Well, the day has finally come! It’s crazy how some projects take much longer than expected. The important thing is that we made it to the finish line and we are in l-o-v-e with the new backyard.
Before we get to the goods, let’s backtrack and take a look at all of the before photos and gameplan for the space.
Backyard Before
So, these above photos are from May 2019.
Over the next two years, we didn’t exactly prioritize the backyard, but we did make a few upgrades…
- We got a new white vinyl fence. It was such a gamechanger for privacy.
- We stained our deck a dark brown.
- We removed the vegetable garden area and replaced it with rocks.
We lived with that for the past two summers while we dreamed and schemed of all of the cool stuff we could do back there.
Backyard Gameplan
Last winter, we decided that the backyard would be a Spring/Summer 2021 project so we got to work making a gameplan. This was our first time tackling an exterior, so we decided to bring in the pros and hired Yardzen to mock up some renderings of our ideas. Here are their awesome plans…
This was super helpful as we narrowed in on the exact changes we wanted to make and figured out our priorities for the backyard. It was also a great tool to show these images to prospective contractors and landscapers when we were hiring out the project.
These renderings helped us narrow down our ultimate goals for the backyard space…
- Build a smaller and more open deck area.
- Add stone so we could utilize the space better.
- Keep all of the grass in the side yard for the kiddos to play.
- Create a dining zone and a relaxing zone.
- Add trees, plants, and greenery!
All of the Projects…
The crew got started in May and demo’ed the backyard completely. They then slowly started to build it back up, putting in a new drainage system, adding the stone, and rebuilding the deck. Here’s a list of all of the blog posts I’ve written this summer outlining the entire experience…
And that brings the backyard makeover reveal. Let’s take a look around.
Backyard Makeover Reveal
It’s kinda hard to believe that this is the backyard. It feels like a fancy restaurant when we sit at that table, or a cool hotel when we lounge on the couch at night. I am over-the-moon happy with how it turned out. It wasn’t easy getting here, but we made it to the finish line.
Plus, we were able to hit all of our goals for the backyard. Let’s review them one by one.
Build an Open Deck Area…Check!
Yep, I’d say we definitely accomplished our goal of creating a more open deck area. Now, these wide stairs go all the way down to the patio and it doesn’t feel as closed off as before.
The deck itself, isn’t huge and that’s exactly what we wanted. We’d rather have more patio space for our large outdoor table than an awkwardly sized deck that no one uses.
Add Stone…Check!
We add stone back here! Before, it was all grass, which was fine, but it wasn’t very functional. I’m so happy that we opted for these pavers. It makes the space much more useable.
Even though we had a fairly large yard before, we didn’t have a spot for a large outdoor dining table. This is my favorite part of having a backyard…eating dinners (or really any meal!) outside.
It took a bit of time to arrive, but our table and chairs finally came in and they’re fantastic! The table officially seats six, but we could easily fit up to eight out here – and we have! I made sure to protect the new teak table by sealing it and you can find that full tutorial right here.
And I’ve gotta mention the new outdoor TV which really makes the dining experience even better!
Adding stone to the side of the garage was also a great call. Before, it was a grassy mud pit that was really tough to mow because the slope was all off. Now, it’s another useable space for a family.
Keep Grass in the Side Yard…Check!
Because we were adding so much stone back here, it was extra important for us to keep the side yard full of grass. This is the ideal spot to splash in a baby pool or water table and to just run all around.
Add Trees & Greenery…Check!
It’s still wild that our 100-year-old home had zero trees on the property. Not one! We ended up adding five trees, plus lots of plants, bushes, and flowers. It feels nice to actually have some greenery out here!
Patio at Night
Ahhh, the backyard makeover reveal… They make any outdoor patio feel magical.
Between these string lights and the solar lights on the fence, we have more than enough lighting out here!
And here’s a shot of TV, tuned to a favorite show.
The back corner, cozy area is dark and moody at night! We just have the glow from the lanterns and the lights on the solar fence and it’s perfect.
What’s Next?
Nothing. Ha! Well, at least nothing else during 2021. I’m sure we’ll be eager to get back out here next spring and personalize this space more with DIY projects. We’ve discussed adding a trellis to the right of the TV to bring in some height and greenery. We’ve also discussed adding a long row of thin planters behind the couch.
51 comments
This was just what I was looking for, for our back deck! I’m glad I got the smaller one – the 7.5ft umbrella.
7.5 ft true to size …right size for small space that has lots of afternoon/evening sun …easy push button tilt with crank made it the right choice…color beige matched decor perfectly…sturdy… appears well made …would recommend
This is a nice, well-made umbrella. We’ve had it on our patio for six months and use it every day. The pole, crank, ribs and fabric look as good as the day we got it. Unfortunately, last week the pivot failed (the part that allows us to tilt the umbrella).
Putting this patio umbrella to use for the first time was very simple and straightforward – just get the base in, twist the top on, crank it open and press the tilt “button” (for lack of a better word) if you need to, and you’re good to go.
Absolutely beautiful! I have purchased 2of these patio Umbrellas. I live in Phoenix AZ and the sun never stops shinning bright.
Wow, looks incredible!!I bought a patio umbrella in this store. It works well. Holds up to strong wind, rain, snow.
LOVE STORY.Provided privacy, also perfect shade from Direct Sun. Easy to install, very durable. It also has waterproof fence privacy screen.
I love this!! It has given us so much more privacy than before. I do wish it would not be somewhat see through (mainly in the sun) so I just bought another one to double up.
Bought some fence privacy screen for our privacy fence behind our pool. Installed the shade from post to post securing it with washers and screws. Added great privacy plus the neighbors behind us can’t see over the fence into the pool or backyard.
Great privacy!It is for my small deck on my apartment. My dog uses a fake turf grass patch on my small deck and I wanted some privacy when she was going to the bathroom from the busy street below and it works great! We have Gail force winds at least weekly where I live and it has stayed put the past two months!
Great result! Thanks for the tip. Just ordered some for myself!
Wow, that small space turned into cozy space! The privacy cover and the plants and the lights made the space looked so different. So beautiful and inspiring. Super love your projects!
Great! Thank you for sharing
What a cute couple !!! I love this transformation. Awesome job !!
i really loved this. This layout is so similar to mine, really inspired me. thanks!
I love it! I want tile and grass because I want a mini play area and I was wondering how to style them.