Who doesn’t love a good before & after home improvement project? I know I do! This particular project all came about from simply being bored. Yes, you read it correctly. I don’t know about you, but when I get bored I usually clean, organize, workout…..maybe…oh I don’t know, read a book? I can’t say the same for Eddie (my bf), when he gets bored he builds massive structures. What I mean by massive structures, is this…..
Before…
After…
For those of you thinking, “Ok, annnnd….what’s the big deal about that?” The big deal is he has no background or experience in masonry, or anything construction for that matter; he’s been in sales his whole life and before that he played hockey. So, ladies & gentlemen this just goes to show you can do anything you set your mind to! He did his homework, took his time, & it was all worth it in the end. It looks absolutely AMAZING (and it’s not even finished)!
Now, I don’t want anyone to think this was a piece of cake…because THAT it was not! He had to keep his eyes on the prize because GOOD masonry is not exactly easy or easy on the back & body for that matter. I helped with what I could, mainly emotional support (aka my opinion haha), leveling, & helping with the downslope of the curved walls. I CAN’T TELL you how many people stopped & asked for his card or just to say how good it looked, which is all good encouragement!
Now, the fun part of the whole project is underway: the fit & finish. The possibilities are absolutely endless on what you can do, and therefore, makes it that much harder to choose! After much thought, we went with a good ol’ stucco finish. I always knew that there were TONS of different stucco finishes, but after all this I can now say I know the proper terms for them as well ;). We decided on what some may refer to as a “Santa Barbara” finish, which has a smooth, burned trowel look.
This is what it looked like right after stuccoing…
This is what it looked like after stucco dried & cured…
This is what it looks like with the wall mount lights and a coat of dry-lock (no paint, caps, or landscaping yet)…
This is what it looks like today with the addition of grass and a mulched bed (no paint, caps, or landscaping yet)…
Below is what I like to call our “inspiration” photo. We are going for an “old world” classic look and the faux technique on the arched wall with the contrast of the thick wall molding along with the italian cypress is A LOT to be inspired about!
Next step….sealing & painting and ordering the pier & wall caps……oh boy! Stay tuned for updates!!
Wow…I am still amazed! Eddie did a fabulous job and his research and patience paid off with a beautiful entry! Good Job, Eddie! Of course kudos to the GC (‘lil Cowboy) and Melissa with her “expert leveling”!! LOL