We've been in our "dream house" for nearly nine years, and it's finally time to do something about the 19-year-old FuturaStone. Installed in 1990 when the house was new, on two lanai and the sidewalks/driveway/garage, and overhauled in 2001, it just wasn't worth any more salvage effort.
FuturaStone traps dirt, which provides a lovely medium for all growing things-- weeds, roots, and critters. Rumor is that its bacteria count is so high that it's no longer allowed to be used around pool decks, which is a good idea because it's slippery when wet. Or at least it is when the sun hasn't broken down its epoxy (no UV resistance). And those little stones are always breaking free and getting under(bare)foot. Those snarky buyers would use the word "dingy".
So we're halfway to stamped concrete. The detail work is horrific and way way beyond my wildest DIY aspirations. The FuturaStone has been removed (except for the garage) and a badly-built uncovered lanai has been demolished/repoured. All the sidewalks/lanai have been covered & stamped. The driveway is next week, and then everything will get some more staining and a final clearcoat. The difference is already a tremendous improvement. It was far more money than we wanted to spend but recessions are the only time that contractors are available for the "little" jobs like this, let alone at an affordable price.
I think it'll last 30 years... just as long as the mortgage!
Oh, and relieved me of $98.50.
Kind of steep. At least I know it will work when it gets hot around here.
In August, April's pre-emptive $98.50 will seem like a bargain...
We've worked really hard to optimize this home's tradewind cooling, and I'm really glad we can get along without A/C. It was 70 degrees indoors this morning, pretty frigid for April, and it only got up to 78 today. These stories remind me that I don't miss A/C one little bit.