I didn't get the locking bricks but if you look in the upper left corner near the gate, I was "testing" some out that I got from Home Depot. That area of the yard is my main concern. I've got that PVC drainage pipe that steadily drips condensation from the AC unit and it leaves the ground very moist and muddy.

I got those bricks for $4/each and initially put that weed stopper wrap stuff, and rocks but it wasn't leveling correctly. So I pulled the rocks out and put dirt back underneath and all the water makes that moist and they are all now uneven.

I was thinking maybe sand would be the best route, so I was going to try that.....but then I thought concreting the entire patio would be nice.

 

That's an idea I didn't consider. I would like the patio to be about an inch higher anyway.
That's a lot of concrete though! I guess if I read up on it and do it right the first time I won't have much to worry about.
:chuckles: Tell me about it. I normally had those 2 blue chairs on it and could just get in and out of the door. But I bought a cover for the grill, so i could get it out of my garage.

 

DIY info
http://www.quikrete.com/diy/Concrete...mallSlabs.html

100+ 80# bags, you'll need to rent a cement mixer

 

You need to build a proper foundation for any surface that you are going to put in the dirt. Dig everything out to a depth of 6", level the bottom as you dig it up. Lay down a layer of stone 3/4 and smaller to a depth of about two inches, put in a barrier layer (landscape cloth), above this layer fill in with about 2 to 4 inches of sand or rock dust, keep it level. Set pavers on this and then fill in the cracks with the same material, sand or rock dust.

 

^ yeh, id pay someone h:

 

if my sister can build a stone paver deck, I'm sure that almost anyone can if you can read english. If you can't read english, you've problably done it already(joke).

 

That's a lot of work. If someone will do it for under $1000....I'll let them break the sweat. h:

 

I will do it for $999...you buy materials and you pay for my plane ticket out as well as room and board while I am there.

Deal?

 

Actually I am getting ready to build a wood deck off the side of my house this next year.

I ran down to Home Depot and grabbed a decking book and read the hell out of it. I figure I will save easily a grand in labor and learn something along the way and pick up some cool power tools as well

 

I am rather good at home projects. Learned from the best - my dad.