Question: What are our best options at enlarging our patio?

Answer: Often, you can use the old patio as the foundation for your improvements. Put a 1-inch layer of washed brick sand over it, then pack it smooth. Use interlocking concrete pavers, bricks or smooth flagstone as your new surface, making sure they fit together tightly. You can easily expand the surface beyond the old boundaries, but be careful that the added height doesn’t interfere with your doors or with the flow of runoff away from your house.