A seriously huge project!

As we’ve finally accomplished the biggest parts of our bedroom makeover (more on that on Monday) we’re diving headfirst into a bigger and scarier project.  It’s gonna be awesome.

Between this weekend and next, we’re installing a brick patio off of our back porch.  My fingers are crossed that we’ll be done by the end of Labor Day Weekend.

Why the rush? Because, as much as I don’t want to admit it, fall is right around the corner – and that means that it’s almost cool enough for nights spent sitting around the firepit.

But there’s more reasoning to this project than meets the eye. The main issue that sparked this idea was the muckiness of our backyard, especially after rain.  And that muckiness all happens right beyond the back porch.  Also, our back porch is great, but too skinny to comfortably accommodate our outdoor dining table and chairs.  Someone’s always stuck sitting near the edge, and we know that someday someone will back their chair up too far and go heels over head off the porch.

That being said, do you want to see the new grand plan?  Here it is:

As shown in the image above, the patio will have room for both a 60″ table and chairs and a grill.  We’ll also tuck a firepit into one corner.  A narrower length of patio will run the length of the house, covering the muddy mess and accommodating the water spigot and hose as well as the garbage cans.  Then, once our patio dining set is at home in the new space, we’ll set up an outdoor living room type space on the existing [covered] back patio.  From there we will gleefully curl up and enjoy many a rainstorm.

I just can’t wait!!

Now, if you know how we can get a coupon for Home Depot, please share!  And if you’ve ever tackled this sort of project before, and have advice or warnings, please dish the dirt!