The time has FINALLY come! We’re putting in a backyard pergola! I’ve been planning this project since January, but life got in the way. So I’m really excited that we’ve started work! I thought I’d share some backyard photos and the patio plans we have.
patio plans
First up, here’s what the backyard looked like about a month ago. The ground is full of weeds and gravel. Construction debris everywhere. The shed needs half of the siding updated. And, of course, nowhere to sit and enjoy the beautiful weather! But you can see the cute she shed behind it!
Want to see what we’re planning out here?!
pagoda / dining table / dining chairs no longer available / rug / lanterns / faux flowers
The pagoda is the most exciting addition! It just arrived a few days ago and we CAN’T wait to have it up! It’ll give some much needed shade and structure to the backyard. It is 10’x12′ and is the perfect size to house a dining table and 4 chairs. They’ll go on top of this outdoor blue and pink rug. We might wire electricity so we can have lights over the eating area.
patio progress 
In the past month, the weeds have dried up and we started digging fo our patio. While digging we actually found an old cistern that we think used to hold water! It’s huge- 12′ x 12′. You can see the top of it- it’s concrete. Theres an tiny hole to enter and is a little creepy.
The pergola will go where this canopy is. Right now the canopy is providing shade while my husband digs in the summer heat.
The one thing we can’t figure out is what type of flooring to use. Our options are cement, pavers, or gravel. The cement will be a pain to pour, but we love how permanent it’ll be. Honestly, all of the options will be a pain to install!
My husband likes the cement option and I like pavers. I think they’re prettier and would be a great foundation. Gravel is both of our last choice. But it’s the easiest choice.
What would you do? I added a little poll if you want to vote. I’d love any input as we’re both a little stumped!
poll-
[wpforms id=”13362″ title=”false” description=”false”]
I can’t wait to see it when it’s all done!! We did ours last year. It was a huge ordeal but I’m so happy with it now!
Thanks Ellen! What did you end up doing? I’m so happy you love it!
Yes! So much work but I know I’ll be happy when we’re all done.
Could you use a concrete stamp to give you the look of pavers, but the permanence of the concrete?
That’s a great idea! I’m using a rug so the concrete will be fine. We’re thinking we’ll need to order a concrete truck and that overwhelms me a bit. But I can get over that- lol!
That’s a great idea, thank you!
A concrete pad would be a very practical choice. I have had pavers and eventually they settle unevenly no matter how much prep you put in and then weeds start to grow between. At our old house we eventually tore out the pavers and poured concrete.
Thanks Lori! That’s good to know. The prep for pavers is insanely hard. Did you hand mix concrete or pay to get the job done?
Thanks for your comment! It’s good to hear your experience with pavers.
Definitely concrete! You can always stamp a design and/ or stain the concrete as well. And I don’t think I’d say the pavers are easier than concrete because pavers are a pain the butt! lol They settle, you have to keep adding sand every year and readjusting them and still they become uneven. Yes they have a better visual design look than plain old concrete but there are many ways to improve that and you don’t even have to do it when you first pour the concrete. Unless you want your concrete a color or with sparkles or something then you’ll need to do that in the mix. ๐ Good luck! Cant wait to see it all finished! ๐
Thank you! Concrete with sparkles…I think you just gave me an idea haha!
With your love of paint, I think you would have the most fun making a colorful design on a smooth slab of concrete.
Thanks! Maybe I’ll get a chance to try that soon