Reader DIY: The Diller’s Back Patio

Every month, we highlight do-it-yourself projects from our readers. Do you want to see your project featured in our magazine? Email ambouthot@the-papers.com.

This month’s Reader DIY project comes from The Dillers. They recently purchased a mid-century style ranch that needed some work. The back patio was one of their first projects.

The Diller’s Back Patio

By Amber Bouthot

What was your inspiration for the project?

We bought this mid-century ranch that was neglected and overgrown. The back patio lacked any kind of cohesive style, and we wanted to create something a little more modern but still warm and inviting.

How long did it take from start to finish?

Short Answer: all Summer. The main patio took about a week. The gazebo took about 6 weeks, which included stripping down torn screens, railing, electrical, and light fixtures. We then fixed up the electrical and hung new light fixtures and a TV. We built new stained railing and painted the main “body” of the gazebo. The deck took another 2-3 weeks.

Was it easier or harder than you anticipated?

Yes! I thought the patio was going to be much harder than it was, and the deck turned out to be more difficult. There were just a lot of different connected projects that you had to keep track of. The Patio connecting to the Deck and the Deck coming up to the Gazebo and how to make all that look seamless.

What was the total cost of the project?

$10,000, several cuts and bruises and a 24-hour period where my wife refused to talk to me.

What did you like best about the undertaking?

As always, the end results. Just look at the pictures.

What was the most challenging aspect?

There was a partial deck that needed the deck boards replaced, but the understructure was s till in great shape. By the time I re-leveled it and brought it back to square, I should have just scrapped the whole thing and started over. I spent more time and saved very little money if any.

Where did you source the materials?

Paint & Paint Sprayer from Sherwin Williams. Composite Decking from Home Depot. Lumber from Menards. a