In 2010 I ... revamped the patio

My dad can make/repair/install anything. I'm not exaggerating - this is just a known fact in our family. Plumbing, check. Electric, no problem. Construction, sure why not? So naturally when I decided I wanted to explore the possibility of adding a built-in bench to my patio, my dad was my on-call laborer of choice, and he kindly accepted the task.

I've been longing to do something to take best advantage of the unfinished half of my patio, and my dad assured me building this bench would be no big deal. Surprisingly, he was right. Here's the process in action:

My mom and I escaped to Common Roots for one hour and returned to this - a bench!

After a quickie paint job with whatever random paint was leftover in my storage unit.

Trimming down 2" thick foam so this now cushy bench would fit perfectly.

Summer comfort! A bench with a cushion and color.

The Breakdown:
Bench building supplies - $30 (with free labor)
Cushion foam - $55 (ugh, I know!)
IKEA Duvet turned cushion cover - $15 (including pillow case)

Total: $100

In my mind, $100 for a custom bench is completely reasonable. I guess I would have rather seen the materials cost $55 and the foam cost closer to $30, but at the end of the day it doesn't really matter, does it?

My last tasks are to wash the pink rug, replace the white extension cord with a brown one (and secure it to the back wall) and find some storage baskets for added utility under the bench. I might grab a few additional throw pillows, as well. In the meantime, anyone up for a patio cocktail?