Since we moved in last year, I've been wanting to do something with this little flower bed next to my back porch. I've got a gas grill, 2 WSMs, a Weber Kettle, and soon to add a 36" Blackstone. Right now, the gas grill lives on the porch, and the other items sit on the side until they are needed. My thought is that this little flower bed should just be "paved" somehow to serve as my designated cooking area.

What's the fastest, easiest, and cheapest (I know) way to do this? Fill it in with sand and pavers? Concrete?

I'm open to ideas, but I'm a serious tight-wad, so the cheapest option that doesn't look trashy is probably what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

tsuag10 said:

---

See… What had happened was, our 4 yr old son thought it would be cool to see how many slats on those blinds he could break before he got in trouble. So I actually just removed the broken blinds prior to taking this picture.

---

4 year old, 2 year old, 2 dogs here, so....i have broken slats on multiple windows. i feel you.

Cheapest option will be some weed barrier, yard of gravel or DG from your local supply yard, and a few 24x24 pavers to set your grills on.

Slab it.

Pavers are nice as long as ya REALLY prep it right, and don;t rush any of the steps, and then keep it maintained well, and then be prepared to repair it in about 5 yrs.

Concrete is nice as long as you can find a crew that halfway knows what they're doing. Just make sure ya put an appropriate slope on it.

That spot really needs a reclaimed brick patio. But don't just use sand to hold it together.

https://benriddering.com/ben/2010/01/06/make-a-path-from-used-brick-how-to

Concrete is the best option.

No judgment here, well I mean maybe a little...but why on earth would you cheap out on the posts and not use solid cedar? Are you at least planning to wrap those hideous pressure treated posts?

Do it right. Square off that bed and concrete it. Either extend current cover or at least a pergola. Gutters, bed rock, to move water away.

Plow up that yard and mix in some organic material to soften that ****ty soil. Water twice per week for longer periods. Once grass starts to take hold, sand it heavy and add more organic fertilizer.

Should be good by fall.

Whatever you do, I'd add gutters on that roof line.