Unfortunately it was started too late in Summer and the rainy
weather got the better of us before we could finish the project, but
here is the work that we did resurfacing the courtyard during September
and early October.
The rest will have to wait to be completed next year once the warm weather returns and we can get back out there.
 |
| In Progress |
 |
| Before |
 |
| Let the paving begin... |
Block
paving was a good solution to resurfacing the area as it is more
durable than poured concrete and less expensive than paving tiles. A
pallet of 433 bricks (Bradstone) was around £170 including delivery.
Light grey bricks were intentionally chosen as it would be easier to
blend the rest of the area (borders, etc) with standard concrete, and
secondly because it looked less incongruous than using red, ochre or
charcoal bricks. I imagine with time, it will gather dirt and algae and
look less like new concrete and more naturally weathered.
 |
| Before: Beaten up old concrete |
Around
the same time as starting this work, I'd read a London report about
homeowners having their potted bay trees and ornamental plant pots
stolen right off their doorsteps by brazen thieves. So I thought now
would be a good time to sink a few galvanised steel ties into the
concrete so any future plant pots could be chained secure. If you look
closely at the photographs you'll see the rings.
We also left a 6 inch cavity between the house wall and the block paving to deter any rising damp and in precaution not to raise the level above the damp course.
Sandtex Plymouth Grey exterior masonry paint will be used to cover and refresh the old paint that is already on the walls. Both walls will be painted up the beginning of the trellis.
The doorstep and door area are still to be completed...
I
have plans for a courtyard full of plants: The bamboo in the garden is
growing at an alarming rate, both in height (now around 10ft high) and
in width. My plan is to divide the clump and transfer it into large
terracotta moroccan style pots which can be dotted around the sides.
