Greetings! I laughed when I passed this sign yesterday—sometimes it feels like so much of what we do revolves around creating comfort for our dogs. It sounds funny, but it’s true. Our side patio and backyard projects were no exception: a big reason we started them was to make the outdoor space safer and more comfortable for our pups.
Yesterday I began a series that will bring you up to speed on the before, during, and after of the outdoor work we began soon after moving in. If you missed the start, part one covered our painted brick exterior. These projects have been a long haul, but I’m happy to be nearing what I call the “finish line.” Finished doesn’t mean perfect—there are always more ideas than time—it just means we’ve completed the goals we set out to accomplish.
Projects take time. Around our house, by the time a job is done it often already needs a refresh. For example, the dogs scratched our Dutch door paint all winter, so we’ll be touching up the paint this summer. Keeping a home—and pets—up requires constant attention.
One of the first outside projects we tackled after moving in nearly three years ago was less glamorous: replacing the sewer. Not the kind of thing you want to photograph, but a necessary investment in an older home. We also replaced a leaking water heater last year. These aren’t glamorous updates to blog about, but they matter.
When the sewer was replaced, the driveway had to be torn up because the line ran beneath it. We decided to re-pour the entire driveway instead of just patching it, and while we were at it, we added a side parking pad where there had been patchy grass and mud. That practical “might as well” decision kicked off a domino effect of additional projects. One small choice led to another, which is often how home improvements take shape—especially if you’re a perfectionist or creative person. One project almost always suggests another.
Ultimately our motivation for these outdoor updates was safety for the dogs. The side yard by our kitchen door was treacherous when we moved in, and that area needed to be safe for nightly trips outside. Our aim was to create level, usable surfaces and secure fencing so the dogs could enjoy being outdoors without hazards.
Here’s a summary of how the work unfolded and what led to our latest backyard project.
When the driveway was replaced, it made sense to pour a level patio behind the new parking pad to create a safer side entry. What began as a straightforward plan quickly turned into a longer process. In January 2016 the side yard looked rough, and by February the framework for the steps and patio was in place. Progress continued, but various mishaps with the concrete work, delays from neighboring construction, and other setbacks slowed things down. By April there were steps and concrete, but no railings, posts, lights, or a full fence.
The neighboring property’s fence was removed for construction and was promised to be replaced quickly; unfortunately, that took over a year. By September 2016 we had part of a next-door fence and a painted house, but still lacked a front gate, railings, and step lighting to keep the dogs safe at night. Barricades became a temporary solution—functional but not attractive.
Waiting was the most frustrating part. We waited for contractors, for weather, for decisions, and for funds. A seemingly simple side-gate took years to finalize. I hired a new contractor this spring, and the gate is finally expected to be completed any day now.
After nearly three years and many delays, we’re at last on the verge of calling the side patio “done.” With railings and a gate in place, the area is safer and more polished. While we were waiting, we decided to extend our outdoor improvements into the backyard and go a bit bigger than originally planned.
During the winter we designed and installed a low-to-ground Trex deck around the back of the house. The deck completes the connected outdoor space and makes the yard much more usable for gatherings and everyday life. The deck turned out beautifully and brings everything together—practical, low-maintenance, and pet-friendly.
We’re excited to be ready for summer entertaining, and most importantly, the dogs are thrilled to have safer, more enjoyable outdoor spaces. Over the next few weeks I’ll share more about the deck design and installation, plus before-and-after photos of the finished side patio. With new handrails and an imminent gate, the side area is finally looking neat, secure, and inviting.
Are you working on your outdoor spaces as well?
Come back tomorrow for a giveaway!