The Foundation: A Large Patio
Phase one focused on creating the foundation of their outdoor living area. We installed a spacious patio using Techo Bloc 60MM pavers in the color Champlain Grey. These pavers are known for their subtle color variation and contemporary texture, which gives the space a clean and modern feel. To define the edge of the patio and add contrast, we bordered it with Cobble Stone Belgium Block in black. This added a crisp, finished look that elevated the overall design. One of the standout features of phase one was the white pergola, which we had built and installed by our trusted carpentry partners at From Start 2 Murphy.
A Raised Garden Bed to Grow In
We also constructed a large raised garden bed using Belgard Cast Stone Wall Block in the color Allegheny. The capstones on this bed were true blue Thermal Bluestone, sourced from Delaware Brick, which offered a beautiful and durable surface to top off the wall. To bring the space to life, we sourced plants from Mill Pond Nursery and installed a landscape lighting system from Ewing Landscape Supply. These finishing touches allowed the homeowners to enjoy the space day and night, in every season.
Updates from Deck to Patio
After living with the space for a couple of years, the homeowners had a better understanding of how they wanted to improve the flow and functionality of their yard. That’s when they brought us back for phase two. Their top priority this time around was to create better access from the house to the patio. The original setup required them to walk around the yard to reach the grill and outdoor entertaining area, which quickly became inconvenient. Their deck also needed an upgrade, both in style and structure.
New Deck Frame and Footer System
We started by tearing out the old deck and replacing it with a brand-new one built with Azek decking. The main deck boards were in the color Pebble Grey, while the border was done in Lineage Island Mist, giving the deck a clean, modern look that complements the rest of the backyard. Once again, From Start 2 Murphy handled the carpentry work with the quality we’ve come to trust. During demolition, we discovered that the existing deck frame and footers were outdated and no longer structurally sound. These are the kinds of issues you can’t always see until the work begins. We adjusted the plan and built a new frame and footer system to ensure the deck was up to code and ready to last for years.
Accessing the Outside Grill Area
The new outdoor grill area became a highlight of the space. We built a custom island and installed Bull BBQ products, purchased from Ewing Landscape Supply. This gave the homeowners a professional-grade cooking station right in their backyard, perfect for summer entertaining or weeknight grilling. We also extended some of the wall features from phase one to tie the entire space together visually and structurally.
To solve the original access issue, we installed Belmont Chilton Chiseled Bluestone Steps that lead directly from the deck to the patio. These steps, sourced from Galantino Supply, made a dramatic difference. Now, instead of navigating around the house, the homeowners can step directly from the kitchen onto the deck and walk straight down to the patio and grill area. This small change completely transformed how they use their backyard.
Outdoor Living Reimagined Over Time
This project shines as an example of what’s possible when clients take a phased approach. Rather than feeling rushed to make every decision at once, the homeowners were able to live with their outdoor space, better understand their priorities, and come back to enhance it in meaningful ways. Today, the space includes a stylish new deck, a large and versatile patio, a white pergola for shade, a custom-built-in grill station, a massive garden bed with thermal bluestone caps, and a complete landscape lighting system that brings the space to life after dark. It’s a fully realized outdoor retreat that’s both practical and elegant.
A Satisfied Homeowner's Review
The clients shared, “We have loved First Class Lawncare LLC for their lawn care and landscaping, but now they have gone above and beyond with our patio design and installation. Jake has an amazing eye for design! We couldn't be happier with our amazing patio, outdoor island with grill, gardening bed, and gazebo. We plan to do more work with them in the future!”