As the guys tackle the inside of my latest renovation project, I'm wrestling with the outside. Exhibit A: the weedy, seedy side yard, dominated by an enormous concrete slab in its death throes. (And cleverly accessorized with a toilet, a ficus, and a Weber.) (I know, it's a gift.)

Since removing (to say nothing of replacing, even with something less expensive, like flagstone) the concrete would bust the budget, it was time to get creative. And here, with some scrubbing, measuring, taping and staining, the old slab got a new look.

Before:

After:

The color will calm down after a few weeks of sun and footsteps, and with patio furniture and a few outdoor rugs (that will be the after, with pix tk) the faux tile will look, if not completely convincing, at least somewhat persuasive.

A little slide show of the process is right here.