Houseblogs.net is having a little contest where we get to show off our proudest moments in DIY home ownership. It's sponsored by True Value. I could surely use the $300 prize for my house fixings!
I know what my proudest moment ISN'T... but thinking of a favorite moment is a little harder. After careful deliberation, and a morning cup of tea in my favorite space... I have an answer!
Before:
This space is right behind the house and next to the garage. It is shaded by two apple trees.
During:
While we worked, we used the picnic table as a workbench. Using a circular saw with a diamond blade, we sliced limestone slabs salvaged from my father-in-law's scrap pile into varied rectangular pavers. We beveled the edges with a belt sander to give a little more interest to the patterns.
The edges of the patio are salvaged railroad ties; we laid the pavers in 4 inches of sand.
After:
The after picture is in need of a good pressure washing to remove construction dirt, but you can see the finished patio. The shape is two interlocking rectangles. We built the patio around the smaller apple tree; since no cement was used, there is plenty of water flow to water the roots.
We have since added a patio table and chairs, and have spent many a summer evening grilling or summer morning reading the paper while the dogs romp through our jungle!
This post was written for Houseblogs.net as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by True Value.
9 comments:
That looks so good!!!!! We just started working on the outside after almost 4 years!!!Hope you win !!!!
With all that construction dust it looked as though you painted your picnic table white. . . I might have to try that, cause even just covered in dust, the white picnic table looks awesome!
Looks fantastic! Good luck in winning the contest... I saw the message too... hmmm.. I'll have to think of something to submit!
Jennifer...That is great!
it's so beautiful... totally inspiring.
What a nice, civilized space to enjoy the outdoors!
Good luck with the contest.
Good luck. But dont presure wash your picture. IT won't like it!
A very nice improvement! Congratulations on a job well done and good luck with the contest.
Wow. Wow.
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