Patio install - Day One and Day Two

Our vision for a backyard patio is finally becoming a reality.  The contractor crew arrived at 6:50 a.m. on Monday, July 22 and began the process of laying our patio.  I had a good idea of what is involved with such a job but, wow, the process is elaborate.  I'm glad I didn't make the mistake of thinking that, with the help of a friend or two, I could tackle the job myself.  Even with three seasoned contractors and the assistance of heavy moving equipment, the brunt of the day yesterday was spent clearing, leveling, and building a compact foundation for the area that is to be the patio.

6:30 a.m. Monday, July 22

BEFORE

The crew and their bad ass equipment arrive!

J&I checking out the situation.

The kitchen window is an ideal out-of-the-way peeking point.
There's a mini "Cat" in our backyard!

Gettin' down to business.

Area cleared.  Let the compacting begin.

Underground drain pipes have been attached to two of our
downspouts so that rain water won't flow over the patio.

Its gotta get messy before things get organized and beautiful.

Our retaining wall pavers have arrived!

Getting ready to employ the plate compactor.

I'll say it again - there's a mini "Cat" in our backyard!
So cool.

Retaining wall, which will also serve as seating, is well underway.

End of Day One.

End of Day One.

End of Day One.  Patio pavers are ready and waiting.

Today, Day Two, the retaining wall was completed, along with the compacted foundation base.  Screed rails were laid, sand poured, and a final surface leveling was done so that patio pavers can be laid.  We are really excited with the results we're seeing!

Two hours into Day Two.
Another 7:50 a.m. start time.

Screeding.

Another bad ass power tool that happens to be in our backyard.

Tamp, tamp, tamp... screeeed.

These three are a hard working bunch.
They're doing an outstanding job.

Retaining wall done.
Here comes the patio!

End of Day Two

Another angle at the end of Day Two

Sitting on the retaining wall with my feet on on our patio!
It looks gorgeous so far.

Did you know you can click on the individual pictures to see a larger version of them?  True story.

By the way, visit the Wright Garden Chronicles blog itself.  It's attractive, you can sign up to receive email or RSS feed updates each time a new post is made, and the blog also includes a tab with an abundance of useful gardening and "miscellaneous smartness" links.

Cheers!