Patio Project

[Inspector507]

Takes practice Rob. They make a "UF Stripper" but I wouldn't buy one for a one time use. I usually use a utility knife, but I have 30 yrs experience at it too.
If you work from the end of the UF cable with a pair of diagonal cutters (dikes) you can usually separate it about ½" and just peel it out of the sheath.

 

[RobS]

Perhaps your 30 years of experience will want a road trip when I get to the patio portion of this project? I pre-wired for outlets and lighting which will require a total of eight such cable end strips. Your method (dikes, nibbling) is what I did and I'm sure for the eight I'll have to finish I can muddle through. Thanks for the info /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Inspector507]

Rob,
Make the ½" nibble and then reach in with the dikes, grab the wire and pull it right out through the sheath.

 

[RobS]

Here's the final installment in this series for a while. I stuck some boxwoods in the circle and some mulch. Hope to eventually shear the boxwoods into a formal hedge in each arc segment. Still need many more plants and a fountain but also need to hit the lottery!

I'm now leaning towards stamped concrete for the patio portion of this project. It's more initial investment but will save much time and money in bricks. I've seen some stamped work that looks almost like real brick, even with different colored mortar lines. Ideas anyone? Bring 'em on /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RobS]

Well, it's been a long time on this project but finally some progress. I wanted to go with brick for the patio but my time and money suggested otherwise. Got some quotes on stamped concrete but that's a pretty expensive option as well. The last guy to quote also priced it in plain concrete so I went with that. I figure, if I ever find the time I can always tile over it for a different look but at least for now it's become a useable area.

No action shots of the concrete, I was at work. Over this weekend I made the steps you see and stained them. My contribution!

Next summer I'll still build the brick pillars and wall facing and iron railing between. For now, it's pure enjoyment.

I should also mention that this was my first hire out of a home improvement project. I'm still getting used to that whole idea!

 

[EddieWalker]

It looks very good. I like the clean, simplicity of it, especially with everything that's going on with the walls and roof of your house. If you had put brick down, it very well might have become too busy looking.

Congratulations.

Eddie