The tools: 16″ pavers
The dilemma: An ugly mudpit…what to do?
I can be a girly-girl to the max much of the time, but sure don’t mind getting my hands dirty and working hard outside for something that needs to be done, especially when I get that vision in my head. As you can see from these pics which I’ve showed you before, the area under our deck in the backyard was sorely in need of some TLC. No yard of the month awards for us, this was an ugly, muddy, complete eyesore and it’s been something that I’ve wanted to tackle ever since we moved in here over 2 years ago. I completed some gardening projects in a couple of other areas in the frontyard which also needed it desperately, so this area was next. This was the year! How could I enjoy sitting in my swing when I was surrounded by this awful sight? I’m all about beautiful things, inside and out, so this was not enjoyable to me.
Just pathetic! You can see how the mud splashes on the brick, so that will need to be scrubbed down too. Everytime I used the hose, it would create more mud and when it rained, yuck. So, plans were hatched in my head and I told my hubby that we’ve got to do something about this area. He agreed. I think them up and then he gets to help.
After seeing my friend, Mary’s patio that her hubby built, I decided that I too could do that project. It seemed easy enough and affordable. I got out there and did the prep work, bought those edger stones and put them in place, creating my patio base. 
Cleaned out all the weeds and got some leveling sand to put down. Leveling sand is a good thing, you will need it when you’re working with patio stones. This was after my dad came and built the lattice wall back in March and that was a great addition too. It really helped create a garden room under here.
Let’s get started!
Put down some black landscape fabric which is supposed to keep those pesky weeds at bay (I hope!).
I didn’t pin them down, but probably should have.
Next it was time to put down the paver stones. These things weigh a ton, but my hubby and neighbor, Grant moved them for me. That’s when you need some muscle. One of my friends, Sandy, who has a truck helped me get them to my house. The girl is strong as an ox and between the two of us we got them loaded at Walmart and then home and unloaded while my hubby was out of town.
I lined them up and used a 6″ board in between. You can see here that they are not perfect, but I’m not a perfectionist so it’s OK and I can go back and adjust a few of them. You can actually go back and move them slightly if one is not lined up. These stones weigh at least 35 lbs. so are not fun to move around. 
Ordered a dumptruck load of pea gravel and we were set. This is my always helpful neighbor, 11-yr. old Grant, who loves to help out with gardening projects. He brought over his wheel barrow and wagon to help us move the pavers and pea gravel. Very sweet guy. He always shows up when I’m out doing a project and loves to help.
The guys loaded the pea gravel in the wheel barrow and brought over and I spread it all out. Just like grouting tile, I used a large broom to sweep it off the pavers and into place. I’ve still got to stain the new lattice to match the deck.
We got pea gravel down in about 2 hours and it’s finished! Prep work was part of a day and then putting down the pavers and pea gravel was another full day. Lucky for us it isn’t too hot yet, this was a great week weather wise to do this.
It looks SO good now, I’m totally happy with it. This really is an easy DIY project that will make a huge difference in an area like this. Believe it or not, this took 55 pavers. I tried to calculate, but ended up having to go back for 10 more to finish it off. Just so you know, Walmart had the best price on these. 
I added some edging stones coming out from the deck stairs and around the air conditioner and added a thick layer of pea gravel here too. It was a mess before and looks so much better now.
I‘ll use this little area right by the steps and coming in our backgate as a planting bed and get it all cleaned up too. I’m so happy that this project is finally done. I had dreamed about it forever and now it’s complete! That’s a good feeling. I’ve got more plans for the backyard, one area at a time. Next up will probably be a walkway from the patio over to the side fence. Another day!
Good Job Rhoda! Wow! What a sense of accomplishment, uh?
Very nice.
Funny, we Southern girls love our swings. Don’t we? I have one here in Alaska. Can’t wait to get in it. Right now there’s a big puddle underneath where all the snow melted. Just a couple of days and it’ll be dry and I’ll be “Just a Swinging.”
Lord bless,
Lynn
John 15
Just such a lovely spot! I know you feel so happy to have this completed and can enjoy it!
Blessings!
Love,
Sue
That looks really good. It gives me and idea for a problem area I have at my pool.
It looks great….what a transformation! You will really enjoy that swing now….and, I bet it won’t be long before we see some pots of flowers, too!
🙂 Rosie
Great project, Rhoda! I love it!
Had to laugh at, “I think it up and he gets to help.”
Sounds kinda familiar. 😉
Hi Rhoda
I know, I know…I’m saying it yet again…I’m playing “catch up” with my blog reading. It happens more often than I ever thought possible. But I’m not complaining though. My life is full and happy, so sometimes I get behind.
It’s always fun to visit you. Your project turned out so good. Can’t wait to see how you finish it up with plants, etc. The photos of your tour around the lake and your visit with Kim were fun to see.
Hugs!
Kat
It looks wonderful and I’ll bet you’re glad it’s done before the heat of summer sets in. We have a similar project going on but unfortunately spring is getting a slow start here and we only have four blocks down on a gravel bed.
How precious is your little neighbor. I think it’s wonderful that he comes over and helps. What a good kid! 🙂
Wow Rhoda ANOTHER great project and another great job completed by you!!! It looks fantastic!! You are a very “hard” work. I hope your husband realizes how truly blessed he is!!!!
Blessings,
Sher
hard “worker.” I meant “worker” not work. Fingers don’t always cooperate with me 🙂
Wow! You totally rock! What a wonderful improvement and now a place to enjoy.
Kuddos to you,
Lisa
love it, Rhoda! and if you can tell me whether or not you got the mud stains off I would love hearing how. We, too, live where that red stuff dyes everything! So far, I haven’t been successful cleaning it off, so I hide it with landscaping :/
Rhoda, this turned out so wonderfully, you really have an eye for design and cool outdoor projects! You are the Queen!
Hugs,
Donna Lynn
This is so pretty. I know you will have many hours of summer fun here….Mary
Rhoda,
Wow, way to turn an unused space into a place to enjoy. Can’t wait to see how you finish it off. With your creative touch I’m sure it will be lovely.
Hugs,
Sue
You did a great job! I love pea gravel and am putting some on the walking paths near the woods at our house. How does the gravel hold up with the runoff from the downspout? How did it handle last night’s rain? Did it wash away the gravel a little right where it comes down or did it hold well? I hope it’d not a problem. It does look very nice.
It turned out fantastic!! What a transformation….just wanted to come by and say I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend friend!
Great new patio, Rhoda!
I was looking at this post on my bloglines and thought Id come over and leave a comment.
I just wanted to tell you that I love how it turned out!
Candy 🙂
Hi Rhoda! Great job! It really looks nice. I laid all the bricks in a little patio we did last summer. It’s kind of fun to do things like that sometimes!
Hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!