Backyard Transformation

This backyard was a blank slate, the swimming pool, the stone surround and the landscaping were completed first. The second phase included the waterfall, hot tub and corner shed, to make this backyard feel like a resort without the commute. The last phase included the addition of a gazebo patio and a low deck leading from the home to the pool area.

A few photos of the backyard showcase the seating area which surrounds a gas firepit for cozy warmth on a cool summer evening.   The addition of the waterfall helps to soften any surrounding noise and lends some tranquility to the space.

The deck completes the backyard transformation that was started four years ago.  It is made of composite wood as it curves easier than cedar would have.  Three screens were added, one in front of the hot tub, one at side of the house to hide the pool equipment and one surrounds the BBQ area.  A stone patio was also added to the left of the deck for dining under the gazebo.

After 4 1/2 years…it is DONE!

Well, after 4 and 1/2 years our backyard is finally complete.
YEAH! No more grass, and my hubby is breathing a huge sigh of relief that I won’t be bugging him about finishing it anymore. 😉

So I’ll bring you back, to when we first purchased our new suburban home.   It was a typical blank slate of a backyard.

The first phase was the in ground pool.  The above was the first day of breaking ground for the pool.  It was early April but we had a crazy snowfall that year and our pool company didn’t want to delay the start of the pool so they actually trucked the snow out of our backyard so they could start the digging.

Next up, the interlocking brick for around the pool and the flower gardens.

Then we added the hot tub.

Next up, the cute garden shed, the outdoor fire pit and the waterfall, along with some landscaping.

Then this past spring, we added the second interlocking patio and flower garden.   This is our dining area and where I hang out, in the shade (ah the joys of being a redhead…).
And, finally the last phase, THE DECK.
 

We chose composite decking, with the crazy curves that I designed, it would be nearly impossible to create with cedar. The composite wood curves much easier and we love the idea of low maintenance.  The cedar screens, however will need to be stained or left to go gray, as we did with our fencing.

As you can see, we also added a small screened area for the BBQ, another screen to give some privacy to the hot tub area and yet another small screen beside the house to hide the pool equipment, from whoever is in the hot tub (you can see this last screen in the last photo below).

We will be enjoying it this fall and I’m hoping to add a nice little lounging set next spring..when our wallets have recovered, at least a little. ;-(