Tuesday, October 16, 2018

#CraftyTuesday - Swingzeebo

MBB saw a picture on Facebook that put a creative idea in his head and couldn't let it go...
He designed and built it (with the exception of pouring/laying the concrete).

I tried to get some pictures of it throughout the process:
Forming up the shape for the concrete.

Concrete poured with the center left open for the firepit. We buried the first row
of bricks so that there would be a barrier between the fire and the concrete.

We didn't leave it perfectly smooth, because we were
afraid it would get slippery when it got wet.

The firepit makes an appearance - we bought two kits and combined them into one to keep little bodies
going a 100 miles an hour from falling in.  Once the boys get older, we may take off the top row.


The frame starts to go up. I swore that I took more pictures
during this phase, but I can't seem to find anymore!

We put some stain on the gray tubing that holds the electric wire so
that it would blend in a bit with the wood and not stand out so much.
Introducing: The Swingzeebo!


Since I took the final picture, we have made a few changes:
 > We are now leaving two bays open - one for entry (front) and for firewood retrieval (back).
 > MBB added cross braces in each upper corner and it is much more stable now.
 > Added two bottle openers spread out through the posts.

Some details that are real noticeable in the picture:
 > We have three double outlets spread out through the posts.
 > There is a light switch for the lights.
 > The three potted plants have lavender in them to try to make it a mosquito - free zone.
 > There is a blue tooth speaker up in the top (what I call the rafters).
 > We bought two strands of lights from Costco, but one was bright enough on its own.

We have just a bit more to do:
 > Buy more seating for one bay (the patio chairs showing in the two front bays belong on the deck).
 > Stain the wood (since it is treated, we will need to wait about six months to do this)
 > Figure out something for garbage.

Just a side note - the squirrels thinks that we made them an obstacle course.
We have a great view of them "playing" from the dining room window.

Namaste.

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