When a young couple in Dawsonville reached out to us about their backyard makeover, we knew we had our work cut out for us. Their newly purchased home had plenty of charm, but the backyard was in need of some attention. It required significant TLC to transform it into a space that the family, their dog, and guests could enjoy.
Before: A Backyard in Rough Shape
The main challenge was the deck. At first glance, it looked like a nice feature, but once we took a closer look, it became clear there were major issues.
The three-level wooden deck was being supported by a crumbling, rotted timber wall, and there was nothing but dirt underneath.
To make matters worse, the deck posts weren’t set in concrete and weren’t providing any real support. Without intervention, the entire structure could’ve come crashing down at any moment.
This wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a safety issue. With a family that loved to entertain, a little one running around, and a dog needing space to play, we knew we had to act fast and smart.
Discovering the Problems
Once we started pulling back the layers (literally), we found even more issues. The deck stairs had no real foundation, and the only thing propping up the entire structure was more decaying wood, set directly on dirt. It was clear we needed a complete overhaul.
But it wasn’t just the deck that needed work; the rest of the yard was looking a bit neglected, too. It was a fenced-in area that didn’t have much to offer and could definitely use some sprucing up.
The Vision: Creating a Safe, Functional Space
After assessing the problems, we knew we needed a plan that would not only address the immediate issues but also set the backyard up for long-term enjoyment. We brought in our architect, Scott McLendon, to create a design that would transform the backyard into a unified, multi-purpose space. Below are the designs that he created.
Backyard Makeover AFTER: A Beautiful and Practical Outdoor Hangout
One of the biggest changes was replacing the failing timber wall with a durable stone retaining wall. We got to work and used concrete blocks and stone veneer. The client requested a light, white look to keep things bright and airy. The curved wall design didn’t just retain the soil—it also helped create a separate patio area, perfect for entertaining.
Future-Proofing for the Family
The couple wanted to ensure that their backyard could grow with their family. In the future, they plan to install artificial turf in a lower section of the yard, creating a dog-friendly area that will stay green and mud-free year-round. For now, we focused on the essentials: stabilizing the deck, creating a safe and usable patio, and setting the stage for future improvements.
With the new retaining wall in place and the deck properly supported, the couple now has a backyard they can safely enjoy. The updated patio area is perfect for hosting friends and family, and there’s plenty of room for their child to run around. While the backyard makeover isn’t entirely finished—there are plans to add more features in the future—the transformation so far has been dramatic.
As you can see, we transformed a once-dangerous backyard into a space that this family will love for years to come.
