The first thing that needs to be done is to prep the area that will be the patio. Measure out the area outlining with stakes. Measure down from the bottom of your doorway 7 1/2″ and make a mark on the siding. This will be the top of your patio. You will need 10″ from that mark for gravel and concrete. If you have significantly more than that, you will have to add steps in 7 1/2″ increments. This will be explained in a different how-to article. Once you have established your height, pound a stake into the ground at the height you just established.
If you want to experience both land and sea, then don’t overlook Montana de Oro State Park in California. You can camp on the beach and hike along bluffs that overlook colonies of sea lions. No fires are allowed so be sure to pack your grill and plenty of water. This is camping for those who are truly ready to get away from modern life.
Creating concrete that looks like stone can also be further aided by using colored concrete or concrete stains. Colored concrete is preferable as the color goes all the way through the concrete and will not wear away over time. All Redi-Mix concrete companies offer colored concrete but you will be required to purchase (or at least pay for) a minimum quantity of yards. The coloring agent adds about $6-10 a yard to the price but is well worth it. Your patio will be uniform in color and chips will not be as visible as would be with a stain product.
You don’t have to be a famous artist like Monet or Picasso to create art. Your kids can create simple art on a grand scale by using the sidewalk or Premiertucsonconcrete as their canvas. Give the kids some wash-away paints or colored chalk and turn them loose outdoors to make a mural. Crayola even has a new 3-D chalk to try. Make it a family event and encourage everyone to add some of their creative talents to the masterpiece. Be sure to photograph the process and finished product before it gets washed away, either by rain or mom and the garden hose.
This idea is a favorite amongst mothers who would love their kids to clean out their drawers and closets during the summer. Gather old toys, outgrown clothing, books, and so on and prepare to set up a neighborhood yard sale. Challenge the kids to organize and conduct the sale (with your help of course). Keep track of money earned by each child and let them use their profits from their hard work for a special purchase.
So to make compost tea, you put finished compost into water and let it sit for awhile. Then drain the water from the compost. Use the liquid as fertilizer or to water your plants. Put the compost back into the next pile or into your concrete patio cost drum or tumbler.
Work with a screed to stage the top concrete, sliding the screed across the the top of form boards. Draw the screed from one end for the other, drawing off extra cement.
Having a pool that has that extra personal edge by making use of the pool mosaics while making sure safety standards are high is doable. Whether experts install or you opt for the DIY way, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. The choice is up to you.