I already shared that we are going to give this backyard at the rental a makeover on a budget. We love being outside and love lots of different areas to hang. This backyard isn’t functional AT ALL. We love vegetable gardens, fire pits, barbecue areas, etc. And since we will be here all summer, it HAS to happen.
When we first moved in, Deb was trimming the weeds in the backyard and discovered some old limestone slabs buried in the ground from the First State Bank here in our town. I swear I remember it when I was young. I have no clue when, how, or who brought them to this house, but they were here.
(This photo was found on our towns historical page. It’s not mine)
Backyard Makeover on a Budget
We have no shed or garage here at the rental as I previously told you, so we bought a very inexpensive shed to store our mower and our lawn tools. We brought in a load of 11F packing stone as a base for the shed. I shared all of that in a post with lots of before photos, so check that out. I am not counting the cost of the shed in this makeover because we will sell it or take it with us when we leave.
Limestone Slabs
There is a small step out the back door that stepped right down into grass… aka mud. Deb had layers of cardboard down in front of her grill because she would stand in mud. (Janky.. I know.) So we decided that we would also add packing stone in front of that step to solve that problem and take that packing stone to the grill area.
Do you remember the large concrete pieces at our last house? We repurposed them into paths and used them as steps. Well, I got the idea to make a larger landing area out the back door here at the rental using those limestone slabs from the First State Bank. So we dug them up and moved them the same way we moved the huge concrete pieces at the last house.
How did you move the concrete?
I’ve been asked that questions so many times over on Instagram. You guys would die laughing if you saw us. We feel like we are experts at this point. 😂 All you need is a shovel, a large pinch point pry bar, and two PVC pipes. Usually I lift the one side with the shovel, and then Deb shoves a pipe under that side. We do the same with the other side. It’s fairly easy to roll or slide the concrete on those pipes into place. I have no idea how we came up with that but we did. 😂 We leveled them all out with that packing stone using a long level.
These slabs are so old. The lettering is obviously all hand chiseled because they are all different depths and different widths. And some of them are broken, but I think they are just the coolest things ever.
Total Cost so Far
We bought a load of stone for $16 earlier in the week and leveled the shed area but needed more. So we bought $13 more to level the First State Bank limestone slabs and make a pad for our grill. So we have $29 in this backyard makeover project so far. I haven’t told Deb that I want this makeover to be under $50… Because she would say it can’t be done, but I think it can. 😁 Stay tuned.
Next up….. our fire pit. 😁 What do you think?
Elizabeth Frazier says
You girls are genius and are such an inspiration to me…..Wondering if you are going to make a shaded area and have plants to make it look more inviting.? I’m anxiously waiting to see your progress…Great Job !
Powerful women for sure !
Danelle Harvey says
Thank you so much! We will for sure have ferns because we buy them every summer whatever house we are in… and if we can find some perennials from friends, we will probably plants some. But we won’t buy any.
Jeannie Kobler says
Looks awesome so far but that’s no surprise! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Danelle Harvey says
Thank you…. I’m excited.
Kim says
What an awesome find, that just set the back of that house off. Great Job looking forward to the next reveal.
Danelle Harvey says
Thanks… we were so glad we found them.
Chris says
Looks incredible . Would love to have something historic like that in my yard . Can’t wait for what comes next .
Debbie says
Only you two can take a janky outside area and make it beautiful!!
Cindy Nehlsen says
Wow! That is a one in a million find. I love how you used them.
Debbie says
Talked my husband into an 11F walkway out to our fire pit. Thanks for taking us along. Love what you’re doing on a budget! Now to get him to agree to a pergola!
JMC says
I’m loving this budget backyard makeover! I’m excited to see what’s next! Big fan!
Angela says
Your landlord is the luckiest person on earth! 🙂 Great find and great way to use the bank slabs! Cannot wait to see the finished product.
Jeannie says
Everything you guys do is magazine worthy !!!
AMAZING !!!
Debby says
I applaud you guys! How do ever stay so humble when you can turn straw into gold??!!
Danelle Harvey says
haha awww… thank you!
Lisa says
That looks GREAT! What a cool find, definitely one of a kind. I love how you make something look wonderful for minimal dollars. I’ve been reading your blog for a month or so now and I’m glad that I started reading. I love how you’re using common items (other than the first state bank limestone… not common at all) and making your home look fantastic and inviting.
Danelle Harvey says
Awww..thanks so much for following along.
Anonymous says
It looks really great Deb& Danelle!
Renée says
It looks really great Deb& Danelle!
Danelle Harvey says
Thanks so much!
Arlene says
I agree with a previous comment, your projects are all magazine worthy!
Danelle Harvey says
Awww. thank you!
Penny says
You both are such fun folks with such GREAT ideas – an inspiration to us all during these trying times. Hopefully, and maybe you can talk the landlord into letting you take the concrete bank stones with you when you leave. Too bad he/she won’t kick in a couple of $$ and let you have at in and improve that outdoor space! Happy Easter!!
Danelle Harvey says
hahahaha I wish we could take them. I highly doubt it though.
Mary Sturgeon says
Looks great! If you were closer, I would give you some hostas and Siberian irises .
Danelle Harvey says
Oh geez.. that would be great.
Shelly says
Really cool use of the pieces off the old bank! Love it!
Great idea!
Danelle Harvey says
Thanks… I’m so glad they were here.
Cathy says
Is there anyway I could private email or text you to ask a question
Danelle Harvey says
yes…. debanddanelle@gmail.com
Suzanne says
Coolest thing ever!!! I’d hate to leave them when y’all move…..
Danelle Harvey says
Thanks… I will hate to leave them too.
Belynda says
So where do you get 11F packing stone?
Your transformations are so beautiful!
Stephanie Durdan says
This is nothing short of amazing! Good job ladies!! Those limestone slabs are priceless. Love the history there.
Danelle Harvey says
Thank you! I wish we could take them with us.