Getting a Head Start

Summer is quickly approaching and I am soooo glad.  I know winter in Houston is not as bad as the rest of the country but I do prefer the humid hot weather of summer.  Typically, March is the best month to get outdoor projects completed.  By the time May hits days get muggy.

We decided to get a head start on 1 project because it is not an overnight project and hopefully it will be completed by March.

Our project?   A patio cover.

Until now we had a "temporary" cover.  A couple of years ago we bought a wrought iron cover with a canvas top.  We figured it would last about 2 years before the canvas rotted and we were right.  The UV finally took it's toll and it started to shred in the wind.

We ordered lumber from Lowe's which was delivered and placed on the drive-way.  Craig and Josh had to hand carry it all to the back yard which was a very daunting task.  They had to move 8-16 ft. cedar beams, 4-12 ft. cedar beams, 10-16 ft, 2x8's, 6 sq. of shingles, 10-4x8 pieces of plywood.   It was a lot of heavy lifting.

All construction has to meet hurricane codes, so before construction could start 4-3ft piers had to be dug so anchors could be placed in concrete.  

Last weekend, Craig was able to recruit several men he works with to help raise and place the corner posts.  They seemed to all have a good time and stayed around long after the posts were placed.  I think it was because they all got to use power tools and hammers.  (it's a man thing...Tool Time)

Yesterday, Craig and I placed 2 cross beams and were able to remove the cross supports so the cover is starting to take shape.

Don't expect updates any time soon but I will update as construction progesses.