Building my Dream Patio with Safety & Style: Feat. Xena Workwear

Written By Tiffany Dasilva

Since moving my tiny house to the farm, I’ve dreamt of transforming our boring backyard into a cozy and livable outdoor space. The vision was clear, but executing a hardcore DIY project like this required the right gear—specifically, a sturdy pair of boots. Thanks to Xena Workwear, I now have boots designed for women ~with style~ in demanding environments like construction and outdoor projects.

Fashionable Workwear That Performs

Xena Workwear is redefining women's workwear, focusing on functionality and safety without sacrificing style. As I embarked on my patio project, I appreciated the features that make these boots stand out. With slip resistance and steel-toed protection, they provided the support I needed while working in potentially hazardous conditions. My confidence soared knowing I could tackle challenges without compromising on safety, comfort, and style.

The Build

Living on a farm presents unique challenges: working in dirt, paired with bugs, and of course the hot FL sun on an autumn day. As I prepared to lay down the deck for my new patio, I had the bright idea to put plastic down first to create a barrier. This would help keep the grass from growing through, and hopefully stop some ants along the way. After laying down a few 2x8x10 floorboards, it became clear that my plan wasn’t going to hold up. Literally. Thankfully, I had some leftover 2x4s from a previous project which I used to reinforce the floorboards by placing the 2x4s underneath, allowing me to screw everything securely into place.

The Hardest Steps

As I moved on to the next phase of the project—lining up the floorboards—I dreaded having to do this by hand. Fortunately, the steel toes on my Xena boots came to the rescue; I could kick the boards right into place without worrying about stubbing my toe. This blend of functionality and design made my laborious tasks feel a little less daunting.

Why Xena Workwear?

Working on a DIY project can sometimes feel isolating, but Xena Workwear is about more than just footwear. The brand is committed to building a community of women who support each other in traditionally male-dominated fields. As I labored through the day, I felt part of a larger movement—one that encourages women to take on projects like mine, breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

The PR safety boot (the one I selected) has tons of must-have safety features for any industry. Here’s the breakdown:

‣ ASTM Certified (F2413-18) & OSHA Compliant

‣ Alloy Toe Protection

‣ Impact & Compression Resistant (I/75 C/75)

‣ Puncture Resistant (PR Rated)

‣ Electrical Hazard Protection (EH Rated)

‣ Slip Resistant SR Rated (ASTM F3445)

‣ Oil & Chemical Resistant Outsole (D471)

‣ Deep Tread Outsole (Terrain Stability)

‣ Elevated 8” Shaft Height

Final Touches

After hours of sweat, hard work, and dodging bugs, I reached the final step: securing everything in place. What I had envisioned as a few-hour project turned into an all-day affair, but I didn’t mind. I was fully determined to create my dream patio.

Lastly, a huge thank you to Xena Workwear and their team for their commitment to safety, comfort, and style. These boots empower women to take on challenges in the construction world and beyond. As a self proclaimed DIYer and part time real estate investor - who yes, does some of the remodel work sometimes - I will definitely not get caught without my Xena’s on the next project.

The Details

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The Details 〰️

Material List:

  • 2x8x10s

  • 2x4x8s

  • Deck screws (2” or longer)

  • A prebuilt Toja Grid Hammock kit (we used this for the base)

Tools:

  • For the deck portion of the build: 4-6 hours

  • Building the Toja Grid set: 1-2 days

Tiffany Dasilva
Next

Transform Your Backyard with the Toja Grid Set: A DIY Adventure