If you have to live in an apartment, then you know the agony of owning a small patio or balcony. It’s hard to enjoy the great outdoors when you just have a teeny, tiny portion of it. One man was facing that issue with his small, concrete patio… but decided to do something about it.
With some creativity, he was able to design the perfect patio using Sketchup. It didn’t take long for him to design (and build) the perfect lounging space on his small patio.
This was an epic DIY success.
This is how the patio looked at first.
Getphysicscal
It was small and obviously cramped.
Getphysicscal
“There was a lot of wasted space between the cement slab and fence where I could not put chairs without them falling through the gap.”
Getphysicscal
“I used Sketchup to make a cement slab and the gaps between the fence using measurements of the slab. I designed my bench so that most of the weight was on the slab, but had a pointed leg that stuck into the ground for extra support.”
Getphysicscal
Then, he began working on the tiny patio.
Getphysicscal
Cutting the wood was a little tricky in the space.
Getphysicscal
“It looks like a garden shed threw up out here.”
Getphysicscal
He always had supervision when using the power tools.
Getphysicscal
The main part of the bench.
Getphysicscal
“I put the legs in position and put the bench down.”
Getphysicscal
Getting more supplies at the store.
Getphysicscal
Now, to make the fancy part…
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He put cheap sheet wood at the bottom of the water area…
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Then sealed it with Great Stuff foam.
Getphysicscal
“I used a tarp as actual pond liners were much bigger or much more expensive. A $6 tarp will work, especially since all of the sharp edges were covered with expanding foam.”
Getphysicscal
“I added water to the liner as I adjusted it so that there were very few creases in the bottom of the liner. I then stapled it into place and cut 2×4′s to frame the edges.”
Getphysicscal
“I used a small fountain pump and played with different fountain configurations. I wanted to make it look like it was made from garden equipment (planters, etc).”
Getphysicscal
He experimented with pouring water down into the watering can.
Getphysicscal
“Getting closer now that I found the gardening can. I drilled a hole into the metal planter and inserted the tube from the pump. I used 2 part epoxy to seal the hole around the tube.”
Getphysicscal
Then, it was time for a trip to Wal Mart for cushions and plants.
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Looking good before the staining!
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Final product: The gardening area.
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The fountain and planters…
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And the whole shebang.
Getphysicscal
“I found a $7 coffee table and Goodwill. I taped the edges and spray painted chalkboard paint onto the top.”
Getphysicscal
Adding an ash tray for cigars and a citronella pot…
Getphysicscal
Enjoying the first night with the new patio.
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Creatively using the space you currently have can make small rooms look big. Lighting, colors, patterns and clever furniture can turn a small, cramped space into something more comfortable. Share this awesome project with others by clicking the button below. Inspire them to make their spaces awesome!
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What do you think?
