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HOw to | Garden | giant checkerboard
giant checkerboard
Backyard entertaining comes alive with a giant checkerboard. This project costs about $100 and can be done in a weekend.

Tools + Materials

64 square concrete pavers
24 precut wood disks
paint: black concrete paint for pavers, red and cream paint for wood disks
paintbrushes
stakes
twine
tape measure
level
sand
mortar
bricks

1. Paint half the pavers with black concrete paint; let dry.

2. Paint half the wood disks red and the other half cream; let dry.

3. Decide on a location for the checkerboard. Use stakes, twine, and tape measure to create a square area. This one is 10 feet square. Level the surface. Spread 4 inches of sand on the staked out area. Install the pavers, alternating colors, leaving 2 inches between them for mortar. Follow the manufacturers instructions for making and applying the mortar. Let it dry.

4. Encase the pavers with a brick border, which lends a final flourish to the game board.

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