DIY Network

Planning; Wall Enhancement Planning; Wall Enhancement From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-309

Figure A

Do you have a small concrete patio in the backyard that needs to be transformed into a more inviting space? The backyard featured in this episode (figure A) was certainly in need of a bolder, more contemporary look. In fact, it had so many problems that this project took two weekends to complete ....

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Figure B

The first weekend is dedicated to finding a solution for the low, unattractive wall that offers no privacy for the patio (figure B) ... and to enhacing the patio itself, a space barely big enough to stand on! Using a digitally-generated design, a new plan emerges for the patio space. The wall is extended with sleek, redwood panels. Concrete pavers extend the patio and a redwood planter box creates a boundary along another side of the patio.

The palette is continued with plants in ice-blue hues that will spill over the planter box, and perennials in front of the box; black bamboo continues the theme of this Asian-inspired landscape. New outdoor furniture and decorative outdoor touches complement the design.

The degree of difficulty, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, is a level 3. For an intermediate do-it-yourselfer, working with a partner, this project will take about 15 hours to complete. The plants used in the landscape are suited to the southwestern region of the country; check with your local garden centers, nurseries and home improvement centers for plants suited to your climate zone.

Total project time: 15 hours.

Tools
Redwood slats and posts
Brackets and anchors
Drill and drill bits, including a masonry bit
Screws
Tape measure
Oil-based exterior stain and paint brush
Concrete pavers
Landscape paint
Sod cutter
Soil and sand
Level and board
Fir boards
Packing peanuts
Landscaping fabric
Potting soil
Mexican beach pebbles
Black zinc pots
Patio furniture
Candle wall sconces
Garden spheres
Planting materials

Steps

1. Redwood fencing slats are used to vertically enlarge the wall while maintaining a light and airy look to the space.

Note: Before adding to an existing wall, check with your local building codes office for possible height restrictions.

	Figure C
	Figure D

2. Holes are drilled in the 4"x4" redwood posts and brackets are attached at the point where the holes are drilled (figure C). The posts will be attached to the wall with a masonry bit; predrill the holes in advance.

3. Line up the top redwood slat so it sits 1/2-inch down from the top of the post and screw in place flush with the outside edge of the post. When attaching the opposite end of the slat to the next post, screw it in place at the center point of the post.

4. Attach the fence section to the wall, using masonry anchors to attach the fence to the wall, then ratchet the anchors tightly in place (figure D).

5. A light-colored oil-based stain is applied to unify the color of the wood. Oil stains provide moisture to wood, preventing it from drying out, and the transparent colors reflect the sun, providing UV protection.

Time elapsed: 4 hours.

RESOURCES :

Table & Chairs

Description: Sienna Table
Model/Color/ISBN#: #529461
Dimensions: 47-1/2" round
Approximate Retail Price: $399

Description: Sienna Chairs
Model/Color/ISBN#: #503292
Dimensions: 47-1/2" round
Approximate Retail Price: $179

Distributor:
Smith & Hawken
Website: www.smithandhawken.com

Ceramic balls

Description: Gazing balls
Model/Color/ISBN#: 3-230A & 3-231-A Green
Dimensions: 21" diameter & 18" diameter
Approximate Retail Price: $88 and $68 per ball

Distributor:
Asian Ceramics, Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com

Redwood Stain

Description: Superdeck Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain
Model/Color/ISBN#: #2312

Distributor:
Duckback Products, Inc.
Website: www.superdeck.com

Tools

DeWALT Industrial Tool Col
Website: www.dewalt.com

Equipment Rental

United Rentals
Website: www.ur.com

Plants

Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com