In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

New patio!

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by FarmHand78, Apr 24, 2016.

  1. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    So, been a busy couple of weeks here, and in for a few more. We have fought our sidewalks and concrete stairs for years, so time for new!

    Weekend one... demo... thank goodness for a Bobcat and breaker attachment!
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    Yeah broken mirror is from some yahoo in the gas station parking lot!
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    Little guy getting to work.

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    Then I had the crew come in to set grade and firm it up...

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    Oh yeah, fire pit set in place! Just need rod placed and we are ready to pour crete!.....
     

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  2. Woodwidow

    Woodwidow

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    Looks really good. You will definitely appreciate the smooth walkways when it comes time to clear the snow and stay out of the wet grass/mud when it rains.
     
  3. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    Had some rain delays, but Friday afternoon we poured it... I was not expecting to be in the mud, but my concrete guy needed the help.

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    Whew, I forgot how hard concrete work is, but I'm not 17 anymore.... back when I last worked on a concrete crew.

    4hrs at thus place getting supplies.
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  4. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    We got home and the crew had all the relief cuts done, I like the design layout in the patio... 20160423_152924.jpg

    Lovely wife and I built a little retaining wall, and roughed in the fire pit blocks... sorry no pics until it was after dark and tone to kick back.... first fire!

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    Life is good... hard work! But worth it!

    No worries FHC'ers I also got some saw time in. Got the maple trunks cut down in the front yard...
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    Also got a new to me Scag mower thus week, commercial 36hp, 69"cut 16mph top speed! Yeeeeee Hawwwww!!!
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    Ok... off to build steps and finish fire pit.... have fun ya'all!
     
  5. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Wow, that's awesome! :drool:
     
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  6. schlot

    schlot

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    Wow, huge project. Looking good so far man!
     
  7. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    Wheww... I'm beat! Lovely Wife dry stacked all the blocks around the fire ring, and is 5 short, my math was a little off. I unloaded all the lumber and started in building our main stairs into the house. Between a few runs to town for things I forgot, and family stopping by to check things out, I only got the landing/deck built... ok, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so it takes me a while. But at least we can use the main door.... even if the steps are made of pallets.

    Big project for sure... but watching Little Guy ride his bike back and forth on the sidewalks.... soooo worth it!
     
  8. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    Is your fire pit a giant tractor tire rim? If not suppose one could be used for my patio going in next week?
     
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  9. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    You got it.... 20x38 rim, total outside diameter is 40".... takes 94= 3.5x7x7 wedge blocks, and 4= 3.5x1.75x7 blocks to make 4 rows of blocks around it. I did set the ring down into the pad, but we didn't pour up to it. There is about 6" space all the way around the rim, so when it rusts out I can remove it, and also so the heat from the fire pit isn't directly to the concrete. That would cause heat cracks. We filled the void with clean gravel to stack the blocks on. I also dug under the fire pit about a foot, and filled it with clean rock, so water doesn't pool in it. I'll be making a wood top for it as well, to keep some rain water out.
     
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  10. eatonpcat

    eatonpcat

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  11. FarmHand78

    FarmHand78

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    Thanks...

    Whoops found a few type-o's... that's what happens when I post from my phone.... The Scag is a 60" cut, not 69".
     
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  12. yooperdave

    yooperdave

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    Crap! Everyone else is pouring slabs but me!
     
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  13. wildwest

    wildwest Moderator

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    :rofl: :lol:
     
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  14. Minnesota Marty

    Minnesota Marty

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    FarmHand78,
    Nce looking pour. You,ve done that a few times. I like the cut control joint details.