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#ProjectPatio: The BIG Reveal!

June 17, 2013 By Lena

Well, it’s been an interesting few weeks. (*Shakes fist at Mother Nature*)

Back when I first announced #ProjectPatio, I truly believed that my backyard oasis was around the corner. Like, days away. But then, a little something happened – a frost warning. IN MAY. Followed by days of rain and chilly weather. In case you didn’t know, frost + rain + chilly weather = Lena’s non-patio.

It was exceptionally difficult because we had these gorgeous pieces from the Home Depot Canada simply sitting in our garage; it was almost blasphemes not to put a WEBER Genesis S-330 to use (trust me, my husband tried), and I longed to break in my new Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set. Still, we gave Mother Nature a wide berth and waited for the temps to turn around.

Finally, shortly after the May long weekend, I finally had a chance to bid adios to my plain, uninspiring backyard.

The above picture was taken seconds after the work crew began to dig; I realized in panic that I didn’t have any “before” photos. Not much to look at, to tell the truth; a vast landscape of overgrown grass and a lonely bubble mower. 

Excavation began in the wee hours of a very chilly morning. We ended up having all of the grass in our backyard ripped out, as there were patches that resisted growth after years of supporting a play structure the boys had long since outgrown. Removing the grass took most of the morning and it was quite a sight to see the backyard barren. Side note: it looks like the bubble mower found a new home on our front lawn.

Next, it’s all about the framing. We wanted our patio design to be contemporary yet functional, and we worked with our contractor to design a large patio with clean lines. On the sides, we left room for a future garden.

As you can see, the patio takes up the majority of our backyard, and I’m completely cool with that. I’ve never been a “grass” person, and as the boys grow, they’re less interested in hanging around in our backyard – opting for playing in the park, running through the soccer field or riding their bikes instead. Hence, the less lawn to mow, the better.

Cement was poured the first sunny, warm-ish day. Morning temperatures were a chilly 4°C, but since it was still above freezing, we avoided the risk of having the cement crack. (People, we are talking about the end of May here! I can’t believe we were fighting against frost and freezing rain.)

Next, the magic began –  adding colour to the concrete, and stamping the pattern. I must have watched the entire procedure from my sliding door; I was so enthralled with the entire process. Say hello to my contractor’s crew – my next door neighbours on the other side. Yep – I’m surrounded by handymen! We were convinced to include a two-tone border in the design, and I’m happy we decided to go ahead with it. The border gives the patio a professional finish that I adore, and I’m a huge fan of the contrasting colours!

After what seemed like minutes, the patio was stamped and chiseled. And now, the real waiting game began; allowing the patio to cure before it was powerwashed and sealed. Just knowing that my patio was being “born” under the coloured soot made me giggle with glee. Here’s a top view from my bedroom window – excuse the mesh screen!

Finally, 48 hours later, the patio was powerwashed to reveal its inner beauty. I was jumping up and down and fist-pumping as the glorious concrete underneath shone through. It’s a thing of beauty! (*Wipes tear from eye*)

Isn’t it just gorgeous? Okay, I’m getting slightly emotional here. But the thing is, I’m such a “drinks on the patio” kind of girl, and I’ve waited for this patio for so long. So the fact that I actually have somewhere to sit and enjoy those drinks is very, very awesome.

Now I know y’all have been waiting to see the goodies provided by the Home Depot Canada to dress up my patio… but that’s another post. Still, you know I won’t leave you hanging! Even though I’ll be reviewing the patio set and barbecue in separate posts, may I present… my finished #ProjectPatio!

Sigh… I suppose I *could* write my reviews for the Hampton Bay Millstone Dining Set and Weber Genesis S-330 Grill now… but you know what? I’d rather have a drink on the patio :) I’ll be back in the next few weeks to tell you all about my favourite patio furnishings. Until then… cheers!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #ProjectPatio, Hampton Bay Patio Sets, The Home Depot Canada, Weber Natural Gas Grill

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Comments

  1. Tricha

    June 17, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    Oh wow, Lena, let me be the first to congratulate you. Simply stunning! I am loving it. I gotta show my hubby, he is gonna be jealous!

    • Lena

      June 17, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you Tricha! It was a labour of love – and to tell the truth, it was just never in our budget to do a patio (and side, which we did as well). This year however, I saved my $$ and am so happy it’s finally done!

  2. Marissa

    June 17, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    I’m impressed! Your backyard makeover looks amazing with the stamped concrete patio and I love the colour scheme of the patio and the patio furniture – they blend together so beautifully. Good choice Lena – looks like you’re ready for a barbecue party.

    • Lena

      June 23, 2013 at 11:53 pm

      Thanks Marissa! Looking forward to many BBQ parties!

  3. Jen

    June 17, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    It looks great! How much does such a project cost?

    • Lena

      June 23, 2013 at 11:55 pm

      Thanks Jen! The cost is dependant on so many factors – ie. the size of your patio, your location, etc. If you live in the GTA, I would be happy to pass on my contractor’s phone number/ e-mail address so you can contact them directly!

  4. nicolthepickle

    June 17, 2013 at 7:06 pm

    It looks lovely. I especially like the border.
    We love BBQ’s but with the black flies here we just can’t eat outside unless we have screens.

    • Lena

      June 23, 2013 at 11:56 pm

      Oooh – black flies does not sound like fun. Thanks Nicoline!

  5. Soozle

    June 17, 2013 at 7:34 pm

    WOW! What a HUGE difference!!

    While I am completely a grass/garden in a yard kinda gal – I can really appreicate a good looking garden! I am highly impressed with how awesome it looks

    Congrats :-)

    • Lena

      June 23, 2013 at 11:59 pm

      Thanks Soozle! Alas, I tend to kill flowers, so a small garden suits me to a tee :)

  6. Anne Taylor

    June 17, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! What a great, clean, well designed space! Love it! Thanks for sharing!

    • Lena

      June 23, 2013 at 11:59 pm

      Thanks so much Anne!

  7. Nicole W.

    June 17, 2013 at 9:27 pm

    Oh Lena, it looks amazing! I love the shape of the patio. The furniture is awesome – would love to own a nice set myself some day! Enjoy! :)

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:13 am

      Thanks Nicole! We worked with our contractor to create a contemporary design – we love it!

  8. Sheri

    June 17, 2013 at 9:45 pm

    That patio is gorgeous! They did a great job and the furniture looks fantastic on it.

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:13 am

      Thanks so much Sheri!

  9. Janice

    June 17, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    That looks fantastic! I’ve never seen concrete poured and stamped that way — it looks really wonderful!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:13 am

      Thanks so much Janice! Can’t wait to have you and the family over for BBQ!

  10. Judy C

    June 17, 2013 at 10:39 pm

    Wow, it looks great! I am sure you will get lots of enjoyment out of it this summer!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:14 am

      Oh, we already have Judy! Thanks so much!

  11. Julia

    June 17, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    After seeing this I am never doing those little bricks again the cement looks amazing! Enjoy!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:14 am

      Hahaha thanks Julia! I actually love the “little bricks” too, but have always preferred the clean look of stamped concrete :)

  12. Heidi C.

    June 17, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    Absolutely stunning! I love it! Your reveal photos are great – I couldn’t wait to see the final product!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:21 am

      Thanks so much Heidi!

  13. Doris Calvert

    June 18, 2013 at 1:25 am

    Wow1 What a transformation, now you can enjoy your summer in comfort and relax and read in a cozy place, looks terrific Lena!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:22 am

      Absolutely Doris, thanks so much!

  14. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    June 18, 2013 at 9:53 am

    looks great! we still need a deck on our house hopefully next year.

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:23 am

      Good luck – hopefully you’ll experience your own backyard oasis before long!

  15. Jordana

    June 18, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Looks amazing!!!!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:23 am

      Thank you so much Jordana!

  16. Lisa H

    June 18, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Beautiful! Im just going to sneak over in the middle of the night and plant some flowering shrubs and colourful blooms k? :p
    Then I’ll be over for drinks!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:24 am

      Hahaha you sound just like my mom! Tell you what, you can do that, as long as you come by periodically to make sure they bloom!

      • Lisa H

        August 20, 2013 at 6:43 pm

        If I lived by you, I trade you gardening for babysitting any day lol!

  17. michael

    June 18, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    Its BBQ time folks!! Mikey Flay to the rescue!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:24 am

      HAHAHA for sure!

  18. Flora M

    June 18, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    I would LOVE to have a patio like that ! Not possible right now because I am renting – but when I get my own place you bet your bottom dollar I will be asking for your next door neighbour’s contact info (I sure hope he would come to Barrie). I enjoy watching the “creation” process from start to finish as well, even though I can’t physically do the work myself. Congrats to you and enjoy your new backyard “oasis” :o)

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:25 am

      Thank you so much Flora! Please do send me a quick note when you move, I can definitely put you in touch with my contractor!

  19. Lisa P.

    June 18, 2013 at 3:09 pm

    Simply FAB!! :)

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:25 am

      Thank you Lisa!

  20. Florence C

    June 18, 2013 at 6:42 pm

    I love the patio. Great job and hope you have a beautiful summer to enjoy it.

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:25 am

      Thanks so much Florence!

  21. NT

    June 19, 2013 at 12:32 am

    OOOOooohhh, so nice! Love the contrasting colours too.
    Excuse me now while I do the weeding between the interlock bricks of our patio…

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:26 am

      Hahaha I think the breakthrough weeds is the main reason I decided on concrete. But I do love the look of interlock too!

  22. Victoria

    June 19, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Looks great friend! Looking forward to spending an afternoon or two back there!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:26 am

      It’s always open for you love!

  23. Allie

    June 19, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Hey lena that looks GREAT!!
    ! I love that stamped look so clean and and neat ( I am not a grass person I perfer to put my feet on something not so close to bugs ewww!!)
    Enjoy your new patio.
    Cheers!!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:27 am

      Thank you Allie!

  24. Brenda Penton

    June 19, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Your patio is gorgeous! I am jealous!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:27 am

      Thanks Brenda! We’re really enjoying it!

  25. Holly

    June 19, 2013 at 10:55 am

    It looks amazing, Lena!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:27 am

      :) Thank you Holly!

  26. Debbie Bashford

    June 19, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Wow love that patio!!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:27 am

      Thanks Debbie!

  27. Tenille

    June 19, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Looks soooo good! I chuckled at the yard size – definite Torontonian yard. You should see my yard out here in land of living skies Saskatchewan (that’s our slogan, really!) Huge! Yet, I totally agree with you that as they grow the kids will want to be out running at the park too. Cheers to drinks on the patio, deck, yard…..as long as it’s beautiful (and warm).

  28. Andrea (Mommy Gearest)

    June 19, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    Congrats, Lena! It looks FANTASTIC!! Welcome to the Home Depot makeover club. :)

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:28 am

      Thank you Andrea!

  29. Victoria Ess

    June 20, 2013 at 9:26 am

    That’s gorgeous! I’m also a fan of sacrificing grass for more patio space — for aesthetic and functionality reasons. That first picture with the overgrown grass + bubble mower had me laughing out loud.

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:29 am

      Hahaha let’s just say we neglected our yard over the early spring in anticipation of this makeover!

  30. Amy Brown

    June 21, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    wow looks great!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:29 am

      Thank you Amy!

  31. Stella

    June 21, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    Looks nice. Is it slippery when it rains?

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:30 am

      Alas, it is Stella – as with all stamped concrete. Of course, I don’t plan on being on my patio when it rains!

  32. Teresa Claire

    June 21, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    The backyard and patio look amazing. The pictures are great and really show each and every process!

    • Lena

      June 24, 2013 at 12:30 am

      Thank you Teresa!

  33. francine

    June 25, 2013 at 5:32 pm

    very nice…i that were mine ii would be spending too much time outside (mostly in the shade though as i burn quite bad lol)

    • Lena

      June 25, 2013 at 7:45 pm

      I spent a lot of time in the shade today francine!

  34. Suzanne Smith

    June 27, 2013 at 12:52 am

    Lovely! And nicely documented. You have good taste.

    • Lena

      July 4, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Thank you so much Suzanne!

  35. jenny

    June 30, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    Jealous!!! It looks like its from a catalogue. I LOL’ed at the “BEFORE” picture.. I was thinking “what’s with the random dug-up hole in the middle?”.. and then LOL’ed again when I read your comment about you panicing and the “lonely bubble mower”.

    • Lena

      July 4, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Ah, I don’t know what became of that lonely bubble mower…. it was lost in the reno! Thanks Jenny!

  36. bina edwards

    August 20, 2013 at 8:15 am

    I think if I had a small back yard that would be the perfect make over

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Thanks bina! We love it!

  37. William Stewart

    August 20, 2013 at 8:32 am

    That’s an oasis!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

      :) Thank you William!

  38. Amy Heffernan

    August 20, 2013 at 8:32 am

    WOW! Alot of work but very beautiful! A very nice place to entertain and relax! Enjoy!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

      Thank you Amy :) We’ve loved spending time on it this summer!

  39. Chandany Chen

    August 20, 2013 at 8:38 am

    Wonderful work! I can’t believe the outcome of it all! Thank you for sharing the process :)

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

      You’re so welcome. I’m a big fan of step-by-step before and afters, so I was happy to share!

  40. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    August 20, 2013 at 8:38 am

    i would have snuck my initials in cement

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:43 am

      HA! Wish I thought of that :)

  41. Darrah Bailey

    August 20, 2013 at 9:08 am

    Amazing what you did with such a small space

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Thanks Darrah!

  42. Melinda L.

    August 20, 2013 at 9:15 am

    Wow such a transformation! I really like how it turned out for you! We have a lot of work to do in our backyard before we can transform it into something remotely like yours.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Well, Melinda – we did rip out all the grass, so in effect, we just started with a clean slate :)

  43. Jeannie

    August 20, 2013 at 9:41 am

    Whoa! This isn’t just some little makeover, it’s a huge one if you have to bring in guys to do some concrete work!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

      LOL! Yup, I guess so!

  44. Judy C (Cowan)

    August 20, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Absolutely love the concrete patio finish!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

      Thank you Judy!

  45. Vesper

    August 20, 2013 at 10:55 am

    Wow I love the concrete floor, wouldn’t mind just that in my yard

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Yup, the only reason I didn’t do the whole backyard is cause my boys still love to run on the grass :)

  46. Debbie Bashford

    August 20, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I love the patio and the effect they got on it, it is a real showstopper

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Thank you Debbie!

  47. caryn s

    August 20, 2013 at 11:10 am

    I love your backyard especially the stone work and the table. It all looks amazing together congrats!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Thanks Caryn! We love it too!

  48. Lisa KH

    August 20, 2013 at 11:12 am

    It looks fantastic! Your deck is great……. I’m not much of a grass person either and I like how you’ve done this. Looks like I have some inspiration for next summer!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Great! Thanks so much Lisa!

  49. Lisa

    August 20, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Looks great, what a transformation.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:46 am

      :) Thank you!

  50. Deb

    August 20, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    Looks fantastic! Lots of hard work levelling, been there done that! But oh what a nice outcome. Love the tiles, they look terrific.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:46 am

      Thank you Deb, we are thrilled with the results!

  51. lori butler

    August 20, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    looks amazing, i love the photos and the dining set is beautiful..

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Thank you Lori!

  52. DH

    August 20, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    Holy Tranformation! your Contractor did a fab job! love the design you guys decided on.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Thanks DH. I agree, he’s amazing!

  53. ginette4

    August 20, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    What a great finish, I love stampcrete it’s an amazing look that mimics patio stones but without the grass growing in the cracks, no maintenance!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:47 am

      EXACTLY. And since I’m allergic to maintenance, this worked out perfectly!

  54. Sydney D

    August 20, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    Wow that looks really great! I love the patio set.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Thanks Sydney!

  55. Halifax

    August 21, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Perfect place for the Hampton Bay set. Congrats!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Thanks so much! It’s perfect :)

  56. mrdisco

    August 21, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    as someone who hates mowing the lawn, i approve of this patio

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:48 am

      Hahaha! Me too!

  57. Tricha

    August 21, 2013 at 9:05 pm

    Loved seeing the step-by-step transformation. Beautiful finish. As mentioned before my hubby is jealous.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:48 am

      :) Thanks Tricha. I enjoyed writing about the step-by-step!

  58. Steph Bkn

    August 21, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    Love the stamped concrete! The patio looks gorgeous! amazing transformation!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Thank you Steph!

  59. Deb Dorrington

    August 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    The stamped concrete looks stunning, loving how great your patio looks. My hubs would just be thrilled with the BBQ!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:49 am

      :) Thanks so much Deb. We love it too!

  60. seham

    August 22, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    lots of hard work

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:49 am

      Agreed; tons of hard work!

  61. Doreen Lamoureux

    August 22, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Oh my goodness. This is so gorgeous. I love the brick work. A beautiful place to relax and unwind. The home depot products look at home in your new backyard.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:49 am

      I couldn’t agree more, Doreen! Thanks!

  62. Lori L. - @Miss_Elles

    August 22, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    It’s GORGEOUS! I know what you mean about not wanting grass! We’re adding a patio to our front yard (with plants around the edges) but I hadn’t thought about getting someone to pour it! It looks amazing, wondering how much that would cost for our small front yard! Hmmm…

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:50 am

      If you live in the GTA Lori send me a note! I’ll put you in touch with my contractor!

  63. Olivia L

    August 23, 2013 at 12:50 am

    That’s such a lovely patio! I’m so over having to mow and fertilize and weed our lawn… You may have inspired me to do away with it!

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:50 am

      Thanks Olivia. Trust me, I was hoping to cover the entire backyard, for the very same reasons you mentioned!

  64. Erika E

    August 23, 2013 at 9:49 am

    That’s wonderful! I enjoyed the step by step photos until the finished project.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Thanks Erika!

  65. Florence

    August 23, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    A lot of work gone into the project. It is amazing.

    • Lena

      August 25, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Thank you Florence! A lot of work… well worth it :)

  66. Natalie

    August 25, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    Looks like so much work but you probably use it SO much more now!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:03 pm

      We certainly do, Nat. Love #ProjectPatio!

  67. Clifford

    August 26, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    What a terrific job you’ve accomplished, your patio looks fantastic. I really like the concrete, it’s awesome..Enjoy your new living space!!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Thank you Clifford – it’s our special place now!

  68. Lori-Airbnb Superhost

    August 26, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    What a transformation! Love the before, during and after pictures:)

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Thanks Lori!

  69. BobbiJo Pentney

    August 27, 2013 at 8:37 am

    It looks beautiful, but I must stay I am a bit envious.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:04 pm

      Don’t be envious :) It’s easy to turn any space into an oasis – with every budget – at the Home Depot!

  70. jan

    August 27, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Love the stamping your guys picked.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks! It was my choice!

  71. Alisha Duncan

    August 27, 2013 at 11:09 am

    Looks AMAZING!! So fresh and stylish.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks Alisha!

  72. Brad K

    August 27, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    Holy smoke! Amazing transformation!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Hahaha thanks Brad!

  73. Nicole B

    August 27, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    ohmygosh I LOVE how it turned out! Wonderful!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Thank you Nicole – we’re in love with it too!

  74. Elizabeth Friesen (@emfriesen)

    August 28, 2013 at 12:29 am

    What a transformation!!! It looks fantastic!!! Congratulations!!! :D

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Thank you!

  75. stacey dempsey

    August 28, 2013 at 4:29 am

    that looks great I bet you can have alot of fun family barbeques there

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      We’ve entertained quite a bit this summer. Stacey!

  76. Teresa Claire

    August 28, 2013 at 9:22 pm

    A true before and after success story. I love the colours of the tiles and the step by step pictures! Well done!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      Thank you Teresa :)

  77. MCan

    August 29, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Turned out amazing! You should be very proud!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      Thank you MCan, we are!

  78. Viv Sluys

    August 29, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Wow!! That looks amazing! You’ll definitely be able to enjoy drinks on your beautiful patio now!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:06 pm

      We’ve had quite a few, Viv – LOL!

  79. Darlene Schuller

    August 31, 2013 at 9:33 am

    Wow very nice!! I love the colouring of the patio set a ton! The grill is a beauty, dinner every night all year round!! Very very generous of Home Depot!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      Thanks Darlene! Couldn’t agree more!

  80. Lynn M

    August 31, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Love the colors you choose,so warm and inviting.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      Thank you Lynn :)

  81. Tanis

    August 31, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    That looks amazing! My husband does an alternative to stamped concrete – Granicrete – but they both look so great!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      Oh! Totally Googling that!

  82. Jen

    August 31, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    Lucky you for handy neighbours! I wish I could find someone here in Calgary that will offer a fair price and can be trusted!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:07 pm

      Yup, we’re lucky that way for sure!

  83. tasha may

    September 1, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Looks amazing, you did a GREAT job!!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Thank you Tasha!

  84. Darlene Schuller

    September 1, 2013 at 11:13 am

    Absolutely stunning, though, I must admit, my gut would’ve been wrenching while it was in progress lol. All so worth it!!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Hahaha I knew it would be flawless, so I wasn’t worried at all!

  85. Shari K

    September 1, 2013 at 10:49 pm

    Wow! That turned out beautiful!!!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Thanks Shari!

  86. stacey h

    September 2, 2013 at 7:58 pm

    i love the look of the new patio – currently mine is sad and i’m always looking for good ideas

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Hope you got some great ideas Stacey!

  87. angela m

    September 3, 2013 at 12:41 pm

    That looks like such a nice place to spend time in the summer. I love that you got before and after photos.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      Yup, documented the process like crazy!

  88. Aimee R

    September 5, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Wow, simply stunning. It really looks amazing. Good job :)

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      Thank you Aimee!

  89. Shirley

    September 6, 2013 at 6:47 pm

    You must be really proud of yourself!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      I am!

  90. Cathy C

    September 7, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    The poured concrete looks amazing. My mother in law had this done a few years ago driveway and back paths and patio and it looks amazing! and of course the patio set very inviting. You must be loving it!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      We do love it Cathy – thank you!

  91. Cheryl (@loucheryl)

    September 7, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    GORGEOUS! You have such a beautiful patio. Congrats!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:09 pm

      Thanks Cheryl!

  92. Tammy Dalley

    September 8, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Oh it looks fabulous ! I love the patio set

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks Tammy! We got a lot of use out of it this summer!

  93. Bons

    September 8, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Wow, loving your new patio! Looks so beautiful.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks so much Bons!

  94. Kelly Gordon

    September 8, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Wow Wow Wow, absolutely stunning!! Great job.. super jealous

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      Thanks kelly :)

  95. Laura Martin

    September 8, 2013 at 7:03 pm

    Love the stamped concrete it looks so good

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      I love it too!

  96. Cristy Doris

    September 8, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    Hoping to do something similar for our new house…once we have paid down the mortgage a bit. This looks gorgeous…thanks for the great ideas!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      You’re very welcome Cristy!

  97. trekkerr57

    September 8, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    I’d love to have backyard like yours!!!!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:10 pm

      :) It’s really tiny, honestly, no biggie!

  98. Sharlene

    September 8, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    That looks amazing – nicer than my beat up old deck.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      :) Time for a #ProjectPatio Sharlene!

  99. diane welburn

    September 8, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    amazing!!! Good job!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks Diane!

  100. Carrie

    September 8, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    It’s beautiful! Love it.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      Thanks Carrie!

  101. Jennifer Hammond

    September 8, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    back yard bbq parties are the best!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      Aren’t they? So happy!

  102. Jennifer Lo

    September 8, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Great job!!

  103. LindaL

    September 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    Wow lots of work but well worth it!! Nice now you don;t have much lawn to cut……I have 3 acres here to cut!!….congrats on the great work!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      GASP – I could not do with 3 acres! Thanks Linda!

  104. Carole Dube

    September 8, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    I love the stamp concrete patio, it look amazing. The patio set is perfect choice for your new back yard.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      Thank you Carole – we adore it too.

  105. Harvinderks

    September 8, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    Gorgeous, plus your property value just went up!

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      Hear, hear!

  106. J

    September 8, 2013 at 10:38 pm

    While I adore the clean look of the backyard with the stone pattern and how nice everything just seems to fit, I am happier that you left a good, useable area of grass in the yard. The trend towards stone or concrete patios, I imagine, is for aesthetics and the like, but a yard just seems complete when there is grass left.

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:12 pm

      Since we have two little guys we had to leave a little grass for them to run around on. It’s a part of childhood :)

  107. Robyn L

    September 9, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    lots of work but what an awesome area to sit out in and dine; love the stamping effect

    • Lena

      September 14, 2013 at 5:13 pm

      Thanks Robyn! Well worth the work – and wait!

  108. STEPHANIE WILLIAMS

    June 20, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    WHAT COLORS DID YOU CHOOSE FOR THE CONCRETE.

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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