Today marks one year since our main patio area was poured and I can hardly believe it. We’ve done WAY more in one year than I’d ever imagined. Without further ado, I’m excited to share our backyard transformation at the one year mark!
Our Backyard One Year Ago
This is our backyard before we did any work. The builder handed it over to us with an (off centered) stoop and some grass seed.
After Our Backyard Transformation
I don’t even have words! It seems unreal that all of this was done in a year to be honest. On top of that, everything but the concrete and one strip of sod was DIY a.k.a. lots of money saved!
Shop Black & White Patio Umbrella // String Lights // Spare Bulbs // Lounger // Patio Table // Dining Chairs // Tiki Torches // Smoker // Garden Box
Isn’t she a beaut?! We seriously LIVE out here lately. Let’s break down how we got from point A to point B, section by section.
Stamped Concrete Patio
Last year I shared how we picked our patio stamp and colors, and we ended up using the same color and print throughout all ‘three phases’: our main patio, the fire pit extension and the walking path.
Shop Copper Solar Lights // Copper Dog Bowl // Raised Garden Box // Similar Clock
I also shared how we initially landscaped and mulched around the main patio once it was installed. You’ll see a lot of it has stayed in tact or even expanded.
You may also notice an accessory trend: copper. It started with these solar lights that I bought (comes in a 2-pack) for either side of the steps. They’re SO bright and make a beautiful starburst pattern on the ground. I was easily sold on outfitting our whole path with them. I have eight total throughout our backyard and highly recommend them!
Plants and Landscaping
One ambitious Spring day Kevin and I took off of work to plant arborvitae trees along the two side fences. They’re small now but will get to be fence height or taller so they’ll offer some hardy, lush greenery and a touch of privacy. We’re so lucky to love our neighbors but these aluminum fences are basically transparent!
Our yard is SO deep that on both sides combined we planted 31 total arborvitae trees! They’re planted four feet apart as they’re projected to potentially get that wide, and we wanted them to have proper space to grow. We use a tiller and a shovel but as Kevin will tell you, he wishes he rented an auger. They’re not expensive to rent and essentially just dig the hole for you. He also wishes we bought one because we’ve done a LOT more landscaping, but more on that later. 😉
Outdoor String Lights
I can’t sing the praises of these lights enough! We had a terrible 80mph+ wind thunderstorm run through a few weeks ago and you’d think nothing happened the way these lights held up. Between being a sturdy product and us securing them with these, they’ll be up there forever.
Shop White Lounge Chairs // String Lights
The only thing that took a few of them down was our red patio umbrella when it got picked up in a different wind and knocked two of them out, but that ones on us not tightening the umbrella enough. Luckily, we bought a 6-pack of replacement bulbs now so we have them in case they ever stop making these lights.
Patio Table, Chairs and Outdoor Kitchen
It’s not a fancy built-in outdoor kitchen (yet) but this space is highly functional. We cook and/or eat here several nights a week.
Shop Black & White Patio Umbrella // Patio Table // Patio Dining Chairs // Smoker // Similar Dining Chairs
We spend every second we can on our patio (I’m typing this from that end chair right now!) because with Chicagoland, you never know when your good weather will disappear. Our table is great at standing up to the storms but is out of stock online. Check the store finder feature for local online in store pickup availability, or check out this very similar table!
Backyard Lounge Area
This is still the most under construction area. We have our white chairs from that we still love (and got on mega clearance, which may happen again like last year, keep checking back), and are also storing/using his parent’s lounge chairs while they are mid-move.
Shop Similar Lounge Chairs // Similar Matching Dining Chairs
Eventually, the plan is to also get an ‘L’ shaped sectional for the corner and form a ‘U’ shape – with our chairs sitting opposite the sectional – around a gas powered fire table. This may not happen until next year depending on what we find on clearance this fall.
Backyard DIY Built In Fire Pit
There’s a standalone post on the fire pit coming soon. We installed it ourselves and have lots to share, but this is what the finished project looks like!
Landscaping is very scarce for now as this area receives a LOT of sun until about dinner time, so finding plants to stand up to it has been challenging. I’d love if you left any tips or plant suggestions you have for this area in the comments below!
Fence Mounted Solar Lights
Early on I imagined running similar string lights along the back fence but I’m so glad I found these instead. They’re solar powered, so no need to run wires, and look professionally installed. Ours are ‘soft white’ and our neighbors have them in ‘cool white’. Safe to say our two stretches of yard are very safe and well lit!
These mount on without screwing into the fence. Super ideal if you have aluminum or PVC fencing, or aren’t confident in drilling into your fence. Best of all, my no-drilling fence mounted solar lights are currently on coupon AND Prime!
Stamped Concrete Walking Path Sneak Peek
This path completes the third and final phase of concrete projects for our yard. Just like the main patio and the fire pit, it came out amazing!
I’ll be sharing more stamped concrete walking path content in a dedicated post, but here’s a peak at how it came out.
It runs from the main patio to the driveway, making moving around and doing yard work SO much easier.
What was your favorite part of the backyard transformation? Comment below with questions, tips or any other fantastic backyard material.
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