Pool Deck, Pavilion Bar & Front Yardin La Plata, MD

This La Plata backyard already had the big pieces in place: an inground pool, a brick pool pavilion and plenty of hardscape. Years of weather had worn all of it down. The pavers had shifted, the wall caps were tired and the bar under the pavilion needed a full rebuild, so we tore it out and started fresh.

We pulled up every old paver around the pool, the pavilion, the back patio and the walkways, about 2,400 square feet in all. In their place went Techo-Bloc pavers in a light grey with a dark charcoal border. We also gave the seat walls new matching caps, so the whole backyard finally looks like one design instead of pieces added over the years. Around the pool we added new coping, a new black aluminum fence and gates, and drainage underneath so rain runs away from the deck instead of sitting on it.

The pavilion got the biggest upgrade. We built a new bar with granite countertops, a working sink and outdoor outlets, and redid the fireplace hearth. New steps and railings make it easier and safer to get around. Lights tucked under the wall caps and on the posts keep the whole space usable long after sunset.

The homeowners liked it so much they brought us back for the front yard. We matched the front walk to the new backyard pavers and built a curved stone wall around the garden beds. We filled the beds with river rock and stepping stones, and added path and accent lights that turn on by themselves at dusk.