Extending the Patio

So, the smart thing to do is to finish the first project before you start the second project, but I'm just not that guy. We're trying to get our back yard fixed up, and at the same time, find ways to reduce maintenance time, since we're both so busy.

Right now, that means hardscaping. We have this corner of our backyard where there is a concrete patio slab, then a corner of grass, and then concrete again on the side of the house. We decided that the little corner of grass was a lot of maintenance for not much benefit - it isn't big enough for kids to play in, so its a lot of water and mowing for not much practical use.



We decided that we wanted to lay down pavers and to unify the two patio areas, and create a space for more outdoor seating and perhaps even put in a fire pit. As I researched the proper way to lay down pavers, it turns out you have to do some digging first. We needed to dig out the grass and dig down about a foot, so that I can fill in the hole with gravel and then sand.

This will provide better drainage, and ensure a level foundation for eventually putting in the pavers. So...my little brother came into town to help with the garage, but instead wound up digging me a big hole. Take a look!



It is kind of hard to appreciate how big the hole is without seeing how much dirt got removed:



Thanks to my little bro for digging me a huge hole - time to start filling it up with gravel and sand!