Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

It’s Time for #ProjectPatio!

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Hands up if you’ve waited for this long weekend… oh, ever since the very first snowflake fell last winter? The unofficial start of summer is among us, and I CAN’T WAIT!

The second and third weekend in May is notoriously busy for us, as Ryder was born on Mother’s Day, and Reid was born on Victoria Day weekend. Hence, there’s always something going on, whether it be a trip to grandma’s, a family BBQ, or basically anything that involves cake. Ryder is really big on the whole cake thing.

However, this year we’ve added a little more craziness into the fold, as we’re preparing our backyard for a complete overhaul. Yes, construction for #ProjectPatio begins on Tuesday! We’ll have to remove our old, flimsy patio set, tear down the boys’ mini playground, and say goodbye to the crappy, dandelion filled grass – that will soon be replaced with a stamped concrete patio. We’ve been in our home for almost 6 years now… which means that I’ve waited for this moment for over 2100 days. Yikes.

Of course, this is the perfect time to acknowledge my official sponsor for #ProjectPatio…. it’s none other than Home Depot Canada!

I am so fortunate to team up with the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer; a company whose core values include respect for all people, giving back to communities and of course, excellent customer service. I simply can’t count the number of occasions where me (or more often than not, my husband) has stumbled into the Home Depot Canada seeking help on everything from paint (it’s too green!) to gardening advice (I think we killed it!) to home improvement SOS (um… we just found out we purchased the wrong sized door). Through it all, the Home Depot Canada has been our go-to store, allowing us to create the home of our dreams!

And now… I have a very special delivery arriving today: products generously sponsored by the Home Depot Canada to create the perfect patio! Want a sneak peek of what’s on the way? Okay, I’ll share!

HAMPTON BAY Millstone 7 Piece Dining Set
$1099.99

The Millstone 7pc Dining Set is a great addition to any patio space. Includes two swivel rocker dining chairs and four stationary dining chairs and one open cast top 74×42 dining table. Comes with seat pads for added comfort.

– Aged bronze powder coated finish
– Rust proof aluminum frame
– Weather resistant fabric
– Dining chairs stack for easy storage
– Traditional design coordinates well with all décor
– Optional umbrella sold separately
– 5 year limited warranty

I am in love with the intricate design of the chairs and table – it’s a modern twist on traditional patio sets, and lends a certain element of style and differentiation.

HAMPTON BAY Millstone Umbrella – 11 Feet
$199.00

Enjoy the shade from this Millstone11ft umbrella. Coordinates with the Millstone 7pc cast dining set. Includes a crank lift for easy set up.

– Aged bronze powder coated finish
– Rust proof aluminum frame
– Weather resistant fabric
– Easy crank function

I’ve always wanted an offset umbrella that is situated on the patio vs the table; it allows conversation to flow freely between guests, and offers a certain Californian inspiration that I adore. The Millstone umbrella’s base is sold separately for $69.99; don’t forget to add that to your cart!

Finally, you could say that the next item supplied by the Home Depot Canada made my husband’s day year life. Alright, the truth is, he hasn’t stopped talking about it. (It’s borderline insufferable, to tell you the truth, but I just can’t burst his bubble when he’s so very excited.) Et voila!

WEBER Genesis S-330 Natural Gas Grill
$1249.00

This stainless steel rendition of our top-of-the-line Genesis natural gas grill creates an atmosphere of pure grilling excellence. It’s high-heat Sear Station burner, three standard stainless steel burners, and electronic ignition system are just a few of the noteworthy features you won’t be able to resist.

– 38,000 BTU cooking system provides powerful performance
– The 10,600 BTU sear burner for on-demand searing
– 12,000 BTU flush mounted side burner for multi-tasking
– The stainless steel rod cooking grids have a 7mm diameter
– Includes a 10-foot flexible natural gas hose
– Two stainless steel work surface offer plenty of room

(Yes, I think I have achieved “Wife of the Year” status. Thanks Home Depot Canada!) 

We are waiting with baited breath for the delivery to arrive, and then we’ll be keeping it under wraps until the patio is complete (timeline is approximately 4-5 days). Follow me on Twitter (@Listen2Lena) where I’ll be sure to post photos of the transformation!

Until then, wishing you all a wonderful long weekend – Happy Victoria Day!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Thanks Victoria! They’re presently all the in garage while we await the cement work to start, so I’m incredibly anxious to begin!

  2. We love Home Depot! So far we have renovated almost every room in our house and trust on the quality and pricing of The Home Depot to ensure we stay on budget! Next up is working on our back yard. I LOVE your patio set, it is gorgeous! Cannot wait to see pics!

    • That is so awesome Crystal! Room by room is definitely the way to go; it makes the overall reno seem less intense and you can savour the changes along the way!

  3. :-O Congrats! That is the mother of all BBQ’s!!! I can see why your hubby is thrilled!! Congrats!

    Happy Victoria day! :-D

    • Amazing! It’s actually on sale right now Angie – take a peek at the Home Depot Canada’s website!

  5. Wow – that Weber Genesis looks pretty amazing…time for a new BBQ at our house!

    • BBQing is such an important aspect of Canadian summers, it’s definitely awesome to own one!

  6. Wow Lena I’m jellie!!!!
    I would love to do some stamped concrete around our house too no grass cutting!!
    Enjoy your new backyard renos a happy summer awaits your family!!
    Have a great long weekend..

    • Thank you Allie, you too! I am SO NOT a grass person- if I had my way, we’d put concrete over our entire backyard!!

  7. Very nice Lena, I am so jealous. Love the BBQ. I need a new one. Can’t wait to see the finished product.

  8. Would love to have a patio or patio furniture of any kind, just can’t afford it, everytime I get a bit ahead something else breaks or dies and has to be fixed or replaced. Having a nice patio is unfortunatley not high enough my list of must do’s.

  10. A #ProjectPatio? That is something to get excited about! I can already see you sitting in that furniture, drink in hand while Hubby grins away BBQing on that beautiful Weber! Love that Home Depot carries all those brands!

  11. Now that’s a grill for sure ! Wish I had a yard that was bigger than a postage stamp so I could have a “backyard oasis” ;)

    • Hahaha trust me Flora, I have quite to compact backyard too! But, with the proper layout I’m sure we can make it work!

  12. A nice patio is crucial for the summer and spring time! I can’t wait to see the final product!

  15. I love the patio furniture and the Weber Genesis grill. You have good taste Lena and I can’t wait to see the pictures of your patio when its all done.

  17. WOW!!! I’m coming to your place for some outdoor entertaining! That’s the BBQ I want to get DH for Father’s Day! I was hoping for Victoria Day long weekend, but need to save up a wee bit more $$! Father’s Day it is!

  18. What a fun project! Sounds like you and your family will be spending a lot of time enjoying your new backyard patio this summer. Can’t wait for the reveal!

  20. Oh, that looks like a very nice BBQ. You’ll have to do a blog on your fav BBQ recipes, or HIS and HER favs.

  21. it’s time to throw a reno bbq for the neighbours, except that dude that plashed paint on your car lol ;)

    what colour is your stamped concrete going to be?

    good luck withe the reno!

    neil

    • Ha! Nice that you remembered! Thankfully he’s long gone :) The stamped concrete is a taupe/brown with a dark gray border. Stay tuned for photos!

  22. That’s a pretty sweet grill…I was following your tweets all last week-end about your hubby setting it up and snuggling in with the instruction manual. It’s funny what makes men happy.

    • Isn’t it? I hope you caught yesterday’s tweet – where I posted a picture of our new desktop background – a photo of the grill. Only replaced a family photo, no biggie. (OMG.)

  25. I wouldn’t have enough room on my patio for this…maybe a chair cushion! Kidding! Yes, it is smaller but I am learning to live a smaller life since Sara moved out…I quite like it…the smaller living not my girl growing up and moving out on her own:) You are very fortunate to have Home Depot involved in this project. The patio set has lots of style and looks quite comfy. Best not to post any summer parties on Facebook, Lena because you won’t have enough chairs :)

  28. Jealous of your BBQ Lena! DH always had Webers and swears they last forever. Watching the flyers for deals as our is on its last legs

    • Be sure to check out Home Depot over the next few weeks – a lot of their grills will be on sale!

  29. That is one beautiful BBQ! It has an electronic ignition? I am impressed. I’m always scared that I’ll blow something up.

  34. Awesome grill and lovely dining set…looks like it’s time we got a new grill…next year (hopefully)!

  37. Husband and I are still in two minds about whether to develop our yard for more outdoor activities – neither of us really like being out in the sun and of course the flies are a problem, but I like the items

    • I am actually anti-outdoor activities, unless it involves sitting in a recliner sipping a mojito :)

  40. I love the two swivel chairs in the outdoor dining set. I haven’t seen swivel-style chairs for a patio set before and think it’s great idea.

  46. I love all the gorgeous patio furniture that is available now, wish I had the backyard for it

  49. I see you are smart and shop and have it all picked out first! Bet it will be a good summer back there!

  54. Entertaining in the summer is so much fun especially if you have a great patio like yours. I love the Hampton Bay dining set.

  56. I love Home Depot, as well. We are getting some glider chairs for our front sunroom and also for our screen house. Can’t wait.

  57. That’s an amazing patio project. I’d like to have a lovely patio table and umbrella like that.

  58. Wow, Home Depot Canada is so generous! You must be LOVING your new patio now, so happy for you! Six years is a long time to wait!

  63. Looks like your patio is going to be awesome, I think we need to expand ours as it’s too small when we have a big crowd over.

  68. I love before and after shots. We recently bought our first home so I am getting ideas from others for our new home. Our backyard is lacking so it’s time for a little facelift!

  73. The boys birthdays must keep you very busy!! Those special days are busy regardless but to add birthdays to the mix…Sara’s B Day always worked out to be the first day of school…so I think I know what you are talking about.

    • Ah, I doubt going back to school is much of a birthday present :) You probably had to make it extra special!

  75. Oh how my husband would love this! I am all about eating outdoors in the summer but I just put our dining room table out on the deck to eat out there or have a picnic on the lawn

  81. Wow what great choices you picked. I love the patio set. And I think any wife would get that status if they got that BBQ :-)

  84. I love the umbrella but nothing makes the backyard more enjoyable than a good BBQ and a great place to eat the food made on the great BBQ. I also think a nice BBQ changes how you feel about spending time in the patio. Looking at an ugly old BBQ day after day spoils the view. Looking at a nice shiney one that works will give you (and Hubby) and happy feeling each time you see it or use it. Enjoy phase one of the new space.

  85. I have been eying up that same patio set for some time! It would be great for family get togethers! We have been frequenting HD a lot lately since we bought an older home last fall!

  86. Home Depot is AWESOME! We bought all off our supplies from them for our 2nd floor reno. Good luck with your deck!

  89. It’s always confusing looking into which outdoor furniture is going to stand up to harsh weather conditions and which won’t (which is really a bummer bc then you need storage for when the winter sets in…and with a small house like ours its not that simple!)…thanks for ideas on here. Gave us a lot to think about!

    • You’re welcome Cristy! I’ll pack away my cushions and umbrella and hope the best for my table and chairs :)

  91. That set would be amazing for my family – with 4 kids everyone would have their favourite seat to pick.

  98. I’ve always like taking a detour through Home Depot’s outdoor furniture/decor area. The hardest part is tearing myself away from picturing a table or a series of pots outside my home.