r/patio

We need some help decorating our backyard! (Blacked out certain parts of the image for privacy)

For now, the furniture stays since it’s not in budget to swap it out.

We have this big concrete slab that desperately needs some shade, but we have a great view of the mountains and don’t want to block it completely. It’s hard for me to picture a pergola or gazebo out here, but it might be the answer? I’m not sure the best place to put it.

We would love a fire pit area as well, and a place for the adults to gather and enjoy nice lights at night or something like that.

On one of the edges we have a garden box that has been totally taken over by spearmint (which we don’t use), so it’s optional at this point unless we can manage the spearmint.

On the side of the house, we have RV parking that we don’t use. We do have kids, so it’s kind of nice right now to have a place they can just mess around, but I’d love to hear if there are any ideas that we could incorporate to make it more functional.

Hi All, really need some advice here with a patio extension project I started and got a little messy with the details, as old patio was 900 x 500mm concrete slabs above soil/dirt.

The issues/mistakes I ran into and done:

Digging deep

- I dug too deep and didn't have my string lines set from the start as I have now, I was aiming for 8 inches ended with 10-15 inches in most areas.

- I ended up putting about 1-1.5 inches of the soil/gravel I dug out back in and tamping it on a light rainy day so it's not dry or soaked, but found out that's not right anyway so didn't add any more.

How do I best refill, type 1 is expensive and I'm thinking what the best option to bring it to 8inches under the line is❓

Digging uneven

- I'm not sure how sensitive it is that the slope away from the house is not created from the start? how do I rectify that, or can I do it at the mot type 1 stage❓

- Even though I got my string lines set now, how do I actually create that slope correctly, everyone on videos doesn't seem to do much measuring throughout it and just at the end❓

Drainage/waste clay pipes and water source pipes exposed

- How's best to protect these without crushing them and level the above them with the subbase later, considering the highest point of the pipe is at 6.5 inches below the string line❓

Additional info:

- soil was filling the edges all the way around the old slabs on the house wall, caused weeds to grow, I cleared that all off and was just planning to keep the new patio 15cm below the Damp Proof, and 10-15 cm away from the house, is that correct❓

- I dug out a pile of stones/bricks (thought maybe I can crush that with a sledge hammer and reuse)

- the 1-1.5 inch soil/gravel I put back is mostly tight when I dig my heel into it now

- not much ponds as seen in the pics (it rained today) just a pocket or 2 near the pipes. All taken today except the one that says before.

- I got a heavy duty 90kg wacker plate, but that won't go all the way between pipes, and later over them I'm guess either (to avoid crushing) will the the roughneck do the job❓

I’m looking for some shade to protect against direct sun and against bird poop from the cable lines above us. The 3 areas I’m most interested in covering are the patio set in the corner, the griddle, and the dining table. But this is a rental, and I’m not looking to spend a ton of money on a solution or be too intrusive with installation. Any ideas?

It’s powder coated steel. Heavy. Seats are comfy. I would normally wait and get aluminum but this seems like a good deal. It will be in the open on a patio.

I used to love real wooden whiskey barrel planters, but replacing them every few seasons because of rot and mold was getting exhausting (and expensive 😩). I wanted to keep that classic rustic look but needed something much more low-maintenance.

So, I decided to give these resin/composite barrel planters a shot this spring.

The first photo is what they look like straight out of the box (excuse the Pokemon background, haha! 😅). They came with these handy snap-on bottom trays/reservoirs, which have been a total lifesaver for self-watering so I don't have to stress about drying out on hot days. They're also incredibly lightweight compared to real wood.

The second photo is one of them fully planted with some vibrant purple cineraria on my porch side table. Honestly, from a short distance, you can barely tell it’s not real wood. The texture details are surprisingly well-done 🪴

So far, I'm super happy with the switch. No splinters, no mold, and they look great.

Has anyone else made the switch from real wood to resin barrels? How do they usually hold up over winter? ❄️

Just had a contractor install and pour a new patio. He backfilled a handful of scoops of dirt to gently slope towards the lawn as there was a nice drop off before he finished. His intention is to come back and seed and hay, but I might be thinking rock, plant, paver might be nicer. What are some good options for this slope?

Should I try and use artificial turf between the pavers I made. I personally like the look better. Pea gravel is not bad looking and would be much easier. Thanks for the feedback

Anyone have this outdoor sectional and want to give me your take on it?

I am not a visionary when it comes to imagining what solution is best here. I am desperate for idea because I’d like to actually enjoy my patio and pool without the unrelenting heat beating down on me! Thanks so much for the help!

Our patio was installed about 6 years ago. Within the last 2 years or so the pavers in this spot have settled more and more, causing the water to pool here. We're having a pool party next weekend so I'm wondering if there's a quick, albeit temporary, fix to make it less dangerous for the time being. When I have more time, I'm assuming I'll have to pull up the pavers and add more sand underneath but correct me if I'm wrong about that. I'm hoping it's not too big of a problem to rectify myself.

I was quoted 4600 for screened in porch 21 feet across with 24 inch kick plate and a door is that worth it

I built this patio a couple years ago with free stones I got. I was thinking of capping it with something to retain the soil at the higher end.

Any suggestions on what to build?

Theres a 6ish inch difference dont think its worth building a step out just looking for ideals!

I pried up the wall caps and was able to shift them all over to close the gaps to below and inch. Need to lock it all in and finish the fireplace, but much happier with it now

Got up early to repot all my babies. First time repotting. Hope I did well ☺️. I need to stay aways from plant stores I buy something every time I go to the store. Doesn’t matter the store either 😂😂

I am going to be building my first paver patio. I’m not handy at all but I figured I could try it out and save myself some money. I’m just a little confused about how much space to give myself at the borders of my existing walkway, the AC unit cement pad, and the non-fruiting cherry tree. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated.