Aside from the gravel I also needed something as a door step as the door is about 20 cm / 8 inches off the ground. I found these concrete blocks and liked the height (16.5 cm / 6 1/4 inches) and the fact that they are, well concrete. I like how the squareness of them contrasts with the soft pebbles.
This is the before in all it's glory; pink stone slabs, weeds, prickly bush and everything. I had already switched the house number, the door bell and lamp though in an attempt to pretty things up a tiny bit.
The step was something reminiscent of a pallet and it was so small so you felt like you almost had to step off it to the left in order to get through the door without opening it up comepletely.
One thing I did early on was to lengthen the drain that came down there at the back so the water won't puddle at the foundation of this extension and also to remove the plants closest to the facade so I could clean it.
But boy did it feel good to remove that nasty prickly thing. The downside is that I now see straight into my neighbor's front yard and they into mine. Luckily they are really nice!
After I removed the "pallet" and started to clean up I realized that the material that covered the foundation of the extension was crumbling down so I had to remove it and reface it. I found this brand new material (which I've unfortunately forgotten the name of. EDIT: It's called Fermacell) at the lumber yard which is supposed to do the trick. Glued it on with a special adhesive and later painted it with "Duva".
This was all done before laying that weed preventing membrane I wrote about earlier and I laid it under the steps too so no pesky weeds would be able to creep up in between those concrete blocks because that would be a nightmare to remove.
Here's that area in front of the door all prepped and ready. I bought an Astro Turf mat so we wouldn't drag too much dirt into the house until it was all ready.
I got the concrete blocks together with the first (wrong) batch of pebbles. Those puppies weigh in at 34 kgs each (75 lbs) and I had 33 of them to lay. After I did the three first ones I seriously thought I wouldn't be able to do it on my own but then I sort of got the hang of it.
Day one I laid two of the three rows, using a level to make sure it was all straight and well, level. I prepped the area under each one by hand and them added or subtracted sand if I noticed that it was too low or high compared to the one next to it. The idea is to lay them 3 mm apart (about 1/8 of an inch) and I did so so on this, some are closer and some are slightly more apart but what the heck, I laid them myself!
I ordered this special sand mixture to fill the gaps and the reason for not using regular sand is that this also prevents weeds from growing between the blocks. I loved brushing the sand into the crevices, because it meant I was almost done.
One thing that really bothered me though was that at he ends the sand would just pour out. There were no instructions included on how to deal with this so I came up with my own solution. I simply taped the ends shut and after filling the gaps I watered the sand mixture down so it hardened a little bit and then removed the tape. It worked!
And here they are, all 1122 kilos (2473 lbs) of concrete blocks laid and ready for something nicer than Astro Turf. But that's a different post on a different day. Oh, the cat cabin which sits there at the end has since been moved to the back of the house again. In it's place I'm thinking of building a square white planter and behind it a trellis for the white climbing rose (White New Dawn) I just ordered and which will be planted in the gap between the drain and the concrete.
So after translating these numbers I got curious to see how much weight I've lifted at the front of the house during my "vacation". Turns out it's 4622 kilos or 10190 lbs of sand, stone, concrete and pebbles! That's one major workout! And that's not even counting the soil and weeds I removed before embarking on this little front of house project. I think I will pat myself on the back for this one actually. In case you're wondering where Wille was in all this and why he was't helping out, I decided to start when he was away in Skåne with Martin and when he got back he had the flu so I refused to let him do any of it even though he kept offering, my sweet, sweet boy.
Today is Friday btw, in case you hadn't noticed! Yay! Happy weekend!
Wow - the weight, the result - all astounding - well done!
Posted by: Hxx | August 19, 2011 at 07:52 AM
This looks absolutely great Benita! And you did it all yourself!!
I want to start at home right this minute :-)
Thanks so much for inspiration and a lovely blog!
Posted by: Susanne | August 19, 2011 at 07:52 AM
Wow! You work so hard and do it well! Love long posts with much happening! That material you dont remember the name of, is it wood-like? Or stone-like? Hard? Soft? Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Anna | August 19, 2011 at 08:07 AM
oh my gosh. you are seriously superwoman. not that this is any surprise, but wow. You are one determined and capable lady!!!! Congrats on a magnificent job well done!
Posted by: Kim B. | August 19, 2011 at 08:18 AM
You are like the Bionic Woman! Things are really shaping up nicely.
Posted by: Maureen@ Notes on a Visual Life | August 19, 2011 at 08:21 AM
You are amazing.
Posted by: Patia | August 19, 2011 at 08:24 AM
All the hard work really pays off!!
That material looks like what we call Trespa in the Netherlands....
LOVE the idea of the whtie planter with trellis!
Posted by: Petra form NL | August 19, 2011 at 08:39 AM
The front of the house looks great! I am full of admiration for you. There is nothing, not even the 4622 kilos, that would discourage you. Maybe you should "package" the exercise of laying the concrete blocks as a neat body building DVD for all those spending monotonous hours in the gym lifting weights. Here they would still lift, but at least do something useful in the process too :-).
Posted by: Zosia | August 19, 2011 at 08:51 AM
You're so inspiring! You make it all sound so very do-able! I love the look of the front of your house, I especially like the way you combine the hard, industrial materials with white roses and a little cat house - so cute.
Posted by: Lindsay | August 19, 2011 at 09:21 AM
A White New Dawn? I loved the New Dawn, but really wanted a white climber. I ended up going with an Iceberg and haven't had much luck with it. Not a single flower this year.
The new door step makes all of the difference. Can't believe you lugged all of that weight. Definitely paid off!
Posted by: Monica | August 19, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Impresive and perfect job! =D
http://bloobreyplace.blogspot.com
Posted by: Bloobreyplace.blogspot.com | August 19, 2011 at 09:49 AM
I found the name! It's called Fermacell and it's like a hard front and back with a "leca" inside, like those light weight brown pebbles that you can fill pots with and use as drainage. I'll edit the post with the name!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 10:11 AM
I did an online search for white climbing roses and came across it that way. It's supposedly a good one!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I. Am. Stunned.
An amazing amount of work for one gal to do. It looks fantastic and your planter box, trellis and climbing rose will really look neat, clean, spare and full all at once. Love it.
Posted by: Dru | August 19, 2011 at 12:01 PM
So much work for such a small area, but wow what a big difference. You've done an amazing job, it looks so good now.
Posted by: theresa shingler | August 19, 2011 at 12:19 PM
You're front yard is totally amazing. I've been meaning to ask that doesn't your row house have rules on what style you can have on your outside space? Can you do what ever you want? In Finland most housing corporations own the exterior and you are not even allowed to do things on your own (which is dumb!).
I'm sorry to doubt your climbing rose plan. Are you sure it will survive the winter in the planter? I've understood that roses in general are not that frost tolerant. Or are you going to protect the planter on winter somehow?
Posted by: Leena | August 19, 2011 at 12:26 PM
The rose is actually not going in the planter, it's going in the ground behind the last concrete blocks where there is a gap with soil. I plan to plant a boxwood in the planter. Preferably one on a stem :)
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 12:50 PM
That was a ton of hard work you did and it certainly paid off. Those blocks look just right against the house and gravel.
From a security standpoint, it's a good thing that you and your neighbor can see each other's front yards/entrances. You're not THAT close to each other, so it doesn't seem intrusive. Just secure.
Oh, we knew that Willie hadn't refused to be helpful. That wouldn't be like him at all. Hope he's completely over his flu...summer bugs are the worst.
Posted by: devil | August 19, 2011 at 01:51 PM
WOW is all I can say. Looks incredible and you truly are a Miracle Girl!!!!!!
Posted by: Sara | August 19, 2011 at 02:12 PM
As for the rules of what we can and can't do we all own our houses, it's not a co-op which is otherwise common over here for row houses, so apart from keeping the exterior yellow /and or white there are no rules. I did check before I moved in to be sure I wouldn't do anything wrong. Us neighbors just check with the closest ones before embarking on big projects and get each other to sign agreements if we build any larger structures close to the next house. I for instance have "let" my next door neighbor build a shed in their back garden and a bike port (mini car port for bikes) in the front yard.
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Ah.. yes you wrote that, sorry I misread
Posted by: Leena | August 19, 2011 at 02:45 PM
That's interesting, thanks for the info. I don't think that is very common here. You can own a house ofcourse but in row houses it's usually co-op. I'm leaning towards a house/apartment that I can actually work on my own, against the co-ops where it takes forever to everyone to agree on what work is tackled next.
Posted by: Leena | August 19, 2011 at 02:51 PM
Wow, those pavers are probably more than half your weight...I can't believe you managed to move those all on your own. I really like how you extended the stoop along the house, it makes it look great. Who needs a gym if they work out like you!
Posted by: Giulia | August 19, 2011 at 03:03 PM
You are pretty much superhuman! I can't do as much as you but you sure do inspire to tackle me the things that bother me around my own house. So much better to give it a try than to expend any more energy being annoyed at them. Thank you and have a restful weekend!
Posted by: Anna | August 19, 2011 at 03:18 PM
The front stoop just looks lovely! It seems like smart construction, too-- with the separate blocks, freezing & thawing won't crack it, and you'll be able to readjust if necessary after a few years.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1557605788 | August 19, 2011 at 03:31 PM
Your hard work is really paying off.
Is it just me, or is it odd that your front door opens OUT? I thought that was not up to code for a few reasons, like you could be stuck inside of something blocked the door (snow, a prankster). No biggie, I guess... maybe it's common in Sweden, but your comment about stepping off the step to open the door made me look at those hinges.
It looks so nice up front now!
Posted by: Kristianna | August 19, 2011 at 03:39 PM
What a fantastic sense of accomplishment! I was waiting for a post like this, so infused with that energy. Your creativity and ingenuity is what makes your blog so unique.
Great work! This post has convinced me to do a pebble courtyard!
Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Patychag | August 19, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Wow! All your hard work certainly paid off - everything looks amazing!
Posted by: Danielle | August 19, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Well done! My back aches just thinking about lifting all those materials.
Any plans for refinishing the front door? I notice the bottom of it has weathered a bit. It's a beautiful door otherwise.
Posted by: Colin | August 19, 2011 at 05:36 PM
grrrl powah!
i hope some day you will write about how you learned to use all these tools -- and some of those tricks, like laying the saw on the edges of stuff to get 90 and 45 degree angles. you know it takes the rest of us a million monkeys on a million typewriters for a million years to figure that stuff out.
Posted by: jeannette | August 19, 2011 at 05:36 PM
oh, extraordinary! amazing work. you've just reminded me that i am desperate to lay some paving myself one day, i love the part where you brush the sand in, i always with envy gaze at people doing that. ahh. it's beautiful, i cannot wait to see what you do with the door and mat. x
Posted by: elisa | August 19, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I wish you'd have bought the house across form me! I have never seen anyone so quickly right all the little "wrongs" with a house!
Posted by: Holiday | August 19, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Most doors over here do open out. As a matter of fact I think it would be weird if it opened in :).
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 06:21 PM
I don't like the door at all so paint has been bought and hopefully I'll get to it this weekend, just hope there's no rain :)
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 06:23 PM
I watch a lot of home improvement shows and every opportunity I get I watch the pros and learn a lot from that. Also Google is my BFF :)
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 19, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Pat yourself on the back? I don't think so! Please at least leave that for someone else (like us!) to do! You've done a fantastic job with the exterior of your--essentially--new house. Now go in and rest! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Peggy | August 19, 2011 at 06:26 PM
stunned and amazed! it makes me look at my "to-do" list with more confidence and resolve. And I am desperate to learn more about using power tools on my own. I've always been intimidated by them.
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | August 19, 2011 at 07:02 PM
I love what you accomplished! The front step and the front yard look beautiful! You are a visionary and problem solver! You are so STRONG....what a ton of weight you lifted on your vacation!
WAY TO GO!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | August 19, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Superwoman! You inspire!
Posted by: Fröken Prickig | August 19, 2011 at 09:27 PM
I love how you never fail to make everything look so clean and simple and beautiful. I am stockpiling ideas for when we eventually get a house of our own again. Oh, btw, I saw this and thought you might like it: http://www.westelm.com/products/ceramic-white-wall-clock-a924/?pkey=ccollect-curate-collection.
Posted by: Catherine | August 20, 2011 at 01:05 AM
Congratulations on your major front yard renovation. I think you deserve to treat yourself to an hour long massage! I can see why you are not that fond of the wooden front door when it looks a scruffy as it does at the bottom. It will look much better after a bit of paint.
To Leena - there is a series of hardy roses called Explorer Roses that were hybridized for the Canadian climate so you know they will be frost hardy. Here is a list of the different varieties, although this nursery particular doesn't ship plants. http://www3.sympatico.ca/galetta/tables/explorerroses.html They are worth checking out.
Posted by: Nancy | August 20, 2011 at 03:58 AM
You are an amazing woman. It looks so clean and crisp.
Posted by: Robin | August 20, 2011 at 05:07 AM
You have done so much work and it all looks beautiful and clean! You have the talent and the good taste to match! Have a lovely weekend. I agree about painting the door...grey?
Posted by: tina slocum | August 20, 2011 at 06:13 AM
I am amazed, getting those heavy blocks aligned in a neat, straight row looks impossible. Also to have them at the same height, too. It looks great!
Posted by: Azy | August 20, 2011 at 10:57 AM
So cool! And I didn't realize West Elm ship to Sweden!!! Must go check out every thing else too!!! Thanks! So many exclamation marks!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
My initial thought was grey but it's actually going to be green!
Posted by: Benita ~ Chez Larsson | August 20, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Others already meantioned it, but I guess it can´t be said too many times: you are amazing! nice work! :)
Posted by: Maine | August 20, 2011 at 02:45 PM
I love watching how your new house progresses!! The front along with everything else looks amazing!!!
Posted by: Stephanie Brooks | August 21, 2011 at 02:57 PM
amazing & a green door will be especially inviting & the color of nature! white, grays & green!
Posted by: christine e-e | August 21, 2011 at 07:41 PM
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/07/dezeen_House-in-Marupe-by-Open-AD_01.jpg
Posted by: maj | August 22, 2011 at 12:49 PM
i would agree with a color other than grey. there is so much with the gravel & bricks, it would be nice to add some punch with the door. can't wait to see how that turns out! i'm really enjoying following your blog!
Posted by: DeNacho | August 22, 2011 at 06:24 PM
Good job! This project really looks great. I got a new idea from you. I'll make something in our front door.
Posted by: plumbing | August 27, 2011 at 04:35 AM
Something to directly learn from. you make things look and seem easy, even the tough ones. Really inspiring.
Posted by: Estate Agents Knightsbridge | September 06, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Something to directly learn from. you make things look and seem easy, even the tough ones. Really inspiring.
Posted by: London Builders | September 10, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Your house looks totally perfect. A lot of people will be inspired by this.
Posted by: Double Glazing | October 02, 2011 at 04:24 PM
You are AMAZING.
I've been an ardent fan, follower of your blog for years now.
Totally hooked to the blog..and keep coming here for inspiration when I feel overwhelmed by something. Enjoy seeing how you transform things and admire you for your initiative, drive..and the zeal with which you create such a lovely home. If only I had an iota of that! Willie is really lucky to have a mom like you. :)
rekha
Posted by: rekha | July 26, 2012 at 11:11 PM