For almost a year, our vision for the pool area has been evolving, transforming it into a significantly larger and more versatile outdoor sanctuary. This ambitious backyard transformation journey has been incredibly rewarding, turning a much-loved space into an even more exceptional outdoor living area designed for family enjoyment and entertaining.
You might recall our initial steps two years ago when we shared the behind-the-scenes story of installing our pool, complete with a trove of before-and-after photos. We absolutely adore our pool, and it quickly became the central hub for our family’s outdoor leisure. However, in the spring of 2022, we recognized its potential could be further maximized with one deceptively simple change: relocating a section of our perimeter fence. This strategic move effectively doubled the usable footprint of our backyard, opening up a world of new possibilities for design and function.
What began as a seemingly straightforward task blossomed into a comprehensive backyard renovation. I’ll walk you through the various stages and strategic decisions we made to maximize every inch of this expanded outdoor oasis. In essence, our key upgrades included:
- Relocating a significant section of our backyard fence.
- Constructing an elevated platform deck to create a dedicated outdoor dining space.
- Installing durable poured concrete walkways, steps, and stylish retaining walls.
This grand overhaul wasn’t confined solely to the pool area; it also encompassed adding a new driveway and pathways along the front of our home. We’re currently compiling all the intricate details and captivating photos for those transformations into a separate blog post. But for now, let’s dive back into the exciting journey of our bigger, bolder, and more functional pool area.
Experience the Transformation: A Day and Night Video Walk-Through
To truly appreciate the seamless flow and integrated design of our expanded outdoor space, a video tour offers an unparalleled perspective. The short video below brilliantly illustrates how each newly added zone connects harmoniously, better than any series of static photos could. Moreover, it beautifully captures the magical transformation of the area as dusk settles and our carefully planned outdoor lighting system illuminates every corner, creating a captivating evening ambiance.
You can also view this video directly on YouTube for a full-screen experience of our refreshed backyard.
Step 1: Strategically Relocating the Fence for Enhanced Space
Achieving our final pool inspection in 2021 naturally required the pool to be fully enclosed by a fence. With three sides of our yard already secured, we simply added a short, albeit crucial, section, as shown in the image below. We initially viewed this as a “temporary” measure. Our long-term plan involved constructing a small guest structure – an idea we fondly nicknamed “a shed with a bed” – precisely where those vibrant flowering bushes stood. This would, of course, necessitate a redesigned fence layout to accommodate the new structure.
However, as is often the case with home projects, plans evolve. We eventually concluded that a dedicated guest structure on our property was largely unnecessary. A kind neighbor conveniently rents out her guest house to us at an incredible rate, just a few houses away. Our friends and family absolutely love the spaciousness and convenience of staying there – a far more comfortable option than any “shed with a bed” we could possibly squeeze between our pool and the majestic tree we were determined to preserve. This significant realization led us to completely abandon the guest shed concept, and consequently, the fence remained in its original position for a considerable period.
Over time – a remarkable illuminator of needs and desires – we increasingly recognized that the temporary fence, installed solely for inspection purposes, inadvertently severed our pool area from a substantial, underutilized section of our backyard. This overlooked space, beyond the fence, primarily hosted a beloved tree swing (as seen below). The image capturing the view from the street, with the pool discreetly positioned behind the fence, clearly highlights the vast, untapped potential of that area. All that glorious space, just waiting to be embraced!
Thus, last summer, we finally embarked on the planned fence reconstruction – this time, free from the constraints of a future guest house. This photograph, captured from our upper deck on the day the fence crew arrived, illustrates the initial stages of the project (notice the pavers temporarily moved out of place). You can distinctly spot the old section of the fence in the upper right corner of the image below. It’s worth noting our commitment to sustainability: not only was the old fence repurposed and reused, but our previously used pavers also found a new home in another residence, extending their lifespan.
For a swift comparison, I’ll immediately jump to an “after” photograph. Prepare to observe a multitude of changes beyond just the repositioned fence. From a fencing perspective, you can clearly see how the new structure now gracefully encloses that previously underutilized expanse around our magnificent oak tree. This once-separate zone is now an integrated part of our pool area, offering an expanded sense of space and tranquility. And for those wondering, the beloved tree swing has simply found a new home on the other side of the house, still bringing joy to our children.
Let’s take another perspective. Here, we’re time-traveling back to just after the new fence was erected, before it received its fresh coat of paint. I ascended to the roof of our covered porch to capture this shot, as Sherry and I were meticulously planning the exact layout for the “new” space we had gained adjacent to the pool. This aerial view was incredibly instrumental in helping us visualize the entire area from above – an invaluable technique for effective space planning. Can you spot Sherry in the photo? She’s engrossed in her phone, likely “googling” images to illustrate an idea she had for a retaining wall around a future firepit, aiming to distinctly separate it from a nearby outdoor dining area.
As you can discern, we had already moved some existing outdoor furniture into this newly expanded zone, attempting to mentally arrange and picture the possibilities. However, fully realizing and bringing this space to life has been a comprehensive project spanning nearly eight months. But the results, as you’ll soon see, were well worth the wait. Let’s progress to the next exciting phase of our backyard transformation.
Step 2: Designing and Building a Platform Deck for Al Fresco Dining
A primary objective of enlarging our backyard was to consolidate our various outdoor functions into a single, cohesive area. Previously, our spacious outdoor dining table resided on our upstairs deck, while our cozy firepit was situated on the opposite side of the house. While we certainly utilized each individual zone when they were scattered, it became abundantly clear that we could host larger gatherings of friends and family far more comfortably and frequently if all these inviting features were seamlessly integrated into one grand outdoor living space.
Once we transferred the furniture from these disparate zones to the newly expanded backyard, the optimal general layout almost instantly revealed itself. The dining table found its perfect spot in the corner, nestled beneath the shade of the grand oak tree. The firepit area naturally settled into the middle, now boasting six comfortable chairs instead of the original four, enhancing its appeal for larger groups. And, of course, a thoughtfully designed walkway would connect all these delightful elements. Bingo. Bango. Done. We even employed Photoshop to experiment with visualizing the potential look, giving us a tangible preview:
We recognized that simply placing our dining table directly onto the pine straw wouldn’t suffice, both aesthetically and practically. Furthermore, the ground in that specific area had a slight slope, necessitating a solution that would provide a perfectly level surface for the dining arrangement. This led us to the ingenious plan (initially outlined in our loose Photoshop mock-up above) of constructing a simple yet elegant platform deck in that back corner. Construction of this new deck commenced last October, marking a pivotal moment in our backyard’s transformation.
You might be pondering: why not simply extend the existing pool pavers? There were several compelling reasons behind our decision to opt for a platform deck:
- We were keen to preserve the original integrity and design of the pool area, especially appreciating the graceful, balanced curve of the pool deck on that particular end.
- Introducing a substantial amount of additional bright white hardscaping would, in our opinion, detract from the natural, verdant charm of that side of the yard, an aesthetic we were particularly fond of.
- We already feature this beautiful Havannah Gold Trex composite decking on both our front porch and our upper deck. Utilizing it for the new dining area ensured a cohesive design language throughout our home’s exterior, seamlessly tying together different outdoor zones.
Observe how the rich tones of the Trex composite decking blend harmoniously with the surrounding pine straw, allowing the deck to subtly integrate into the natural landscape rather than starkly standing out. This thoughtful material choice contributes to the serene and organic feel of the space.
A crucial design consideration was ensuring the new Trex deck was perfectly level with the existing pool deck. This meticulous attention to detail helps the two distinct spaces feel remarkably seamless and interconnected, significantly minimizing any potential tripping hazards – always a paramount concern in a high-traffic outdoor area. Please forgive the dusty appearance of the Trex in this particular shot. The combination of our sandy beach environment, unpaved sand roads, and a prolonged period of no rainfall invariably leads to dusty surfaces. Rest assured, immediately after these photos were taken, a refreshing downpour occurred, leaving the deck looking pristine and brand new once again.
Returning to that useful aerial perspective from our roof, you can now fully grasp how the space has been transformed with the addition of the platform deck, creating a truly integrated outdoor living area:
For ease of comparison and to highlight the dramatic change, here’s how the area appeared immediately after the new fence was constructed, but prior to the deck’s installation:
Candidly, the addition of this platform deck and its accompanying dining table has been one of the most impactful and cherished elements of our new backyard configuration. Positioned strategically, it remains largely shaded for the majority of the day, making it an incredibly versatile and comfortable space. We frequently enjoy relaxed pool lunches here, and it has even become a preferred spot for us to work on our laptops outdoors. Beyond daily use, it has successfully hosted a lively kids’ birthday party, served as the perfect setting for dinner parties with friends, and has undeniably become our family’s favorite outdoor spot for engaging in board games and quality time.
We even acquired this clever detachable ping-pong net. Initially, I harbored doubts about its practicality given our slatted dining table and the central umbrella pole, but I was pleasantly proven wrong. Its design minimizes “rogue” bounces, as the table slats are closely spaced, and the umbrella simply adds a fun, unique obstacle (the kids expertly play off the pole on the rare occasion they hit it), making for a surprisingly entertaining game. This summer, it has been in almost constant use, becoming a daily source of active enjoyment.
To avoid any temporal whiplash from our time-traveling narrative, let’s briefly revisit a similar view from immediately after the pool’s completion in 2021. Notice how the original fence ran conspicuously close to the edge of the pool patio. Now, compare that to the current view above, where we’ve successfully liberated an entire new expanse, dedicated to additional functionality and enjoyment. We quite literally pushed the fence back approximately 20 whole feet! And impressively, after all that expansion, we still managed to carve out enough space for a convenient two-car parking zone just beyond it.
With the fence repositioning and the platform deck proudly completed last fall, we confidently believed we were on the fast track to a fully finished outdoor space by Christmas. However, as is common with extensive home renovations, the next stage presented its own set of fascinating challenges and opportunities, leading us to…
Step 3: Crafting Durable and Aesthetic Poured Concrete Walkways
As you may have observed in some of our earlier “before” photographs, we initially established temporary walkways around our house using these budget-friendly concrete pavers. While they served their basic purpose of keeping our feet off the bare earth, they were far from ideal. Over time, some would invariably shift, creating uneven surfaces, and their relatively small size felt somewhat disjointed. They were perfectly adequate as a short-term solution, but we knew it was time for a more substantial, permanent, and aesthetically pleasing fix.
This particular phase of the project proved to be the most challenging and involved the most deliberation. We spent considerable time debating various materials and meticulously planning the precise placement of these permanent pathways. A significant hurdle was the fact that our house wasn’t constructed perfectly parallel to the property lines, leading to some rather unconventional and tricky angles around the perimeter of our home. This inherent architectural quirk demanded a highly customized and thoughtful approach to our landscape design.
After several weeks of feeling stuck in the planning phase, we wisely sought the expertise of a highly recommended local landscape professional, known for his excellent work with several of our friends. We came armed with numerous inspiration images of large concrete or natural stone stepping stones and elegant walkways. However, we were unsure about the practicalities: what sizes of stone or poured concrete were feasible? Would natural stone clash with the existing material of our pool deck? The professional patiently listened to our ideas, absorbed our concerns, and then, with a knowing smile, immediately drove us to a nearby project he had completed years prior (pictured below). He explained that the house had a similar aesthetic and vibe to what we were describing – and instantly, everything clicked into place for us. It was here that we saw them: these exact, grand, POURED-IN-PLACE CONCRETE PAVERS, installed over thirty years ago.
In hindsight, the solution seems so obvious – these monumental pavers are essentially the larger, more robust, and entirely stable version of our initial temporary ones, free from any rocking or drifting. But seeing them in person at this other residence, coupled with having the very contractor responsible for their creation at our disposal, solidified our decision and made it feel like destiny. The fact that these concrete marvels were poured in the early 1990s and are still standing strong, looking fantastic three decades later, was the ultimate testament to their enduring quality and the expert craftsmanship involved.
That illuminating excursion with the landscape professional occurred in November of last year. However, due to the busy holiday season, our contractor’s packed schedule, and the meticulous process of finalizing our exact design plan, it took until April of this year for the actual work to commence. While the planning and waiting period felt extensive, I can unequivocally state that the outcome was well worth every moment. The process itself was incredibly labor-intensive, involving extensive digging and groundwork, which made us immensely grateful for our decision to entrust this complex task to a skilled team of professionals.
Part of the project’s complexity – and another compelling reason why external professional assistance was indispensable – stemmed from the gradual, uneven grade of our yard. We meticulously determined that, in addition to the expansive walkways, we would also require a robust retaining wall to encircle the firepit area. This was essential for ensuring that the zone dedicated to the chairs and firepit remained perfectly level and comfortable for use. Consequently, the initial phase of the concrete work involved excavating, framing, and pouring the concrete for this critical retaining wall, a prerequisite before any work could begin on the main walkways, which themselves seamlessly integrate several steps leading up to the elevated pool deck.
Witnessing the entire process unfold was genuinely fascinating and a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Even after all the framing was precisely set and ready for the concrete pour, there were multiple, critical stages of smoothing, expert brushing, and careful refinement of edges. These final touches were crucial in imparting the desired sophisticated and polished look to the finished surfaces. It’s easy to overlook, but trust me, concrete specialists are true artists; their attention to detail transforms raw material into functional beauty.
We are, quite frankly, ridiculously thrilled with the final outcome. It feels as though our entire property has undergone a spectacular “glow-up,” transforming into a legitimate, fully realized, and thoughtfully designed space. From the street, our home no longer appears unassuming or unfinished; instead, the new, generously sized pool area radiates an inviting and intentionally planned aesthetic, significantly enhancing our home’s curb appeal and overall functionality.
The inherent durability of concrete also makes this a remarkably intelligent long-term investment. As I previously mentioned, the inspiring project that guided our design decisions is now three decades old and continues to look absolutely stunning. Industry estimates suggest that expertly poured concrete can endure for over 50 years! This commitment to robust, long-lasting materials, much like our choice of no-rot Trex for all our decking, is a conscious strategy to fortify our home against the often-harsh outdoor elements prevalent in our area, ensuring beauty and function for decades to come.
These expansive concrete pathways, as you’ve glimpsed in some of the photographs, represented a substantial undertaking that extended well beyond the confines of just this newly fenced pool area. However, before we venture beyond our immediate pool zone, let’s shine a spotlight on one final, truly transformative addition to our backyard oasis.
Step 4: Creating a Captivating Sunken Firepit Area
Given that some of the existing fixed elements within our landscape – notably the house foundation and the expansive roots of our beloved big oak tree – resided at varying ground levels, we carefully decided that the firepit area would benefit from being positioned lower than both the pool deck and the new platform deck. Specifically, we opted to level it with the base of the grand oak tree. Lowering the firepit zone by approximately 15 inches proved to be a masterful design stroke. This strategic elevation difference not only beautifully delineates the various functional areas within the space but also artfully creates a welcoming, sunken lounge area. This unique design element perfectly complements the modern ’70s vibe that our house subtly exudes. Groovy, baby. Peace, love, and s’mores for everyone!
The newly defined firepit area proved to be generously spacious, comfortably accommodating two additional Adirondack chairs. Where we previously had seating for only four in its former location, we now comfortably seat six around the fire, with ample bonus seating available at the nearby dining table and on the comfortable lounge chairs. Our choice of Adirondack chairs, crafted from incredibly durable no-rot polywood, has been nothing short of fantastic. We’ve been exceedingly pleased with the four chairs we’ve owned for nearly three years – they still look absolutely brand new, showing no signs of fading or material degradation whatsoever. Therefore, acquiring two more was an effortless and confident decision.
The firepit itself is a highly efficient Solo Stove, ingeniously designed to produce a nearly smoke-free burn, a welcome departure from the often-overpowering smoke associated with traditional campfires. We have been incredibly satisfied with its performance. We own the Bonfire size, which fits impeccably on one of those repurposed old concrete pavers that once formed our temporary walkways. We then created a decorative and functional border by surrounding it with a ring of pristine marble chips. This setup negates the need to purchase the dedicated Solo Stove stand (which is absolutely essential if the firepit is placed on any wooden decking or mulch to prevent damage). However, we do highly recommend and own the metal lid, which is visible in the image above, offering both protection and a sleek finish.
The strategic relocation of both the pool and the firepit to the same side of the house has resulted in an enormous upgrade to our outdoor living experience, particularly now that summer is in full swing and this side of our home is in constant use. The children absolutely adore having their friends over for exhilarating night swims, while we adults can comfortably unwind and socialize by the inviting glow of the fire. And yes, I fully understand that a firepit in summer might sound unusual, but the cozy ambiance it provides, coupled with the irresistible allure of s’mores, makes every evening a perfect opportunity for enjoyment (and for those adventurous palates, check out some of our favorite s’mores hacks – including delicious savory options!).
You’ll also notice the thoughtful addition of some plug-in LED cafe string lights, which complement our otherwise fully solar-powered lighting setup in this area. We desired a bit of extra, focused brightness specifically for the firepit and dining zones. These string lights are conveniently Alexa-enabled, allowing us to effortlessly illuminate them whenever we’re outdoors, enhancing the ambiance and functionality of our newly transformed space.
As mentioned earlier, a parallel component of this extensive project involved establishing a proper parking space and front walkways for our home. We recently offered a sneak peek of these exciting developments to our email newsletter subscribers. That dedicated blog post is almost complete and queued up for publication next week – just a few final photos to add! So, definitely stay tuned for more outdoor transformation inspiration.
It brings immense satisfaction to reflect upon all the distinct stages of our pool area’s evolution and to finally experience it as a truly finished, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing space. Projects of this scale, sometimes spanning years and involving significant changes like relocating a fence, can indeed feel lengthy and winding. However, I can attest that these extensive, thoughtful evolutions invariably lead to profoundly rewarding outcomes. We genuinely couldn’t be happier with our new, expansive backyard oasis.
Discover More Inspiring Outdoor Transformations!
Eager to explore additional exterior updates and innovative projects we’ve undertaken at our home? Dive into these related posts to catch up on our comprehensive outdoor design journey:
- Dramatic Before & Afters of Our Home’s Exterior Makeover
- Enhancing Functionality: Adding a Door to Create a Kitchen Grilling Porch
- A Deep Dive into Adding a Pool: The Process, Challenges, and Costs Involved
- Our Serene and Low-Maintenance Upper Deck: Design and Material Choices
- Revitalizing Our Unique Outdoor Shower: A Breath of Fresh Air
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install a Charming Hanging Porch Swing
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