Finally done...

The "Great Patio Debacle" is done! Yep, done. And it only took just over a year to do! Well, it was a year filled with unpredictable schedules, hip surgery, travel, distractions, weird weather and a fair amount of project weariness (something I think any Do-It-Yourselfer homeowner could convince a doctor to register as a real diagnosis). And although it's almost exactly one year past  it's original planned completion date, we are thrilled that it's finally done. 

Recently I sent some photos to my mom who replied by asking what the composition was. I didn't know what she was asking but a portion of my response is below which sums up the past year with this flipping project. 

"I'm not sure what you mean by "composition" - do you mean how we built the patio? Blood, sweat, tears, cursing, reconfiguring, digging, cajoling, rental of heavy equipment, favors from friends, patience, impatience, did I mention cursing??? It was a major component. The project was brutal and we will never EVER build another one! Of course... It's 600 square feet... A tad ridiculously large to build ourselves but we are excited to have the space!"

Of course last week when we had our house appraised (and it actually came in for more than we paid for it - yahoo!!!) the appraiser photographed the new patio but said he might have to take more pictures once the steps from the patio up to the French doors are in. Oh. Steps. Right. We haven't had steps on that side of the house for so long that we'd kind of forgotten how important they are. 

So, minus the steps and plus the fire pit (the steps will go quickly once we decide exactly what we want), the patio is done.

Top view before mortar

Base view before top edge added

Finito!

Now we just have to host a shindig to scuff the excess mortar off the patio tiles. Nobody will even notice it while bellying up to the pit to toast a marshmallow or two!