can buy outdoor decor and furniture

DIY Basics
A look at some tips before you do it yourself

Designs & Accessories
Examples of designs and accessories to add to your deck or patio