The Newest Building Project..

Do you remember this gazebo? I built it last spring. I love the way the ceiling of it mimics the rays of the sun...

..but it felt too open. I also wanted it to do more than just stand there and look pretty...so I went out and bought several of these..

...and this...

..and went to work. I love to build things...and the bigger the better!

One thing I wanted was an eating bar. This was tricky too. You see, we get a lot of rain and many products - even those made for outdoors can warp ..like a very beautiful and expensive mosaic table top I made :0( This is a standard Formica counter top. Not too expensive and easy to work with. I only had to seal the back and sides to make it water tight...and it has already gone through the weather test with Hurricane Edouard.

Sunday night was the first time we were able to use it. The stools were given to me by my Father. I have 5 of them. They used to reside in my parents home, but since Dad does not entertain, he gave them to me. Thanks Daddy!

Also needed was some counter space. We Bar-B-Que out here at least once a week and we had no place to put utensils and supplies. This 2x12 painted black with the fancy shelf holders worked out just fine.

I purchased this plastic cabnet for a bit of extra storage..for now. I have a feeling that it will be replaced with something a bit more permanent later.

Still looking too open - I know I am not done, but it certainly it more functional! If you have any ideas about what else would look and function well in this gazebo - please chime in.As for the cost:
Formica Counter Top - $96.00 at Lowes..Home Depot had the exact same one for $149!
Shelf Holders - $9.00 each
Table Legs - $13.95 each
Spray sealant for counter top edges - $5.50
Other items I already had - scrap wood for support and black oil based paint that we use for the horse fencing.