This side yard was an unusable, sloping mud pit that stood in stark contrast to the rest of this immaculate home. With limited yard space in their subdivision, the homeowners needed a solution to transform this wasted area into something usable and beautiful. We began by regrading the land, adding gravel and French drains to control water runoff. A new exposed aggregate walkway along the house led into a stunning patio, built with permeable pavers designed to handle rainwater efficiently.

Using the natural elevation change, we integrated a deck frame into the landscape, transitioning from the pavers to a brand-new composite deck. This provided a perfect space for grilling and entertaining beneath the canopy of neighboring trees. A horizontal cedar fence added privacy, while recessed lighting in the stairs and transition zones ensured safety after dark. To elevate the ambiance, we installed custom inset LED lights along the underside of the railing top cap, softly illuminating the deck’s perimeter.

To complete the project, we built a staircase connecting the existing deck to the new one and another leading down to the “man-cave” below. What started as an unusable space became a multi-level retreat that blends function, beauty, and comfort. The transformation was so well received that by the end of the project, the homeowners invited the entire crew over for Thanksgiving dinner!