easiest do it yourself patio?
March 30, 2010 by
Filed under Bird Bath Fountain
my home has a u shaped area next to the walkway that leads to my front door. it is currently being used as landscaping, flower beds but it just doesnt look right to me. its plain and the mulch is always going onto the sidewalk. I was thinking of making a small patio area, maybe add a bench or fountain or bird bath..something that will look great even though its a small space…I want opinions/advice as to what I should put there – what would be the easiest do it yourself project b/c I dont think I can find anyone who would want to fool with it b/c its so small of an area….Its about 10 x 8 approx?
Lots of leaves fall from a nearby tree so small pea gravel is not an option b/c I could never keep it clean..it has to be something I could sweep or blow off easily.
Paving stones of one kind or another. You can get really expensive stone or just plain concrete squares, and things in between. Multitude of choices out there. Pave the whole thing or just make a stepping stone path to the bench. Whichever you use, make sure you have a good base of sand and/or small sharp gravel so they sit solidly on the ground. Then you can put whatever you like on top in the way of decoration–bird bath, couple of nice planters or interesting plants, maybe a trellis on one side for a vine to grow on so the area sort of feels like part of the entryway or at least is separated from the street. Shouldn’t take a lot of money to make a small area like that look interesting. Go to your local garden or building centre and see what they have.If you don’t want to haul all the sand and stones, get all your stuff delivered and then hire a local strong back to help you put it all in place.
I guess some large paving stones placed together, easier than using concrete.
You could put a small iron railing to enclose it .
Or get some ideas from here:
http://www.myhomeideas.com/myhome/decorating/da/browse/0,29700,homeOnt:Rooms_homeOnt:OutdoorAreasClass____18_TYPE,00.html?pkw=PSMHGLTX062107BTND1211