We are going to redo our backyard. We are outdoor people and our current backyard needs a lot of work (grading, new grass, drains).
We have a walk out basement and a deck off the main floor. I’m thinking I want to expand the upper deck and do a really cool outdoor living situation under the deck (tv, seating, fireplace, etc.)
My concern is that we will have wished we covered the upper deck because going downstairs is an extra step. My hesitation on covering the upper deck is I LOVE natural light and I hate that covered patios take away from the main living space light (it would block our kitchen and living room). I also like the idea of being on the ground level to watch the kids play (we have two toddlers). I’m hoping if we make the covered downstairs nice enough and put a fridge etc it will be convenient.
To anyone who uses an outdoor space, what are your thoughts? Do you use the under deck if you have it? Pros/cons? Anything you wish you would have done differently or would change with your current set up?
Here’s an AI inspo pic and current yard situation. Obviously there’s some issues with the scale of the deck and probably wouldn’t need stairs off the lower patio given it’s quite flat there.
Would love recommendations on things you would change, include or not include? Where to splurge and where to cut? My husband and I are handy just busy.
by Lower-Jaguar1887
2 Comments
What’s the budget? The ai photo sucks!
Expanding that upper deck is going to turn your walkout basement into a dark cave no matter what you do. If natural light is your priority building a massive ceiling over your lower doors is a bad move. Keep the upper deck footprint modest for grilling and a quick coffee then spend your real money on a proper hardscape patio that steps out from under the deck footprint into the open sunlight. That concept picture shows a massive clear span with no posts which requires steel beams and serious cash. You need to focus your budget on grading that heavy slope on the left and routing water away from the foundation before you even think about outdoor TVs.
If you do build out a living space under the existing deck you absolutely must install a proper under deck drainage system before you put the ceiling up or your outdoor furniture will get ruined the first time it rains. Keep in mind it gets loud down there during a storm and spiders love the dark corners. Since you are handy and trying to figure out scale run a photo of your actual yard through the GardenDream web app. It is a solid safety net that lets you visualize different patio layouts stepping out into the yard so you can test how far out you need to build the hardscape to escape the deck shadow before you start buying materials.
Once your grading is fixed and the patio is set you need to soften that harsh slope on the left with a sweeping mass of deep rooted native shrubs instead of trying to grow turf on a hill. A single continuous planting bed flowing down the grade holds the soil together and creates visual structure tying the upper fence line to the lower yard. Skip the scattered polka dot planting and plant in big connected drifts to create visual calm while giving the kids a clear flat lawn area to run around.