A complete and eclectic rear garden renovation with a creative blend of formal and natural elements. Formal lawn panel and rose garden, craftsman style wood deck and trellis, homages to Goldsworthy and Stonehenge with large boulders and a large stone cairn, several water features, a Japanese Torii gate, rock walls and steps, vegetables and herbs in containers and a new parking area paved with permeable pavers that feed an underground storage area that in turns irrigates the garden. All this blends into a diverse but cohesive garden. Designed by Charles W Bowers, Built by Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc. © Garden Gate Landscaping, Inc./Charles W. Bowers

This Panoramic shot by Jeffrey Luhn shows a close up of two raised planters with 6" thick concrete caps that flank the pool and are connected by 3" concrete coping stones that were cast in place. Across from the pool is a wonderful pool cabana which has an intimate outdoor fireplace conveniently located outside attached to "porte-cochere like surround". The guest bedroom is across from the pool cabana while to the far right is the upstairs master bedroom that can take in the pool, the vineyards and guests that come and go" Photo by John Luhn

This spacious, multi-level backyard in San Luis Obispo, CA, once completely underutilized and overtaken by weeds, was converted into the ultimate outdoor entertainment space with a custom pool and spa as the centerpiece. A cabana with a built-in storage bench, outdoor TV and wet bar provide a protected place to chill during hot pool days, and a screened outdoor shower nearby is perfect for rinsing off after a dip. A hammock attached to the master deck and the adjacent pool deck are ideal for relaxing and soaking up some rays. The stone veneer-faced water feature wall acts as a backdrop for the pool area, and transitions into a retaining wall dividing the upper and lower levels. An outdoor sectional surrounds a gas fire bowl to create a cozy spot to entertain in the evenings, with string lights overhead for ambiance. A Belgard paver patio connects the lounge area to the outdoor kitchen with a Bull gas grill and cabinetry, polished concrete counter tops, and a wood bar top with seating. The outdoor kitchen is tucked in next to the main deck, one of the only existing elements that remain from the previous space, which now functions as an outdoor dining area overlooking the entire yard. Finishing touches included low-voltage LED landscape lighting, pea gravel mulch, and lush planting areas and outdoor decor.

Outdoor Living Spaces, Seat Wall, Firepit, Outdoor Fireplaces, Gazebo, Covered Wood Structures, Wood Fire Oven, Pizza Over, Custom Wood Decking, Ambient Landscape Lighting, Concrete Paver Hardscape

Originally designed by one of the most notable landscape architects in town, this once impressive project had faltered in recent years. The pool and spa still functioned well, and the client wanted to keep it intact. In addition, they wanted to keep as much of the existing landscaping as possible. The surrounding decks, walls, and steps were fair game. At first glance, one might think that our changes were simple material changes. Upon closer inspection, however, one can see the subtle, yet transformative changes that come together to update this classic pool in a tasteful, timeless manner, and improve the flow and usability of the deck areas, while softening the feel of the massive hardscape. The subtle changes begin as soon as you walk out the back door of the house. The existing decking had a lot of what we call “tweeners”; areas that are overly generous walkways, yet not large enough to house furniture. The awkwardly small bluestone patio was expanded to accommodate a generous seating area, by pushing the step-down closer to the pool. Our talented stone mason carefully married the new bluestone into the existing, resulting in an imperceptible difference between the two. As you descend the new bluestone steps to the pool level, your bare feet will be thankful for the new smooth-finished limestone colored concrete, with a hand cut pattern carefully etched into its surface. The old red brick decking was so hot that the owners could not walk around the pool in bare feet. The brick coping was also replaced with an eased edge Pennsylvania Premier Stone which matches the new step treads throughout the project. Between the house and the pool, a large raised planter was reconfigured, giving additional space to the pool deck for a shaded lounge chair area. Across the pool, a bank of rather tall painted brick retaining walls were cut down, shortened, and moved. This lessened the visual impact of the walls, which were rather overwhelming in the space, as well as opening up a new seating area, nestled under the arms of the massive pecan at the back of the property. Rather than continuing solid decking around the entire pool, the area near these walls has been transformed to large stone stepper pads set in a sea of beautiful St. Augustine lawn. This creates a visually softened area that is still suited to setting tables and chairs when the guest list calls for additional seating. The spa area is quite possibly the most dramatic change on this project. Yet more raised planter walls divided this area into awkward spaces, unsuited to proper furniture placement. The planters were removed, new stone decks, once again expertly married into the existing, opening the area to house a large dining table and new built in bbq area. The spa itself was re-imagined with the bluestone coping, and painted brick veneer. The most impressive addition though is the new handmade glazed tiles that surround the existing cast stone water feature. This water feature was almost unnoticeable against the painted brick wall, but now the dramatic arch and pop of color draw the eye to this quaint little corner of the property.

Inspiration for an industrial deck remodel in Seattle with decking and no cover

There is enough to love about this space to keep you busy all year round! Indulge in differing outdoor activities with this backyard retreat! With this project, you can enjoy the covered patio all year round, as well as have a relaxing time in this spacious hot tub!

Increasing the foot print of the existing deck and installing new timber tech decking makes this a wonderful space for those lazy days of summer.
Elegant deck photo in Portland with decking

This stunning outdoor living space is a true backyard retreat. The custom screened porch, designed to look original to the home, exits to a deck and patio, creating smooth transition from home to yard. The wood deck design incorporates an inset hot tub with additional built-in storage. The storage cabinet sits along one side of the hot tub, creating a place to rest food, drinks, or candles while enjoying the water. The outdoor lighting built into the stair risers create a soft, ambient glow while providing a safe environment for people to move about the deck after the sun goes down. The Unilock patio features Holland Stone pavers in Autumn Red and a built-in Brussel Dimensional Stone fire pit in Limestone color. The triangular shape provides a unique look for the wood burning fire pit., and the placement offers warmth and ambiance for anyone in the hot tub or gathered around fire.

This stunning outdoor living space is a true backyard retreat. The custom screened porch, designed to look original to the home, exits to a deck and patio, creating smooth transition from home to yard. The wood deck design incorporates an inset hot tub with additional built-in storage. The storage cabinet sits along one side of the hot tub, creating a place to rest food, drinks, or candles while enjoying the water. The outdoor lighting built into the stair risers create a soft, ambient glow while providing a safe environment for people to move about the deck after the sun goes down. The Unilock patio features Holland Stone pavers in Autumn Red and a built-in Brussel Dimensional Stone fire pit in Limestone color. The triangular shape provides a unique look for the wood burning fire pit., and the placement offers warmth and ambiance for anyone in the hot tub or gathered around fire.

This stunning outdoor living space is a true backyard retreat. The custom screened porch, designed to look original to the home, exits to a deck and patio, creating smooth transition from home to yard. The wood deck design incorporates an inset hot tub with additional built-in storage. The storage cabinet sits along one side of the hot tub, creating a place to rest food, drinks, or candles while enjoying the water. The outdoor lighting built into the stair risers create a soft, ambient glow while providing a safe environment for people to move about the deck after the sun goes down. The Unilock patio features Holland Stone pavers in Autumn Red and a built-in Brussel Dimensional Stone fire pit in Limestone color. The triangular shape provides a unique look for the wood burning fire pit., and the placement offers warmth and ambiance for anyone in the hot tub or gathered around fire.

This stunning outdoor living space is a true backyard retreat. The custom screened porch, designed to look original to the home, exits to a deck and patio, creating smooth transition from home to yard. The wood deck design incorporates an inset hot tub with additional built-in storage. The storage cabinet sits along one side of the hot tub, creating a place to rest food, drinks, or candles while enjoying the water. The outdoor lighting built into the stair risers create a soft, ambient glow while providing a safe environment for people to move about the deck after the sun goes down. The Unilock patio features Holland Stone pavers in Autumn Red and a built-in Brussel Dimensional Stone fire pit in Limestone color. The triangular shape provides a unique look for the wood burning fire pit., and the placement offers warmth and ambiance for anyone in the hot tub or gathered around fire.

Why pay for a vacation when you have a backyard that looks like this? You don't need to leave the comfort of your own home when you have a backyard like this one. The deck was beautifully designed to comfort all who visit this home. Want to stay out of the sun for a little while? No problem! Step into the covered patio to relax outdoors without having to be burdened by direct sunlight. Photos by: Robert Woolley , Wolf

Mark Wayner
Transitional backyard outdoor kitchen deck photo in Cleveland with a roof extension

Craig Westerman
Large elegant backyard exterior home photo in Baltimore with a roof extension

Rob Cardillo
Large elegant backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped patio photo in Philadelphia

Inspiration for a large transitional backyard deck remodel in Minneapolis with no cover

These clients chose a dark brown case for their patio-hot tub that hints at the deep hue of their sloping roof. Together, these two dark elements present a dramatic contrast to a light deck and furniture cushion materials. Note how the simple design of the stairs make them stand out visually. None of these were c www.longislandhottub.com

deck and patio company 2013
Deck - traditional deck idea in New York