Virtual Tour of Alan & Don’s Latest DIY Home Project: New Slate Covered Stairs & Patio

As the son of a building contractor, I developed a passion for home building and learned so much from my Dad about almost every aspect of the building trades. I eventually became an electrician, ran my own electrical contracting company for 10 years, and then purchased and remodeled two homes.

These days, my partner Alan and I stay busy making DIY improvements to our home in Seattle’s Rainier Beach, like the beloved garden we shared with you last spring, and—most recently—our new slate covered stairs and patio.

In 2018, we covered over the concrete patio with some gifted slate and then this summer Alan and I finished the stairs down to the backyard after pre-cutting all the tile in advance. It was quite the challenge but turned out great!