Backyard Patio

Owning a house defiantly has it's highs and lows.  While you want to do things to make the house yours, the projects seem to be never ending.  No one gives you the advise to put away millions thousands of dollars to cover house projects.  After just going through a microburst (basically a mini tornado) in August and dealing with a insurance claim that we replaced the Roof, A/C, Landscaping and other small miscellaneous items it was time to do a "fun" project. 

We have a very nice large backyard that it absolutely great for entertaining.  The original owner Ray LOVED (much to our dismay in some cases) a good ol' DIY project. While most things are very nice from a distance like all things in life when you get up close and personal they may not be as nice or holding up as well. Most things he did we are very grateful for as they are considered to be LARGE upgrades. On the bad side the case at point with the back deck.  I am sure at one time when it was first done it was truly one of the highlights of the backyard.  It was installed DIY style by Ray with large pieces of flagstone.  The flagstone was very pretty but the grout starting cracking and just making a hot mess everywhere.  Above the patio is a large pergola with "award winning" (many have proclaimed) wisteria bush that blooms the most gorgeous purple wisteria for a short month in May/June. (Side Note: thank you Ray for the Wisteria I could have never imagined such a beautiful flower)  The wisteria while absolutely gorgeous goes through many cycles of dropping different parts including flowers, leaves, pods, seeds and finally foliage/sticks.  It was an absolute monster to clean up the hot mess droppings with cracking grout and sand exposed almost every other day for 8+ months. 

Circa 2012 the photo that was taken for the house brochure

Wisteria in full bloom for Reference

Enough was enough and we made the plunge commitment to getting a new concrete stamped patio.  Since we spend 80% of our life outside in the summer it made since to have a beautiful patio to enjoy.  While it may have been crazy to decide to get this project done in the winter with two spoiled dachshund's that couldn't use the back yard for the almost a week, IT WAS SO WORTH IT.  The end product is just gorgeous and makes such a big difference in our yard.  The contractor we used did such a great job and really took time for detail to truly make the patio be a decorative piece.  I can't wait for the Summer to have more house parties and enjoy the space to its fullest, I am just tickled pink about it!!! 

Day 1and 2: Rip out and mass distruction

Day 3 The stamped concrete before it was the final coat

Day 4: Final coat of polyurethane was applied, patio is done (excuse Brad's shadow)

Side View

Steps from the house looking out

Final product (we will place patio furniture back this weekend)