We’ve all seen the lonely concrete patio that sits off the house as more of an afterthought than anything else. For homeowners Ben and Samantha Hart, the only selling point of their sore-thumb concrete patio was the sturdy surface it provided for their grill. Sure, they would step out the door to throw on the steaks, but then they’d retreat inside and venture out again only to flip them over and bring them in to serve. Outdoor living was definitely not happening here.
So how did they transform their lackluster patio into a warm and inviting outdoor living space without spending a fortune? With a clever landscape design that dresses up and extends the patio into the backyard and creates a great space for entertaining. Add to that sleek privacy screens for a feeling of seclusion in the once wide-open space. Strategically placed outdoor lighting and a cozy fire pit encourage lingering long after the sun sets.

Before

A bare 10'x10' concrete slab offered little incentive for homeowners to spend time in the backyard.

After

The once nearly useless patio now serves as a welcoming retreat that can be used as outdoor living space as well as a go-to spot for entertaining and summer dining.

The Projects

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