Preparation

• Gravel makes a firm foundation for the sand.Different colored gravel image by Tjobbe from Fotolia.com
  
  The sand needs a firm foundation, such as gravel, crushed limestone or decomposed granite; and a loose-laid patio can even be laid on a concrete patio slab if it's level. Weeds can be a problem in a loose-laid patio unless garden fabric is used beneath the fill.
  
  

Installation

• Patio pavers or blocks that aren't interlocking, need edging.Garden Patio 1 image by Bucks from Fotolia.com
  
  Concrete pavers are uniform so they don't usually need to be cut. Depending on the pattern, they should have an edging. Using sand instead of mortar actually makes them more durable since they're flexible. Proper drainage, which requires a slight slope, is important.
  
  

Maintenance

• Freezing temperatures can be hard on a patio.icicles and snow on patio table image by BJ Clark from Fotolia.com
  
  Loose-laid pavers are less likely to shift and crack in freezing temperatures. If a paver gets stained, you can clean it with detergent -- the sooner the better -- or flip it over or change it out with a new one if necessary, so it's a good idea to keep a few leftover pavers.