This backyard started with a simple 10'x10' exposed aggregate slab on top of a hill. This left a large unusable space along the fence, difficult access to the bottom of the yard, and an uncomfortable patio. The O'Brien's explained that they would like to extend the patio with either a wooden deck or more concrete and a Trellis. They also explained that they wanted low maintenance. I suggested concrete and a handrail to take advantage of the whole patio. We chose an aluminum handrail and Ipe for the trellis for their low maintenance properties. We expanded the slab to measure 15'x18', added a raised planter box next to the fence, added some stairs for easier access to the hillside, and built a 12'x12' trellis from 5/4x6" Ipe. Ipe is a beautiful hardwood from South America. Ipe (pronounced eepay) is also known as Ironwood. It is very dense, and withstands weather and insects better than any other wood when left untreated. The result is a very comfortable, inviting, and functional space that will require very little maintenance.
Ken,
ReplyDeleteRosanne and I want to use your new blog site as a means to express our satisfaction with you and your work product. After getting the usual quotes and bland ideas from the larger remodeling companies in this area I decided to turn to you because I have known you for years as a very honest person that does nothing less than try to do everything with perfection. You have been a truly reliable friend to one of our sons and when he told me you were available to look at our project I was very happy with that idea. You came in with an open mind. You listened to our thoughts and led us down some unusual paths to pick out the Right thing for us. You gave us numerous ideas that we had not heard from the other contractors and your price was Very competitive. I am glad you have posted some pictures of our finished product. We are thrilled with the results. So much so that we recommended you to our other son to work on a very large home project for his family. I see some of those results posted also. I need to say that we have had quite a few positive comments from our neighbors and as you know you got the contract for our next door neighbor's job even before you had finished our project. I am sure that you will be very busy in the future but rest assured that we will call on you first if we have any additional projects. Keep up the great work!!
Michael and Rosanne