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We’re in Pearland, Texas, to help the folks from Pavestone tackle a backyard makeover for the winner of our 2015 “Win Your Own Pavestone Paradise” contest.

Danny Lipford and the Hollomans standing in the backyard in front of an oak tree.
Danny Lipford with the Hollomans.

Wes and Kelli Holloman’s winning essay and video were selected from the over 4,000 entries which were submitted in the online Pavestone Paradise contest.

The grand prize in the contest consisted of a backyard makeover provided by Pavestone. The makeover included both labor and materials and had a value worth up to $10,000.

The goal of the makeover was to take the uninviting and seldom used concrete patio in the Hollomans’ backyard, and turn it into a beautiful outdoor living and entertaining space that included a paver patio, picnic table, benches, fire pit, planting bed, and grill surround.

Except for the picnic table top, which was made from poured concrete, and the pressure treated wood bench seat, everything for the backyard makeover was constructed from Pavestone pavers.

Using conduit and screed board to level patio base.
Using conduit pipe as a guide and a screed board to level patio base.

Paver Patio

We started by marking off the location of the paver patio on the ground using a spray can of marking paint. Next, 3″ of grass and topsoil was removed to allow for the thickness of the compacted rock base and leveling sand.

Allen Lyle, Danny Lipford, and Pavestone employee laying paver patio.
Laying Pavestone paver patio.

A straight 2×4 was used as a screed to even the base material before compacting the base with a motorized plate compactor.

Once the rock base has been leveled and compacted, conduit pipes were placed on top of the base to act as guides for the screed board to level the layer of sand.

The various size Pavestone pavers were then laid on top of the sand base to form the patio.

Watch our video on Laying a Paver Patio to find out more.

Paver Picnic Table

The picnic table base and benches were constructed from stacked pavers with construction adhesive applied between each layer to hold them together.

Stacking the pavers for the picnic table benches.
Stacking the pavers for the picnic table benches.

The picnic table top was made in two pieces using Quikrete concrete poured in a form, with wire and rebar added for reinforcement.

After the slabs had hardened, they were removed from the form and scrubbed with Quikrete Concrete Cleaner before being stained.

Paver Accessories

Paver fire pit on patio.
Pavestone fire pit.

The whole Holloman family pitched in to lay the easy to assemble Pavestone fire pit on the patio.

The fire pit was flanked by two benches constructed using a paver base and pressure treated 4x4s for the seats.

To add a finishing touch to the backyard makeover, pavers were used to create a surround for the stainless steel grill and a border for the flower bed.

Watch our video on How to Build a Backyard Fire Pit to find out more.

Retractable Screen Door

To make it easier for the Holloman family to use their new Pavestone outdoor living space, we installed a Brisa retractable screen door from ODL on the back door of the house. The screen retracts against the door frame when not in use so it doesn’t get in the way.

Brisa retractable screen doors can be installed in place of most traditional or sliding screen doors on single or double swinging doors as well as french doors and sliding patio doors.

Backyard with paver patio, picnic table, grill, benches, and fire pit.
Holloman’s backyard after Pavestone paradise makeover.

Other Tips from This Episode

Extension ladder leaning against house with pool noodle protective covers on rails.

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
DIY Extension Ladder Covers

To make protective covers for an extension ladder, cut a short section off a foam pool noodle and use a knife to split it lengthwise to the center. Slip the foam piece over the end of each ladder rail to protect your house and keep the ladder from sliding. (Watch Video)

ECHO Cordless Hedge Trimmer on top of box in store.

Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
ECHO Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The brushless motor on the ECHO Cordless Hedge Trimmer (model # CHT-58V2AH) is powered by a 58-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery for superior power and long run time. The ECHO Cordless Hedge Trimmer available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)

Installing Tile Outdoors

Ask Danny Lipford:
Installing Tile Outdoors

When installing tile on concrete outdoors, it’s important to apply a waterproofing membrane before tiling. Use a polymer modified dry set mortar rated for outdoor use, an outdoor tile with a slip resistant surface, and a stain resistant grout. (Watch Video)

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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