Imagine turning your backyard into the hangout spot of your dreams? Check this DIY project out!
The Start of A Rewarding Backyard Project
BEFORE. 15.5′ by 18.5′, surrounded by 2 walls, the entry sidewalk, and a 4′ tall brick wall.
Tearing Sod Out Is Always Fun…
Here was used a shuffle hoe (leaning against the wall). About 9 hours between cutting the sod, shoveling it out, moving it to side yards to fill in low spots, etc.
Laborious Hours Put In
Very tiring work done, keeping the eyes on the prize.
Now That The Sod Is Out..
In Central Texas, where this was done, it was only necessary to put 2 inches of paver base and 2 inches of tampered sand.
Base Is Laid And TamperedÂ
Also, here’s 2″ of paver base, tamped it down, and then the ground cloth. The beams are for screeding the sand and yes, it’s not quite level. I put more paver base under the conduit to even them up.
Making Sure Everything Is Level
Screeding in the sand, in other words, grading the sand level.
Let The Block Laying Begin
Laying the pavers. I used 4x8x1.3 inch pavers.
Making Moves! Smoothing out the scuffs in the sand as you go..Â
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun..
Bucket full of sand to fill in the gullies left as we pull out the conduit.
Tamping The Pavers Even
A hand tamper wrapped in towels does the job for evening the pavers out.
Adding Sand For The Joints
Applying the polymeric sand. Lots of hand tamping to settle in the sand, lots of brooming.
Three Soaks A Charm!
Done! This is after the third soaking, which hardens the sand in the joints and keeps the pavers together.
Here’s The Final Look
Finished patio, with plants added and the new fish pond.