Concrete Yard Challenge

Question: We recently purchased a home with a large back yard that is entirely concrete. Aside from the pool area, there is a 15-by-40-foot section that needs to look more natural. The concrete is more than six inches thick, so its removal would be a major expense. Any suggestions, aside from using lots of potted plants?

Answer: A deck might be the best solution for your problem. Another creative solution might be to have a specialist in cutting concrete remove a segment or two for a grass or planting area. If you need a spa or hot tub--you don’t say if you already have one--one of the cut-out areas would be ideal for an installation. Frankly, there is no inexpensive solution to a yard that consists entirely of concrete.

IN THE MAIL: Paperhanger Don Vucurevich, P.O. 575, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii 96756, read the question and answer column Jan. 8 about wallpapering over heavily textured walls. He advises that he’s lived on Kauai for 10 years and can handle situations like the one posed by the reader who owns a condominium in Koloa.