What are the secrets to working with a sloped backyard?

Is your backyard sloped? We all know that's not ideal for entertaining.

We can help! Believe it or not, it is possible to make your sloped yard into a living space that is both functional and beautiful. Go ahead, plan those friend and family gatherings! Brick pavers or Travertine can be installed throughout different patio areas, even those with altering elevations.

Check out the before of this backyard transformation we did in Bluffton, South Carolina! Our clients had a sloped backyard area that opened up to a beautiful waterview:

BEFORE: There was no space for entertaining or relaxing.

BEFORE: The slope made it difficult to walk down to the dock.

The view was stunning! But... the yard had a less than perfect space for entertainment and relaxation. When they called us here at American Paving Design, we were ready. We created a 3D drawing to show them how their new space would look. We planned to create an awesome transitional path to the dock with our vision for built-in paver stairs.

Plan showing the new paved area leading to the dock.

We were able to build the patio area up to meet the opening of their existing screened in patio. It was important to our clients to make the transition from the house to the new pavers simple. By working with the existing grade, we were able to determine what the new grade needed to be and started from there. All our patio installations include crush and run, sand, and then paver installation. Depending on what the project needs, we may also use a retaining wall to help build up the patio as it slopes down. This client used a Stonegate block under certain areas of the patio  to bring it up to height. These retaining wall blocks are ideal for yards with a slope.

AFTER: The new patio area offers plenty of space to entertain and eliminates the sloped portion of the yard.

For the raised patio area we used Tremron’s Mega Olde Towne paver in the Oak Run color. This oversized paver created quite the dominating look. We bordered the paver patio with a traditional 4x8 paver in Charcoal to create a contrast. When working with uneven surfaces, you need to keep in mind that installation and grade can be a little tricky. As you can see from our photos, we graded a subtle slope from the paver patio to the beginning of the stairs. This small landing space created the perfect transition space. We want to create a smooth and safe flow from the patio to the steps!

AFTER: New steps lead down the slope to the dock area.

As for the finishing touches... to make the patio area complete, we added a fireplace! Installing this beautiful fireplace with custom coping was the final piece to complete this new outdoor living space. 

AFTER: A firepit adds even more fun to the new, large patio space.

Just because your backyard is not a perfect flat surface, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way! Call us to find out how you can use a variety of hardscape materials and ideas to really create a functional and usable backyard.