This backyard used to look as if it were abandoned and forgotten about. Now, the additional outdoor living space is sure to lure in buyers. The lush new setting is created using all reclaimed and eco-friendly materials. The new patio is constructed from salvaged concrete taken from a construction site. Composite lumber made from recycled fibers and plastics is used to build the beautiful arbor. The composite lumber not only looks great, it lasts forever. The homeowners’ old patio furniture is given new life with formaldehyde-free paints and stains. An old metal bed frame is propped up against the fence to a make vertical flower bed for climbing plants. Pine bark is spread around the new plantings to spruce up the flowers beds and help keep the colors bright. Cost breakdown:
stain and supplies $15
window film and thermostat $110
low-VOC paint $258
arbor materials $989
plants and solar lights $427
recycled wood $200
Total $1,999
Backyard makeover
lumber: The Home Depot: 12 ft. Trex 652835026214
pea pebbles, pine mulch and landscaping edging: The Home Depot – 048834000261, 740114220214 and 038398084029
bird feeder and bird seed: The Home Deport - 717816501729 and 070805620567
outdoor plants: The Home Depot - cone flowers, angelonia, black-eyed Susans, butterfly bushes, vinca vines and mixed annuals
moss: Michael’s - 759834215073 and 759834215097
moss and sand: Wal-Mart - 004650193693 and 072690600316
outdoor table supplies: Amicus Green Building Center
solar lights: Target - 009110636
plant pots: Ikea - 80079674
outdoor pillows: Anna’s Linens - 00851444 and 000850523
transitional primer: Safecoat - untinted (applied over Adirondack chairs)
exterior paint: Safecoat - Ayurveda Essence Pitta, Summer (applied to Adirondack chairs)
Basement makeover
umbrella tree (schefflera) and pot: The Home Depot - 039083301834
stain: Safecoat Durostain – tinted to chocolate brown
Dining room makeover
programmable thermostat: The Home Depot - 0846150000075
chandelier and energy-efficient light bulbs: The Home Depot – 135760 and 762148580942
area rug: The Home Depot - 0786093192501
paint: Benjamin Moore – low VOC 1101 White (flat) and 101 Fennel Seed
transitional primer: Safecoat - tinted gray
rug: Homegoods - 0044333
double curtains rods and panels: Linens ‘N Things - 0680656104088 and 0678298129491
placemats: Linens ‘N Things - 002686534772
clip rings: Linens ‘N Things - 0680656104040
wall art panels: Marshalls - 906-72001846
bronze sconces and candles: Pier 1 – 1919750, 2108807 and 2108798
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