Backyard Patio Makeover (Part 1)
When we moved to Conover, our home came with a patio slab measuring approximately 6 feet by 10 feet. With the back of our house facing the west, the afternoon sun made it so that we couldn’t enjoy our yard at all.
In March of this year, we had concrete poured to extend our patio into an L-shape, accommodating a sitting area and a kitchen area.
It took approximately three days to level the ground, lay the framework, and pour the concrete.
At the far end of the short section of the L-shape of the patio, they had to add more cement to bring the level up since the ground slopes away.
By late April, we erected a large rectangular pergola. We assembled all the elements and finished it once it was constructed, screwing in each of the louvres ourselves. It was a lot of work, but also enjoyable as we worked together. Who knew there would be so many screws of varying sizes! But we are proud of our work and still amazed that we did this on our own!
We first started assembling some of the parts in the garage, and when it was time to erect the posts to install the joints and supports, we moved everything to the patio itself. At this point, our neighbor Cathy came over so the three of us could erect the frame and get a few things screwed into place. After that, it was time to move on to other features of the pergola, finishing with the louvres. With a step ladder for Ron and the big ladder for me, plus my very own drill, we worked as a team to screw the louvres in place, moving our ladders as needed. One can find similar pergolas at Lowe’s or Home Depot. The large pergola measures 10 feet x 20 feet.
After getting the pergola finished, we hung the screens and curtains to give it a more polished, finished look. We hung the chimes we purchased in Blowing Rock at the end of the pergola, along with a sun twirly-gig we purchased in Kissimmee, Florida, as we were traveling the country. The solar lights were hung on the back wall of the house that we picked up while in Blowing Rock. Ron strung lights around the top edge, and we were about ready to enjoy the fruits of our labor!
We used plastic drawers for the herbs. We bought two white planters that will go at the end of the patio, but until cement sealant is applied, we gave the herbs temporary homes. In the meantime, we used our folding chairs to sit on the patio until we could get some patio furniture!
In the drawers, I have rosemary, sage, chives, and basil. It took some effort to keep them thriving until I could plant them properly. And I might add, it was incredibly hot and muggy – not a great time to transplant herbs to begin with.
In July, we had a patterned sealant applied to the concrete to protect it and also for aesthetic reasons. We hired professionals for the job, and after watching them work, we’re glad we didn’t attempt this undertaking ourselves.
Next week, I’ll finish sharing the backyard patio makeover. The patio is poured, the pergola erected, and the sealant applied. Next week, I’ll share the finishing touches, the butterfly flower garden, and more goodies.
