DIY Network

Deck-to-Deck Walk: Evaluating the Situation Deck-to-Deck Walk: Evaluating the Situation From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-202

Figure A

In historic Savannah, Georgia, Jody and Kim Lanier have two annual traditions: backyard projects and Cinco de Mayo parties. From a privacy fence to a backyard deck, new additions to the yard are abundant. The problem is, no single feature ties the yard together (figure A). So with a large party in the planning stages, and a new baby due in just five weeks, the Laniers have turned to the Grounds for Improvement team of Jackie Taylor and Dean Hill for help in transforming their dull backyard into an environment perfect for both parties and relaxing.

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In keeping with the Savannah tradition of parks, fountains and squares, Jackie and Dean opt to replicate these visual design elements in the Laniers' backyard. A paver walkway will connect the side brick patio to the back deck and flow around a new fountain that will be the centerpiece of the new yard. Ornate benches and lush native plants complete the new look.

The cost of materials for the backyard is approximately $1,500. By undertaking the renovation work themselves, along with the help of friends, the Laniers saved approximately $450.

Tools
18" plate compactor
Laser transit
Wet table saw
Hose
Sod
Sod cutter
Wheelbarrow
Shovels
Rakes
Hand tamp

Materials
300 square feet of Holland stone pavers (2-3/8" thick)
5 tons of base gravel
1.5 tons of concrete sand
20 8' sections of paver edging
1 box of timber spikes
Italian three-tier fountain
2 metal and wood benches
PVC pipe
4 cubic yards of pine straw mulch
Tarps

Plants
17 boxwood shrubs
5 Nikko Blue hydrangeas
5 azaleas
3 upright junipers
15 perennials

The pavers, gravel and stone were delivered directly to the work site. Compact utility loaders, available at local rental centers, make it easier to move these materials to the project location. The laser transit can also be rented from a rental center.

Before the walkway can be begun, its width and distance must be determined. Because the walkway is connecting both the deck and the patio and working around the fountain area, the shape will be unique. A laser transit -- whose transmitter emits a laser beam to its receiver and alerts at what point the ground is level -- is used to check the elevation of the ground at the base of the brick patio (figure B). Fortunately, this yard is fairly level and doesn't require bringing in additional soil. Next, the width and length of the paver walkway are determined and marked with landscape spray paint at the sides and center point, taking into account the space for the location of the fountain (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

RESOURCES :

Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm

Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com

Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com

Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com

Paving stones
Pavestone
Website: www.pavestone.com

American Society of Landscape Architects

Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com

Plants provided by Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Skinner Nurseries Inc.
Website: www.skinnernurseries.com

Fountain provided by Al's Garden Art
Al's Garden Art
Website: www.alsgardenart.com