He designed and built it (with the exception of pouring/laying the concrete).
I tried to get some pictures of it throughout the process:
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| Forming up the shape for the concrete. |
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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.
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We didn't leave it perfectly smooth, because we were
afraid it would get slippery when it got wet.
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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.
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The frame starts to go up. I swore that I took more pictures
during this phase, but I can't seem to find anymore!
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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.
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| Introducing: The Swingzeebo! |
> 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.
