I think it’s okay to say that we recently completed the BIGGEST project on the house to date. And, we’re SO glad it’s done!
Welcome to our new patio!
What we THOUGHT would be a 1 day project costing $XXX, ended up being a 1 WEEK project costing $XXXX. Yikes. So much for budgeting, right?!
But, thankfully it’s done- it’s awesome - and, it was worth every penny!
I have to give every ounce of credit to my handy husband – the creative brain behind this adventure.
BEFORE, we had a typical concrete slab…
We purchased the bricks at Home Depot. They are called “Rumblestone.” Since we both drive small SUV’s, it took approximately 15 trips to 4 different Home Depot’s in Dallas to gather all the bricks we needed for this project. {Total # of bricks we used was approximately 1500 – I sorta lost count after awhile}
Oh – and did I mention we chose to complete this project on the coldest week ever?! {Hence- the gloves, hats, scarves and 12 layers of clothing we have on in these pics}
It also rained in the middle of the project… causing a few delays.
We rented a stone saw from Home Depot to make exact cuts of the bricks.
We used cedar 4x4’s for the benches. Sanded, sealed and stained them.
Almost done… then, we took a bag of sand and spread it onto the entire surface filling in the cracks between the bricks.
And, FINALLY – it was done! {With the exception of new outdoor furniture, a cedar wood fence to replace the chain-link & a few other small touches to complete the space.}
The plan is to make a square cedar table to fit on top of the fire pit. This would allow it to be multi-functional- doubling as an outdoor eating area in the spring/summer & firepit in the fall/winter.
Our prayer is that this new outdoor living area would be a warm and inviting place to gather with friends, family & neighbors. That it would help encourage deep conversations and meaningful memories – and, so far it’s been completed for one full week & it’s already done just that! There’s something about a campfire, roasting marshmallows, sipping on a warm drink while wrapped in a blanket that brings out the best in us all. You know what I mean?!
Thanks to our sweet parents for the countless Home Depot gift cards we received this Christmas! Maybe, soon I’ll remember to actually take some photos when people are over for you all to see. Then, you’ll get to see that fire pit in action!
