Without knowing your lifestyle and how you plan to use this space, also not knowing how it connects to the entrance(s) to the home, I like the first one.

@Cynthia I imagine we'll entertain once in a while but not sure how often we'll use the space since it can get hot and cold outside. Our kids will likely outgrow hooping in the backyard soon since they'll need more space.

@chispa Good point about furniture being heavy.

A little of both. The hoop looks only to practice free throws and standing layups, so I would not design around it in such a small backyard.

The parts of 'A' I like are the feeling of individual spaces and an attempt at relationships of the "planters" with the deck. The firepit seating is proportioned well. The parts needing evaluated are the seating area is interrupted, the broad long step directs your attention to the utility area behind the garage, and I'm not sure about the circulation through the slider if it directs into the table.

The parts of 'B' I like is the broad long step into the yard and the space alotted for the seating area. Parts needing evaluated are the location of seating.

Not sure what is determining the length of deck, and BBQ placement, but design the outdoor hardscape as you would interior rooms - you need circulation, proportion, function, views/sightlines, and a concept (e.g. more than just a deck - an aesthetic item in itself).

@3onthetree Good point about treating the outdoor like the interior and considering traffic flow, focal point, accessories, etc. Any suggestions on focal points? We currently have a sunroom that needs to be demolished where the deck is drawn. Thinking of keeping the footing and turning it into a deck.

The secind one, for sure… it is more interesting and offers a more intimate feel while allowing you to have adevent amount of grassed yard …Add some greenery at the edges, like the first option and enjoy

Focal points: The (fence) landscaping beds kind of naturally create one when you have flowing curves or differentiating sections (e.g. the big curve in back or the section at the bottom) - they can be purposefully made into a focal point by plantings (e.g. colors/genus) or hardscape (e.g. flagstone drywall) if your concept is opening up to the yard. Or the design layout of the deck/patio areas create focal points ('A' has inward interest with varied shapes, 'B' is devoid). The planting areas on the patio in 'A' can also emphasize a view, as the firepit becomes a focus from both the 'L' shape deck and planting making a "corridor" between the firepit and seating lounge.

Many ways to direct focus, depending what it is and where you want it: focusing inward, staying on the use of the deck so your back is turned to the yard so to say; focusing outward into the yard or view; attracting focus away from an unsightly neighbor or cellphone tower; making a personal item like a koi pond or statuea focus; . . . .

First one.

I would design a backyard around a basketball hoop, absolutely. Our 4 played since toddler days, and 2 are playing in college, and they all go at it all the time in our driveway. One of my regrets is thinking a backyard "nicer" court wouldn't get a lot of use. It would've.

For those who play, the hoop is a destination in the backyard, and it promotes active outdoor play. I'm a big fan though not a skilled player myself. I can almost guarantee that at every barbecue you have, people will be shooting hoops, even if just fooling around.

So, is your hoop oriented in the best way it can be?Just orient it so the afternoon/evening sun isn't in your eyes when shooting. I'd rather give it a wider approach so you can actually play a little 2v2. It's not good to have just a key and not a whole 3 point line, at least. I mean, you've come this far, do it all! (haha)