Our 8-Week Backyard Transformation: From Neglect to a Dream Oasis

When we moved into our home in May 2024, it was clear that the backyard had been completely neglected by the previous owners. Overgrown shrubbery, thick blankets of pine needles, and the most questionable "fence" imaginable greeted us. That so-called fence? A chaotic mix of rusty metal pipes, drawer slides, chicken wire, paint stir sticks, refrigerator grates, and even old dog crates. Needless to say, it had to go—immediately.

The Journey So Far: One Year of Hard Work

Before launching into this ambitious 8-week backyard transformation, we spent the past year carefully planning and making major improvements:

Fence Installation: After months of research (and struggling with our dog Zoey’s leash constantly tangling), we found the perfect fencing from Online Fence Store. To save money, we purchased unassembled panels and built them ourselves. With the help of an auger, we dug 42 holes and installed the fence over a weekend—one of the most satisfying DIY projects we've tackled!

Building the Gates: While the fence itself went up quickly, we delayed installing the gates for months. Once we finally got around to it, we were shocked at how fast the process was—only an hour! Lesson learned: just get it done.

Gazebo Assembly: After experiencing our first snowy night in the hot tub, we realized it needed protection from both the elements and the intense summer sun. We debated between building a wooden structure or buying a steel gazebo, ultimately choosing steel for its durability and low maintenance. If we did it again, we’d install the gazebo first—let’s just say Jake had to get creative hanging off ladders to assemble it over the hot tub!

Water Drainage Issues: January’s heavy rains exposed a major problem—we had disrupted the yard’s drainage with all our digging. Pools of water collected in the middle of the yard, leading us to install a French drain. While it helped, the issue persisted. After receiving a jaw-dropping $46K quote from a landscaper, we decided we’d tackle this next phase ourselves.

The Next 8 Weeks: A Full Backyard Patio Transformation

Now, we're diving into the most exciting phase yet: transforming our backyard into a functional, beautiful space. Over the next eight weeks, here’s what’s on the agenda:

✅ Excavating & prepping the area—digging out dirt and removing old brick ✅ Tamping & compacting the ground to create a solid base ✅ Installing a gravel foundation for drainage and stability ✅ Adding sand & carefully placing pavers for a stunning patio ✅ Finishing with polymeric sand to lock everything in place

This transformation has been a long time coming, and we’re beyond excited to bring it to life. If you're thinking of tackling a similar project, follow along as we share every step—the wins, the struggles, and all the lessons learned along the way. Stay tuned for updates as we break ground on our dream backyard! ✨