Pergola

We decided last summer that we needed to do something about our patio.  The patio receives full sun from mid-afternoon till evening.  Even with an umbrella  the patio would be unbearable sometimes.  With the full sun the stone tiles would become very hot to the point that we really didn't get to enjoy our patio.  The decision we made was to build a pergola.

This project of ours would last two weekends.  The first part was putting in the post and letting the cement harden.

The second weekend was to add the supporting beams and the stringers.  Brian and his dad most of the work.  But I was able to help Brian finish putting up the stringers.

The final day was to stain the pergola.  Man that was hard work.  In the end we both ended up with deck stain all over us and sore muscles.  But it shore does looks nice.

After a long weekend, we did reward ourselves with a nice sangria.

In the end we are going to extend the patio to the fence and try to get nice outdoor furniture to complete the patio.  I believe that will wait until there is a summer clearance sale at the local Home Depot or Lowes.