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.)

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

Related To:

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.

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Before and After Deck and Patio Makeovers

Related To:

Before: From Worn to Wow

After: From Worn to Wow

After: From Worn to Wow

After: From Worn to Wow

After: From Worn to Wow

Before: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination

After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination

After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination

After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination

After: A Deck to Nowhere Gets a Destination

Before: Lakefront Lot

After: Lakefront Lot

After: Lakefront Lot

After: Lakefront Lot

After: Lakefront Lot

Before: From Forlorn to Fiesta

After: From Forlorn to Fiesta

After: From Forlorn to Fiesta

After: From Forlorn to Fiesta

After: From Forlorn to Fiesta

Before: Cute, But Underwhelming

After: Cute, But Underwhelming

After: Cute, But Underwhelming

After: Cute, But Underwhelming

After: Cute, But Underwhelming

Before: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard

After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard

After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard

After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard

After: Lemon Tree Needs a New Yard

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