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Hi, this is Gracie. Welcome to #2 in my How To series. This week we'll learn How to Lay a Concrete Form Patio.
First you need to convince your people that you NEED a new patio. Lay in the dirt and look like its KILLING you. Sooner or later they'll get the idea and start talking about needing a nice new patio for everyone to lay on. Make sure you let them think its THEIR IDEA.
Their job is to install the patio.
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Your job is to supervise the project. |
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After they round up all the stuff and prep the area, they'll make a huge mess and try to run you off. Ignore them and walk right in the middle of things if you feel you need to.
Make sure you check in on your people and keep them focused on the task at hand or it will never get done.
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Supervise in shifts so the others can rest up. |
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Hello, People?? You're burning daylight...how many potty breaks do you guys need?? |
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Make sure you don't get too hot in the sun. Wear suncreen and make sure to flip over from time to time so you get an even tan. |
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It will get pretty hot in the afternoon, so make sure your people provide you with cold water and some ice cubes.
Remember, we learned 'How to Eat an Ice Cube' in our first How To episode.
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Woops... |
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Once it gets hot you'll have to find a way to provide shade or your people will stop working on your new patio. This is critical to project success, so act like YOU'RE really hot and need extra shade and they'll figure it out eventually. |
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We had our people put up a tent for shade. Make sure you check the tent for safety and walk the perimeter like Pippin is. Sometimes people miss critical details like safety, so we have to stay on top of that for them. (If you look closely you can see me talking to Dad about the proper use of the tent)
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Check on your people to make sure they have proper tools and safety gear, like gloves. They should also drop everything at this point and pet you.
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Check the work against the design details to make sure they are getting the pattern right. |
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Also inspect their work and point out any bricks that don't look like they're complete or up to your high standards.
Remember, you have to lay on this thing when they're done, so they need to do it right. |
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Its very important to remember to SIGN YOUR WORK! Make sure its where everyone will see it, too. Put your feet on a soft cement brick as its setting up and stand there for a few seconds. This way your pawprints show up, but nothing sticks to your feet.
Your people will want to think they did all the work, but without your supervision and direction the patio would never get put in, so make sure you recieve proper credit for your efforts. |
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Well that's all for today. As you can see, putting in a patio is alot of hard work, but its well worth the effort! Tune in next week for "How to Host a Playdate".
Thanks for watching!
Gracie, of the Piluzo Pack ~ |
