Before and After Deck and Patio Makeovers
You don’t need a big backyard to have a grand deck or patio. Take a look at some boring yards that were turned into fabulous outdoor living spaces. (Plus, they increased the home’s value.)
Before: From Worn to Wow
This weathered deck looks as if it has seen better days. The new lattice around the sides does nothing to help the situation, it's like putting lipstick on a pig.
After: From Worn to Wow
Now, that's a beauty! The dual-level deck with separate cooking and living areas make this yard inviting and stylish.
After: From Worn to Wow
The fern-adorned pergola provides some shade and privacy to the structure.
After: From Worn to Wow
The vibrant turquoise cushions add a nice pop of color while the pattered deck floor provides a visual rug to anchor the space.
After: From Worn to Wow
The cooking and bar area are conveniently located on the upper level of the deck, close to the indoor kitchen.
Before: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination
The second-story deck off the kitchen is small and doesn’t provide access to the backyard. The homeowners have to run up and down the stairs every time they want to use the grill.
After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination
The second-story deck is expanded with a staircase leading down to the entertaining area. A dual water feature provides the serene setting with soothing background sounds.
After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination
For those cool nights, a gas fire pit was built into one of the stone planters.
After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination
The deck extends out past the pergola and onto a shaded stone walkway.
After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination
A bridge over the moat-like water feature leads to a private lounge area.
Before: Lakefront Lot
This plain deck is not worthy of its pretty stone house. It lacks personality, privacy and shade.
After: Lakefront Lot
This outdoor living space went from bland to vacation-worthy. Those lounge chairs are just calling for an afternoon nap. Clear glass was used on the upper deck so as not to obstruct the view of the lake from in the house.
After: Lakefront Lot
Picture this: You pull up a stool at this breakfast bar, sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the view of the lake. Ahhh, it’s a beautiful morning.
After: Lakefront Lot
The slatted pergola provides shade to the living area below. The white columns and furniture give this yard a relaxing beachy feel.
After: Lakefront Lot
Two-tone decking helps define each area of the outdoor living space.
Before: From Forlorn to Fiesta
What's green and beige and dull all over? This yard!
After: From Forlorn to Fiesta
Color and more color have been added to this once barren yard. Not to mention, a lot more function and style. Benches were incorporated in the wall of bougainvillea creating a perfect nap spot or plenty of seating for a party.
After: From Forlorn to Fiesta
The cinderblock wall was painted terracotta and stenciled with a bright orange pattern. To extend the wall up, multi-colored strips of wood were added to the top. The canvas swatches that adorn the pergola also add to the yard’s vibrant palette.
After: From Forlorn to Fiesta
A built-in bench and a row of hand-painted Mexican tile surround all four sides of the hot tub.
After: From Forlorn to Fiesta
The semi-circular bench provides plenty of seating so everyone can feel the warmth from the fire pit.
Before: Cute, But Underwhelming
This yard is nice with its lush lawn and semi-permanent gazebo over the patio dining area, but it is not very favorable for entertaining and relaxing.
After: Cute, But Underwhelming
The gazebo was given better surroundings with the addition of a large deck that holds a grilling area, dining table and living space.
After: Cute, But Underwhelming
Large planter boxes border the expansive deck. Above them, louvered panels provide shade and privacy.
After: Cute, But Underwhelming
Choose your fuel. In this cooking area you can go charcoal or gas. A mixologist will find stainless-steel prep station and drink blender quite handy.
After: Cute, But Underwhelming
There’s plenty of seating options too. Belly up to the bar or sit back in the living area and kick your feet up.
Before: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard
The bland patio and furnishings are not worthy of the thriving lemon tree that shades them.
After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard
The lemon tree is now at home next to the new pergola, pizza oven and patio.
After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard
Clay urns pour water down into the concrete fountain to help give the space a distinct Mediterranean feel.
After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard
Rebar was used to make the arched trellis that connects the raised planter boxes. Vined plants will eventually encase the rebar to shade the gravel walkway.
After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard
After dining on pizza from the pizza oven, guests can get up from the table and mosey over to one of the daybeds to take a nap.
