Patio Transformation Reveal: Side Yard Makeover Part 3
After months spent painting, sweating, building, and making Hans question my project choices 😂 (don’t worry, he really was supportive, and besides, he’s used to it by now!), our patio transformation is officially complete. I spent a good amount of the summer working on this project. And now we finally get to enjoy the space! Here’s a recap of what it took to get here, the tools that made it happen, and, of course, the final reveal!
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Patio Transformation Project #1: Painting a Checkerboard Design
I’m no stranger to staining concrete, but this project was definitely my biggest undertaking yet. A checkerboard pattern came with its own unique set of challenges, but I really love how it turned out. And though it’s hard to pick a favorite part, it’s definitely the star of the side yard!
Concrete Stain Supplies
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Patio Transformation Project #2: Building Cinderblock Planters
Another project I could do in my sleep: build cinderblock planters! But building them on concrete instead of soil was new, and so was figuring out how to add plants without the ability to dig in. I also wanted to make sure the open holes in the cinder blocks weren’t going to invite small animals or bugs, so I filled them with foam before moving on.
From there, my solution for the planters themselves was faux trees in tall self-watering pots. The trees didn’t need the water, but the drainage holes in the pots meant extra water had somewhere to go. Once those were in place, I filled in around them with rocks to finish the look.
Cinderblock Planter Supplies
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Patio Transformation Project #3: Attempting a DIY Fountain
I’ve already built a fountain on the other side of the yard, so I figured, “How hard can it be?”. Famous last words, because as it turns out: it’s hard.
Before attempting the DIY route, I went through a couple of fountains I bought online that turned out to be not as pretty in person. In fact, a few people messaged me on Instagram and told me they looked like tombstones or urinals. Aaannndd once they told me that, I found that I agreed, and I couldn’t unsee it.
So, I decided to give building them a go. I bought steel planters, pond liner, and all the other supplies I thought I’d need. But after quite a few tries, it just wasn’t looking how I wanted it to. I decided to throw in the towel on this part of the project and maybe pick it back up next year. Watch the video below for the full story!
Patio Transformation Project #4: Pivoting and Adding the Final Touches
After I decided to give up on my dreams of a side yard patio fountain (at least for now), the rest was honestly smooth sailing. I hung a greenery trellis, filled the steel planters with flowers, hung string lights, and added a few other final touches. And the patio transformation was officially complete! 😍
Final Touches and Decor
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This project challenged me, but I am so proud of how it turned out. 🥹 If you give any of these patio transformation projects a go and share them on Instagram, be sure to tag me! I can’t wait to see how you create the side yard of your dreams.
