This gorgeous backyard project covered every square inch of this customer’s backyard and was nestled in to a tight backyard access without disturbing the existing trees or golf course. The customer had very contemporary and modern tastes and wanted that reflected in their pool and backyard design. A stunning 1” blue glass tiled raised planter box* with 5 water features gracefully separates this geometrically perfect Pebble Sheen swimming pool from the golf course it overlooks and green low-maintenance Southwest plants & floral separate the view. A dam wall separates the roomy therapeutic in-ground semi-circle spa from the pool area. The side of the pool closest to the home is a straight parallel line, with the opposing side geometrically rounded with both the raised pattern pavers and the wrought iron fence matching patterns precisely. The ( wireless EZ Touch remote operated ) pool equipment is on the side of the home allowing spacious deck space for those who enjoy this contemporary backyard. Of note, the same 1” glass tiles from the raised planter were used throughout the home’s interior to integrate outdoor & indoor elements.

Kidney shaped pool with custom steps and in pool seating. Beautiful Eagle Bay "EB" Kingsland Traditional pavers in James River Color Bordered with EB Cottagestone 6"x6" Textured Shenandoah pavers. EB Copingstone, James River. EB Highland Retaining wall in Shenandoah.

The property is one of the original farm houses located on the main street of a small town. It has been in the family for many years and our client just inherited the property. They were trying to have balance of preserving the old while realizing modern day living has its benefits too. The house had a large addition added using mostly old style materials, but designed with function and modern day luxuries. Our goal was to carry that theme to the outside. Our first problem we had to address was how to transition between the first floor elevation changes. The lower room was the husband’s office. He stated in the future he may have clients over and it would be nice to have an area to sit outside. The wife’s main concern was to renew the four corner garden. She also felt it was very important to be able to see it from the kitchen area. Finally there was an old wishing well stuck right outside the kitchen. They both felt it would be neat to be able to incorporate this in some how. They wanted a patio area with a built in grill to accommodate there family and friends. They also wanted to keep a large play area for the kids. We were able to pull this off successfully. We addressed the first issue by having a small lower level flagstone area. This area is large enough for 1 to 2 people to sit comfortably. It also provides a transition from his office to the larger patio area. We installed a simple small gravel sitting area opposite of the main patio. This provides our client a secluded place to relax or do business. Mrs.... told me she is amazed how much her and her husband enjoys this area. It is so peaceful looking at the small creek over a glass of wine. We built a natural limestone retaining wall to create the patio terrace. The stone was chosen to extend the houses architectural elements into the landscape. Irregular broken flagstone was used to give it a more casual feel. We installed three Serviceberries into the patio terrace to replace some trees that were taken down during the remodeling. She was very concern that they would block the view of the four corner garden. We new they were crucial to nestle in the terrace, so we placed them for a couple days for her to decide. Fortunately she agreed they not only kept the view open, but helped frame the garden. The four corner garden was designed to be viewed from afar and experienced up close. We wanted the space to have some formal structure while keeping with the casual farm house feel. Another natural limestone retaining wall was created. This leveled the garden terrace and helped associate it with the rest of the property. The four corner garden is nestled into the existing woods edge. This provides three distinct experiences to entering the garden; a more formal from the driveway, an open feel from the lower lawn, and a more natural / casual experience from the wooded area. The Plymouth brown gravel was used for the center of the garden. This helped highlight the stone post that was found during construction. The gravel also brings the sense of sound into the garden space. Lamb’s ear was chosen as a fun way to get kids interest in horticulture. The balance of using the new to create the old feel is what makes this project a success. The property has already hosted a local historical society event and won an award for its preservation efforts. When Mrs.... can’t find her husband, she knows he is either reading the newspaper by the grill or resting in the hammock along the wood’s path.

Craig Westerman
Inspiration for a large timeless backyard deck remodel in Baltimore with a fire pit and a roof extension

Transitional backyard patio photo in Minneapolis with decking and no cover

Jeremy Shank
Inspiration for a large craftsman backyard deck remodel in Richmond with a fire pit and no cover

This project created a great outdoor living space that had been previously unusable. This ranch style farm house was in a valley that had a lot of sun and the wind would blow every afternoon. We installed our solar white cover to knock down the heat of the afternoon sun and the wind wall created a great place to peacefully relax and dine. The dogs love it too. Photo by Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers

For the patio spaces, we coordinated the color palette and fabric patterns with the interior spaces. In the pack patio, Asian garden stools were used instead of side tables. A very clean and simple concrete fire pit bowl sits in the center of the patio, perfect for summer nights. The fire pit can be easily moved to the side when room for a dance floor is needed. Lots of potted plants in over scaled ceramic containers surround the area and help to further define the space. On the front porch, sit director’s chairs with white canvas seats. A black ceramic garden stool acts as the side table and yellow and white outdoor fabric pillows brighten the space and welcome guests. Photography by Erika Bierman

Archadeck of Chicagoland An upper level deck and screen porch combination provides both open air and sheltered living spaces for this lakefront property. The custom design work for the porch allowed us to seamlessly integrate it with the home, making the porch look as though it has always belonged. A flagstone patio was built below the deck. The natural stone creates the perfect transition from the home to the backyard, then down to the lake. Every piece of this project comes together to create a truly stunning view.

Archadeck of Chicagoland An upper level deck and screen porch combination provides both open air and sheltered living spaces for this lakefront property. The custom design work for the porch allowed us to seamlessly integrate it with the home, making the porch look as though it has always belonged. A flagstone patio was built below the deck. The natural stone creates the perfect transition from the home to the backyard, then down to the lake. Every piece of this project comes together to create a truly stunning view.

Archadeck of Chicagoland An upper level deck and screen porch combination provides both open air and sheltered living spaces for this lakefront property. The custom design work for the porch allowed us to seamlessly integrate it with the home, making the porch look as though it has always belonged. A flagstone patio was built below the deck. The natural stone creates the perfect transition from the home to the backyard, then down to the lake. Every piece of this project comes together to create a truly stunning view.

Chipper Hatter
Inspiration for a timeless deck remodel in Boston with decking and no cover

photo courtesy of Clemens Jellema, Fine Decks, Inc. This covered outdoor living space is a true extension of the home. Not only is it wired for music, but the outdoor lighting allows you to entertain even after the sun goes down. The Fiberon composite deck overlooks a pool and landscaped grounds as well.

Archadeck of Chicagoland An upper level deck and screen porch combination provides both open air and sheltered living spaces for this lakefront property. The custom design work for the porch allowed us to seamlessly integrate it with the home, making the porch look as though it has always belonged. A flagstone patio was built below the deck. The natural stone creates the perfect transition from the home to the backyard, then down to the lake. Every piece of this project comes together to create a truly stunning view.

Here we used Trex’s Rope Swing boards for the deck and designed its multi-levels around the clients’ new hot tub. Because it’s a good idea to take breaks from long stays in a hot tub, we added a bench and private screened seating area — also made from Trex boards, topped with an attractive lattice design. www.deckandpatio.com

Private Residence / Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Architect: Savoie Architects Builder: Davis Dunn Construction The owners of this lovely, wooded five-parcel site on Choctawhatchee Bay wanted to build a comfortable and inviting home that blended in with the natural surroundings. They also wanted the opportunity to bring the outside indoors by allowing ample natural lighting through windows and expansive folding door systems that they could open up when the seasons permitted. The windows on the home are custom made and impact-rated by our partners at Loewen in Steinbach, Canada. The natural wood exterior doors and transoms are E. F. San Juan Invincia® impact-rated products. Edward San Juan had worked with the home’s interior designer, Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors, showing her samples of poplar bark siding prior to the inception of this project. This product was historically used in Appalachia for the exterior siding of cabins; Powell loved the product and vowed to find a use for it on a future project. This beautiful private residence provided just the opportunity to combine this unique material with other natural wood and stone elements. The interior wood beams and other wood components were sourced by the homeowners and made a perfect match to create an unobtrusive home in a lovely natural setting. Challenges: E. F. San Juan’s main challenges on this residential project involved the large folding door systems, which opened up interior living spaces to those outdoors. The sheer size of these door systems made it necessary that all teams work together to get precise measurements and details, ensuring a seamless transition between the areas. It was also essential to make sure these massive door systems would blend well with the home’s other components, with the reflection of nature and a rustic look in mind. All elements were also impact-rated to ensure safety and security in any coastal storms. Solution: We worked closely with the teams from Savoie, Davis Dunn, and Urban Grace to source the impact-rated folding doors from Euro-Wall Systems and create the perfect transition between nature and interior for this rustic residence on the bay. The customized expansive folding doors open the great room up to the deck with outdoor living space, while the counter-height folding window opens the kitchen up to bar seating and a grilling area. --- Photos by Brittany Godbee Photographer

This contemporary deck off the kitchen features vibrant orange wire dining chairs paired with concrete benches and dining tabletops supported by black metal legs. A sliding glass door with black trim connects the indoor and outdoor spaces, while a black metal awning provides shade and architectural interest. The wood deck adds warmth and texture, creating a stylish and functional outdoor dining area that complements the modern kitchen interior. Photo by Thomas Kuoh.

Pleasant Heights is a newly constructed home that sits atop a large bluff in Chatham overlooking Pleasant Bay, the largest salt water estuary on Cape Cod. - Two classic shingle style gambrel roofs run perpendicular to the main body of the house and flank an entry porch with two stout, robust columns. A hip-roofed dormer—with an arch-top center window and two tiny side windows—highlights the center above the porch and caps off the orderly but not too formal entry area. A third gambrel defines the garage that is set off to one side. A continuous flared roof overhang brings down the scale and helps shade the first-floor windows. Sinuous lines created by arches and brackets balance the linear geometry of the main mass of the house and are playful and fun. A broad back porch provides a covered transition from house to landscape and frames sweeping views. - Inside, a grand entry hall with a curved stair and balcony above sets up entry to a sequence of spaces that stretch out parallel to the shoreline. Living, dining, kitchen, breakfast nook, study, screened-in porch, all bedrooms and some bathrooms take in the spectacular bay view. A rustic brick and stone fireplace warms the living room and recalls the finely detailed chimney that anchors the west end of the house outside. - PSD Scope Of Work: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction | Living Space: 6,883ft² | Photography: Brian Vanden Brink |

This project overlooks the Hood Canal. The cover provides protection from the elements overhead and the wind wall make this space usable year round. Photo by Doug Woodside, Decks and Patio Covers