To extend the back yard that was previously just dirt, we started by assessing the area and determining how much space we could add.

We decided to use the dirt which was at the edge of the back yard, close to the retaining wall.
The house is on a hill.

We had to re enforce the existing old retaining wall.

First, we removed any existing vegetation or obstacles in the area where we wanted to extend the backyard.

Then, we excavated the area.
We compacted the soil.
We carefully dug out the necessary space, ensuring that it was level and at the desired height.

Next, we added soil to the excavated area, carefully filling it in and compacting it to ensure stability.
We made sure that the final height of the added soil matched the level of the existing yard.

During the process, we also installed a fence around the extended area to provide privacy and security. However, I didn't particularly like the standard metal posts that came with the fence. So, we decided to replace them with sturdy redwood posts for a more aesthetically pleasing and durable result.

Overall, this process added approximately 350 square feet to the back yard, creating a usable and functional space that was previously unused.