backyard Living space ideas
Cathy Konink_Leslie
4 years ago
I am trying to come up with a layout for our backyard. Currently, we only have a set of steps that we had to put in to pass our final inspections. We want a bbq area, an eating area and a sitting/ hang out bar area. Not really sure how to make this work. We have a septic system in the bark yard and the tank is to the left of the stairs (see picture)so this area would have to be accessible so we were think of leaving it a planting bed. Behind garage we would like to put a covered sitting area (see picture). We do not like the current steps and would like the dining area to be lower so we need to transition between house the this area. We are thinking the dining area would be on the right side of the steps looking towards the house. We would like paths of stepping stones between areas as I do not want a massive looking interlocking area. Really open to any and all ideas..
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Cathy Konink_Leslie
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Ideas for utilizing this backyard space?
Comments (9)You guys are really helpful, thanks. While we're in our yard here, what do you recommend to create some privacy? I'm thinking of some climbers or something on the fenceline, but would rather avoid a hostile kudzoo-style takeover of our neighbors' properties. If I had my way I'd save up for an 8' privacy fence all the way around but, being new to homebuying, don't want to miff the neighbors with such a drastic addition. That said, the existing trees will probably fill out here soon and create a reasonable visual block. How about something in the fence? Arborvitae are a bit formal and expensive for such extensive application (dozens of trees around perimeter, etc.)....See MoreIdeas for creating a flexible backyard space
Comments (3)How about a patio mat? Patio mat from Amazon They are really for camping and keeping dirt and grass out of the camper, but they'd probably work well for your purpose too as long as your chairs don't have pointy legs that could puncture the mat. We have one like in the link but they come in larger sizes. Water goes through them, doesn't kill grass under them, lightweight, and roll up easily for storage. The only downside is that they have to be folded before rolling and those creases don't come out - at least not in the short time we use it....See MoreLandscape ideas for small back yard space
Comments (0)We have 12' x 28' yard space between our back/outdoor living porch and our detached garage. It gets limited sun. This is what we look out at from the porch while eating/relaxing. We are leaning toward a flagstone type patio with grass, moss or similar in between the stones, (we had this in our former home). We plan to have a planted area along the garage. The second door at the back of the garage will be the access for lawn mower etc. We're considering a small step down with a larger landing area to accommodate that unless there was some type of natural looking ramp (ha!) we could incorporate. Not sure what to do at the end by fence as it slopes down. Plantings? Water feature? (we like more natural looking water features, not a fountain). Thanks in advance for suggestions/ideas....See MoreBackyard living space dilemma?
Comments (4)Your own interests and desires would be the primary determining factors as to what should be in your yard. Someone else could help you figure out what to build/install in order to best satisfy those wants and needs. It looks like you need a landscape designer or architect to help you with a master plan. If there is to be a roofed structure, you'll want to be cautious about its impeding views from the inside, or possibly limiting light to the inside of the house. It looks like there might be a subterranean entrance that connects with the patio...? Is the patio well used? It seems a bit distant from the grill area....See MoreCathy Konink_Leslie
4 years ago
PROYardvaark
4 years ago
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years agoCathy Konink_Leslie
4 years agoOk, I will try to answer your questions and have added new photos. We would like separate areas as we do not have much room right behind the house with the septic bed and tank area. The only area where we would be able to have a decent sized area would be behind the garage. We thought about having bar area here with outdoor seating/ lounge area. We would like a covered structure in this area. Dining area we would like closer to house maybe between where the stairs and the covered structure would be. We are not fans of being up high on a deck and would prefer patio but not sure how to transition from patio doors down to ground level. Another available space is to the right of stairs. Thanks Cathy
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