Few things are more satisfying than seeing a project through from start to finish. After months of planning, digging, lifting, and arranging, we finally completed our backyard patio—and now we get to enjoy it. With so many projects in motion at once, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless to-do lists, but this particular space was a true labor of love. And now that it’s finished, I couldn’t be more excited to share the journey with you.
The Vision
It all started last winter when we decided to convert our existing deck into indoor living space. That transformation gave us a new dining and living room, which quickly became the heart of our home. But once the indoors were reimagined, we realized we wanted to create an outdoor space that felt equally inviting—a place where we could gather, eat, and relax during warm-weather months.
Craig, ever the builder and problem-solver, added a new deck off the indoor space, complete with stairs leading down to the backyard. That gave us a natural flow from the house into the yard. The next step was dreaming up a patio and dining area that could anchor our outdoor living.
The Backyard Advantage
One of the things we’re most grateful for is the size and shape of our backyard. It’s large and mostly flat—a rare gift. While there’s a gentle slope, the area closest to the house is fairly level, which made it the perfect spot for the patio. With the deck stairs already in place, we knew exactly where to break ground.
Breaking Ground
The real work began in the summer. The plan was simple enough: remove the grass, prepare the ground, and lay down the pavers. But as with any project, Mother Nature had her own ideas.
This summer was unusually rainy, which made progress challenging. We never had more than a 48-hour window without rain, and that made timing each step tricky. After pulling up the grass, Craig packed down the dirt to create a solid base. Then came a light layer of rocks to promote drainage, followed by a smooth layer of sand.
To keep the patio edges neat and secure, we lined the perimeter with edging, staked firmly into the ground. That frame gave us a clear shape to work with—and ensured that everything would stay in place once we started laying down the heavy stones.
Laying the Foundation
Choosing the right pavers was one of the most important decisions. We decided to stick with the same brand and style we’d used for our hot tub area. That gave the backyard a cohesive, pulled-together look while keeping the design classic and timeless.
Piece by piece, the patio began to take shape. It’s one of those tasks that looks deceptively simple—laying one stone after another—but it requires a surprising amount of precision. Each paver has to be level, spaced correctly, and aligned so the entire surface feels balanced.
It was hard work, but also incredibly rewarding. With every row we completed, the vision became clearer. By the time the last paver was in place, the space had been completely transformed from a patch of grass into a true outdoor room.
Lessons From the Process
If there’s one thing this project reminded us, it’s that big transformations often happen step by step. There were moments when the rain felt never-ending and progress felt slow. But each layer—dirt, rocks, sand, edging, pavers—was essential to creating a foundation that would last.
We also learned the value of flexibility. We had a vision, yes, but we adjusted as we went, responding to the weather and to the small challenges that inevitably pop up during DIY projects. In the end, the finished patio feels even more rewarding because of the effort and patience it required.
Enjoying the Result
Now that the hard work is behind us, the best part is simply enjoying the space. The patio has already become a gathering spot for meals, morning coffee, and evening conversations. It connects seamlessly to the deck and indoor living space, giving us a flow that feels natural and welcoming.
There’s still more we’d love to do—outdoor dining furniture, perhaps some string lights, maybe even a fire pit down the road. But even in its current state, the patio feels like the perfect foundation for all the memories we’ll create here.
Why This Project Matters
For us, this wasn’t just about laying stones in the backyard. It was about creating a space where our family and friends can come together. A place to slow down, to gather, to laugh, and to connect. The patio is more than a project—it’s a piece of our home’s story, one that will hold countless moments for years to come.
And while we’ll always remember the rainy days, the heavy lifting, and the trial-and-error of getting each stone in place, what matters most is the joy of stepping outside now and seeing a vision fully realized.
