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My name is Lisa and I'm a crafty girl with wanderlust working as an engineer by day. My blog chronicles projects in my home as well as pictures and stories from my travels.

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Tuesday
May282013

New Back Patio

After getting the stump removed from my backyard I moved on to my next step of my backyard plans for this summer, having a patio put in along the side of the garage.

I like to do a lot of things around my house, but I decided to hire out the patio and pergola. When I was a struggling student my time was worth nothing so I would always do everything myself. As I've grown older my time has become valuable, especially as I always have more on my plate and ideas in my head than I have time to do.

In determining if I want to tackle a project myself I consider whether I will save money doing it myself and if it is something I think I will have fun doing. If the answer to both is no then I will hire it out.

Regarding the patio, I did a lot of research for the first patio I had put in on the back. When I calculated the costs for me, including equipment rental, I wasn't going to save money and it would have taken me all summer which meant I would have had to delay other projects that I was excited about working on. I ended up hiring a local landscaper and within a week the back patio was complete, allowing me to enjoy it all summer.

For this second patio, I hired the same contractor to have matching pavers laid down along the side of the garage. They started by excavating along the side of the garage. Some of the excess dirt was used to help even out the grade of the backyard.

They then put down a base of crushed stone and fine gravel to create a flat, stable base for the patio. After lots of tamping and leveling the surface was ready for the pavers.

The pavers were put in using a herringbone pattern for the field and then a concrete border was put in to stabilize the patio and keep it anchored. After brushing sand into the cracks between the pavers the patio was complete. 

I love how the patio turned out and it is huge, extending 10 feet out and nearly 40 feet deep. Next up is the pergola and then repairing the lawn. I'm really excited about how the backyard is shaping up and I think it will make a fun space to spend the summer.

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Reader Comments (32)

Loved reading about your patio project! It’s inspiring to see how well it turned out. We work with stamped concrete Clearwater, and your post reminds us why quality planning matters. Your attention to detail motivates us to bring the same care to our own customers’ outdoor spaces.

The DIY project described is the installation of a new back paver patio along the side of a garage. The author decided to hire a local contractor for this project, prioritizing time efficiency and cost-effectiveness over a DIY approach. Learn more about Wooden Fence Johnson City

October 27, 2025 | Unregistered CommenterJohnson City Fencing

The blog post "New Back Patio" details the author's decision to hire a professional landscaper to install a second, large paver patio along the side of her garage. The author decided to hire out the work, despite being a "crafty girl," after determining that her time was more valuable than the money she would save by doing the extensive excavation and paving herself. View more info with Wendell Concrete Contractor

December 10, 2025 | Unregistered CommenterWendell Concrete

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January 30, 2026 | Unregistered CommenterCedar City Fencing

Lisa also shares her personal decision-making process for hiring a contractor rather than DIYing the project, noting that her time was better spent on other home renovations. The finished patio measures approximately 10 feet wide by 40 feet deep, creating a significant new area for summer enjoyment and future projects like a pergola. Fence repair Prattville AL

March 12, 2026 | Unregistered CommenterPrattville Fencing

The finished patio features matching pavers laid in a herringbone pattern with a stable concrete border for long-term durability. Measuring 10 feet wide and nearly 40 feet deep, the space is now ready for a pergola and lawn restoration to complete the outdoor living area. Get in touch with Cedar City Cinder Block Wall

March 13, 2026 | Unregistered CommenterCedar City Block Wall

Beautiful patio transformation. The layout, materials, and cozy outdoor vibe make it inspiring for homeowners planning upgrades. Loved the practical ideas and step-by-step story behind the design shared here today.

March 16, 2026 | Unregistered CommenterVS Enterprises

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