I never knew how much I hated leaves until I had a yard full of trees 😂 for us, eliminating some of our trees has been wonderful! I say go for it, especially if it’s just a few and not totally taking all of them out!
Outdoor space is so awesome to have. We have a back porch that we cannot use because of the bugs so we have decided to go ahead and screen the area. Bugs are attracted to trees so removing one or two might not be a bad idea. Burning some tiki torches while you're outside with a scent that repels them could help, as well as spraying on some essential oils like peppermint. (Definitely don't wear cologne outside...I learned that the hard way.) You could also plant things that repels bugs like basil, lavender, lemongrass, mint, etc. And you could also get an electric bug zapper. Not anyone thing will take care of bugs 100%, but doing multiple things will help a lot. I look forward to seeing your vision board become a reality.
You can put cardboard down then gravel on top. Do you have a quarry close by? If not you can get bags of gravel at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Maybe do a little at a time. The cardboard would help prevent grass & weeds growing up through. I know it will look so good when you’re finished. 😊❤😊❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
A few years ago when I was babysitting on a regular basis we spent hours in our back yard. I created a patio with pavers. I had a budget too and bought a few at a time. It took awhile but eventually I got it the size I wanted. I dug down and tried to level it so we could mow around the edges since mine was in the yard. Sand would be good to level under it. Mine is not as level as I could have got it. One thing I did was bury my umbrella stand and lay the pavers around it. Since it was in an open area the Wind would catch the umbrella and tip my table. Of course that means I can't move the table but I was nappy that my umbrella wasn't blowing away. Also if you go with a large umbrella you can use umbrella lights. Also they have umbrella table screens that can attach to the umbrella too to keep out the bugs. 🙂
You have a nice area to work with. I can't wait to see the progress. I've tried the pea gravel, and if you have trees, it becomes impossible to keep the leaves out of the gravel. I can't even mulch my flower beds because of the falling leaves. I ended up removing the gravel and using pavers that can be leaf blown.
We had gravel but it is very uncomfortable to walk on when barefoot/on socks, which we liked on our terrace that feels like an extension of the indoor. So, just something to consider. Wooden planks on top work well but those need quite some maintenance to protect them against the weather.
I am reading the comments. Everyone has great suggestions that can be useful for others. You have great space for a sitting area. Looking forward to phase two.
We downsized our home from 3,000 sq feet to 1500 sq feet for financial freedom. Such a good decision. Anyways, our home now has a good size backyard and we always say that it adds square footage to our home because we have a table and seating are we can enjoy. I think you are going to enjoy this outdoor area a ton.
Lowes has those 12x12 pavers for $1.76 each. You could buy some and outline your patio area. Whenever you get a little extra money you could begin to fill it in. That way you are working towards your ideal patio without spending money on temporary fixes
My son used planters to hang his patio lights from. Worked out great. I just about two weeks ago found a patio table with 6 chairs for $75 on Facebook marketplace. I have to get cushions for the chairs still. Ollie’s is having a sale on some and I just got a 15% off coupon so I’m hopeful that I will find some there. Big Lots and Walmart are good sources also when they have a sale. Big Lots had a great selection but no sale when I looked. Excited to see your progress on this space. Thanks for sharing.
Marketplace has used cushions. The love seat may be a little different than the chairs but it would work. When my dogs were puppies it was the only way I could afford cushions because they would chew on them
I LOVE our gravel walkway. It was affordable. It looks good and it's a sensory experience. But prep is key. A sand/road base foundation, good edging, and thick application of gravel is a must. Like this DIYer did here: m.ruclips.net/video/FkQSNBiEJFk/видео.html Also LOVE your mature trees! A Gardener's dream, decades in the making. My kids wish we had some. Trees are magical. The shade, the sound, the light filtering...swoon worthy!
To hide the air conditioner, could you get pallets and do something with them to achieve that? They would be free so they wouldn’t take from the budget. My husband is the DIYer so I would have no clue if that would be a possibility. Just a thought.
In my very humble opinion, gravel is a difficult thing to live with so try to avoid it. It's noisy, uncomfortable, gets everywhere, and not really kid friendly for play unless they are playing with toy diggers and tractors - then it's a whole other nightmare. Maybe try to plan in some natural gnat repellent torches or lanterns with citronella candles etc. Practical and pretty. But you have such lovely taste and are so very resourceful and creative that what ever you so will be delightful.
I wholeheartedly agree with your description of living with pea gravel. We had it in 3 places and have removed it in 2 of them. We still have it in an outdoor shower. It’s uncomfortable on bare feet and it gets in shoes and flip flops. It always looks lumpy and messy and spreads where it doesn’t belong.
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I never knew how much I hated leaves until I had a yard full of trees 😂 for us, eliminating some of our trees has been wonderful! I say go for it, especially if it’s just a few and not totally taking all of them out!
Outdoor space is so awesome to have. We have a back porch that we cannot use because of the bugs so we have decided to go ahead and screen the area. Bugs are attracted to trees so removing one or two might not be a bad idea. Burning some tiki torches while you're outside with a scent that repels them could help, as well as spraying on some essential oils like peppermint. (Definitely don't wear cologne outside...I learned that the hard way.) You could also plant things that repels bugs like basil, lavender, lemongrass, mint, etc. And you could also get an electric bug zapper. Not anyone thing will take care of bugs 100%, but doing multiple things will help a lot. I look forward to seeing your vision board become a reality.
Lots of wonderful ideas to keep the critters at bay. Thanks for sharing!
Love it all! Def use plastic hanging light rather than glass. Also! What about a hammock? Great trees for “hammocking”
Thank you for watching and for the feedback and idea!
I love this whole idea right here! It is going to look amazing!
Thank you!
You can put cardboard down then gravel on top. Do you have a quarry close by? If not you can get bags of gravel at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Maybe do a little at a time. The cardboard would help prevent grass & weeds growing up through. I know it will look so good when you’re finished. 😊❤😊❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for the ideas and for watching!
❤
A few years ago when I was babysitting on a regular basis we spent hours in our back yard. I created a patio with pavers. I had a budget too and bought a few at a time. It took awhile but eventually I got it the size I wanted. I dug down and tried to level it so we could mow around the edges since mine was in the yard. Sand would be good to level under it. Mine is not as level as I could have got it. One thing I did was bury my umbrella stand and lay the pavers around it. Since it was in an open area the Wind would catch the umbrella and tip my table. Of course that means I can't move the table but I was nappy that my umbrella wasn't blowing away. Also if you go with a large umbrella you can use umbrella lights. Also they have umbrella table screens that can attach to the umbrella too to keep out the bugs. 🙂
I love all of this Mary!
You have a nice area to work with. I can't wait to see the progress. I've tried the pea gravel, and if you have trees, it becomes impossible to keep the leaves out of the gravel. I can't even mulch my flower beds because of the falling leaves. I ended up removing the gravel and using pavers that can be leaf blown.
Oh this is so insightful. I appreciate you sharing your experience!
Can’t wait to see it complete!
Same!
We had gravel but it is very uncomfortable to walk on when barefoot/on socks, which we liked on our terrace that feels like an extension of the indoor. So, just something to consider. Wooden planks on top work well but those need quite some maintenance to protect them against the weather.
Oh, thank you so much for sharing your experience with this!
Cutest helpers ever. I can't wait to see it.
Thanks friend!
I am reading the comments. Everyone has great suggestions that can be useful for others. You have great space for a sitting area. Looking forward to phase two.
Thanks for watching!
We downsized our home from 3,000 sq feet to 1500 sq feet for financial freedom. Such a good decision. Anyways, our home now has a good size backyard and we always say that it adds square footage to our home because we have a table and seating are we can enjoy. I think you are going to enjoy this outdoor area a ton.
So inspiring- thank you for sharing a part of your financial story. Yes, I think we will really enjoy it too!
Lowes has those 12x12 pavers for $1.76 each. You could buy some and outline your patio area. Whenever you get a little extra money you could begin to fill it in. That way you are working towards your ideal patio without spending money on temporary fixes
Such a wonderful idea, thank you!
Any rounded gravel will be hard to walk on. Crushed rock all pack down to a pretty solid surface. Coarse wood chips would work well too.
This is most helpful, thank you!
Can’t wait to see what you do with the space!!
Thanks friend!
My son used planters to hang his patio lights from. Worked out great. I just about two weeks ago found a patio table with 6 chairs for $75 on Facebook marketplace. I have to get cushions for the chairs still. Ollie’s is having a sale on some and I just got a 15% off coupon so I’m hopeful that I will find some there. Big Lots and Walmart are good sources also when they have a sale. Big Lots had a great selection but no sale when I looked.
Excited to see your progress on this space. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for your helpful comment! 🙂
Marketplace has used cushions. The love seat may be a little different than the chairs but it would work. When my dogs were puppies it was the only way I could afford cushions because they would chew on them
Thank you! This is helpful!
I LOVE our gravel walkway. It was affordable. It looks good and it's a sensory experience. But prep is key. A sand/road base foundation, good edging, and thick application of gravel is a must. Like this DIYer did here: m.ruclips.net/video/FkQSNBiEJFk/видео.html
Also LOVE your mature trees! A Gardener's dream, decades in the making. My kids wish we had some. Trees are magical. The shade, the sound, the light filtering...swoon worthy!
Thank you for your insightful feedback!
To hide the air conditioner, could you get pallets and do something with them to achieve that? They would be free so they wouldn’t take from the budget. My husband is the DIYer so I would have no clue if that would be a possibility. Just a thought.
Yes, I had thought of that! Maybe that would be a possibility!
I have seen so many bricks on Facebook/Craigslist for free. Maybe you could find enough to make a patio with?
Great idea!
I think marigolds deter gnats.
Thank you!
In my very humble opinion, gravel is a difficult thing to live with so try to avoid it. It's noisy, uncomfortable, gets everywhere, and not really kid friendly for play unless they are playing with toy diggers and tractors - then it's a whole other nightmare. Maybe try to plan in some natural gnat repellent torches or lanterns with citronella candles etc. Practical and pretty. But you have such lovely taste and are so very resourceful and creative that what ever you so will be delightful.
I wholeheartedly agree with your description of living with pea gravel. We had it in 3 places and have removed it in 2 of them. We still have it in an outdoor shower. It’s uncomfortable on bare feet and it gets in shoes and flip flops. It always looks lumpy and messy and spreads where it doesn’t belong.
Thank you ladies for sharing your real life experience with the gravel. This is so helpful as we move forward and make decisions!
Thank you again for the helpful comment and the kind compliment!