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Landscape Design Porches & Decks

Backyard Ideas/Improvements

2 years ago

Good morning. I am looking for ideas on improvements/makeovers I can make on the backyard area on a house we are buying this August. This house already has raised deck (approximately 13'x11') and a concrete patio underneath (also approximately 13'x11'). Ideally we'd like to be able to watch TV outside, grill, have a firepit, and buy a hot tub. House is in Kansas City area. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

frankielynnsie
2 years ago
How would you feel about adding a deck half way or so down that steep stairway? It would break up the steepness of the stairs and would make another entertainment area or a place for your hot tub.
midwestguy33
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks. I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to adding another deck halfway down, but it seems like a lot of added cost that isn't needed. I'm not too concerned about the stairs (they aren't very steep, we don't have little kids, and there is backyard access through the finished basement). Plus I would think the deck would need to be especially heavy duty to hold a hot tub.
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KW PNW Z8
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I’m not a huge fan of hot tubs - had one, didn‘t use it much & takes up too much space & too much work to maintain so I’ll leave that to others for comment. But, how about extending lower patio out quite a way to provide sun seating at ground level? And maybe create an interesting shape with it - round, not square. I’d also think about terracing the slope to create a seating wall, plantings to create softness, texture, privacy, interest etc etc & to not have to mow that sloped strip of lawn. I’m one who loves garden scapes so I’d be creating a planting bed along the fence on left side of pics too. Create some privacy and interesting views for that side of yard.Lawns need too much water, a valuable resource so my goal would be to reduce lawn, add combos of evergreens & perenniels for your area to create a lush, welcoming yard that you want to spend time in. If you have a dog that matches the size of that dog door in lower patio, do leave run & play space for it too!
Clari DG
2 years ago
I agree with Kw with adding to the lower level . It seems you have a lot of space for more entertaining and lounging . Adding some shape and finishing it with a nice fire pit
Barbara C zone 5b near KC - Eco Region 47f
2 years ago
Looks nice! I don't have personal experience with this company, but they have some nice project pictures that you might like for inspiration. https://www.houzz.com/pro/embassylandscapegroup/embassy-landscape-group.

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