Ideas to Transform Your Side Yard into a Patio, Retreat, or Play Space

Often overlooked, the side yard holds untapped potential for extending your living space or adding a bit of fun to your yard. Transforming this narrow strip can revitalize how you enjoy your outdoor space, whether you're aiming for relaxation, play, or a bit of both. 

Here are some creative ideas to turn your side yard into a charming and functional patio or outdoor oasis.

Patio Expansion

If you find your current patio too cramped, consider expanding it into the side yard. This not only gives you more space to relax and host but also enhances the overall appeal and usability of your backyard. 

A well-designed patio extension can include various seating options, from cozy lounge chairs to a full outdoor dining set, offering additional space to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

And expanding the patio into the side yard is actually easier than it might sound!

A hardscape professional can easily extend your existing patio surface by laying down matching pavers, ensuring a seamless transition between the old and new sections. It’s a relatively simple process that can drastically increase the total size of your patio, provide ample room for additional furnishings, and bring some your backyard living around the corner, enhancing your home’s sense of welcome.

To improve the ambiance further, outdoor lighting can be installed to bring a warm glow well into evening hours. Or, to add an extra dose of nature and privacy, place planters filled with evergreens, flowering plants, or lush seasonal greenery around the perimeter. 

Personal Retreat

Speaking of privacy, imagine a mini-retreat right in your side yard. With your expanded outdoor space, one part of your yard could be transformed into a tranquil escape—perhaps complete with an outdoor chaise, a soothing fountain, and a privacy fence to create a secluded haven. It’s the perfect spot for morning coffee or your evening night cap.

Here are some items to consider in an outdoor space intentionally designed as a personal retreat:

Comfortable Seating: Place very plush lounge chairs under the shade of a tree or pergola.

• Soothing Water Feature: Install a small fountain in the center of the area, or off to one side. The sound of flowing water provides a calming atmosphere and masks external noises.

• Lush Plantings: Think landscape design! Surround your upgraded side yard space with tall grasses, flowering shrubs, and a mix of perennials to create a spa-like environment.

• Privacy Fence: Construct a high privacy fence using natural wood or decorative panels. This creates a welcome sense of seclusion in the side yard.

• Personal Touches: Add accessories like soft outdoor cushions, a small side table for books and drinks, and subtle outdoor lighting for evening relaxation.

Remember, the secret to elegant side yard living is to bring the indoors out! So think like you would inside the house, and include homey touches in your personal retreat.

Game & Sports Corner

If your side yard is relatively flat, it might be perfect for a play zone. 

Consider installing a jungle gym or a sandbox for the little ones. For older family members or friends, games like horseshoes, bags, or lawn bowling can provide hours of entertainment—even if space is limited. Keeping such lawn games on hand, or setting space up specifically for these activities, ads both functionality and fun to your outdoor space, making your side yard a lively hub for gatherings.

A popular example of this is a bocce ball court. This game court is relatively easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and can fit into relatively narrow spaces, making it ideal for a side yard. The court's surface can be created using crushed stone or fine gravel, bordered with wooden beams to keep everything in place. 

Bonus Tip: Make the Most of Every Inch

Turning a side yard into a functional space allows you to keep the main areas of your backyard open for larger gatherings—or simply enjoying the view. 

Here are some ideas to make the most of these often underutilized areas:

Vertical Gardening: Utilize vertical space by installing trellises or garden panels where you can grow climbing plants or hang potted herbs and flowers. This not only saves ground space but also adds more green, organic beauty to the space.
Multi-functional Furniture: If your side yard space is limited, invest in furniture that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, benches with built-in storage can provide seating while hiding garden tools or outdoor games. Foldable or stackable furniture can also be a great option, offering flexibility when the space is needed for other activities.

Defined Areas: Divide the side yard into distinct areas for different activities, such as a small seating area for relaxation, a narrow path lined with fragrant plants for a walkway, and a corner for a mini vegetable or flower garden. Organization makes the space feel larger and more structured.

Slimline Storage Solutions: Consider slim sheds or storage solutions that fit snugly against a fence or wall, minimizing the footprint they occupy. These can be used to store bicycles, gardening tools, and other outdoor essentials, keeping them out of sight and orderly.

Mirrors and Lighting: Strategically placed mirrors can make a small space appear larger, and they add an interesting visual element—especially outdoors, where they’re less expected. Combine this with good lighting to make the space usable at all times of the day and create a cozy ambiance during the evening.

Pathways and Paving: Design pathways that encourage flow from your main outdoor living space into the side yard. This can make the side yard feel more integral to the overall outdoor design, rather than an afterthought. For visual continuity, use pathway materials that complement the rest of your yard.

Your side yard doesn’t have to be a forgotten space. With a little creativity and planning, it can be transformed into an exciting extension of your home.

Need more inspiration and someone to take the lead? Contact us today to learn more about our products and schedule a consultation to let us help you achieve your backyard goals. 

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram. 

Freeze-Thaw Resilience: Choosing the Right Materials & Maintenance for Michigan Winters

Michigan winters are notoriously harsh, marked by frequent freeze-thaw cycles that can wreak havoc on outdoor surfaces. 5 things are crucial to Michigan homeowners hoping to withstand freeze-thaw conditions effectively:

1. Understand the cycles

2. Select the right building materials for your backyard building projects

3. Consider specialized solutions for our harsh climate

4. Learn the ins and outs of maintenance, repair & prevention

5. Consider installation & the long-term value of your choices

The best hardscape materials solutions— including interlocking pavers—will help ensure durability and aesthetic appeal throughout the freeze-thaw months. But what you need to know goes far beyond materials. Here’s our comprehensive guide, specially designed for our Detroit-area neighbors:

This cycle can cause significant damage to materials like asphalt and poured concrete, which may crack, heave, or sink under the pressure of repeated freezing and thawing. Which is why this type of paving material is referred to as a “rigid system,” versus a flexible paving system such as brick pavers.

Benefits of Diverse Paving Materials

As you may have guessed, the challenges of freeze-thaw conditions make choosing the right paving material about more than aesthetics. Your choice will also help ensure durability and functionality throughout the seasons. When the weather tests the limits of building materials, as often happens in Michigan, the choice becomes even more critical. 

Good news: interlocking pavers offer unique benefits that make them particularly suitable for dealing with harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Let’s talk specifics on these materials, and explore how they stand up to Michigan’s challenging climate and contribute to a long-lasting, beautiful landscape. 

Interlocking Pavers

Interlocking pavers are a superior choice for those looking to mitigate the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. These pavers are designed to move slightly with changes in temperature, preventing the surface from cracking. Their flexibility is akin to a “give” that allows them to adapt to the shifting ground beneath them. 

Additionally, interlocking pavers are comparatively more resistant to de-icing chemicals, which many homeowners use for safety in winter—despite the fact that they can degrade other paving materials. 

While we strongly encourage you to seek professional guidance before selecting de-icing chemicals for your property, it’s certainly worthwhile to select a more resilient material from the get-go. And if damage has already occurred, interlocking pavers’ ease of repair and wide range of aesthetic options make them an attractive choice for any property.

Consider an example of a residential area in Sterling Heights, Michigan, where homeowners frequently face the challenge of maintaining their driveways through harsh winters:

A homeowner opted to replace an old asphalt driveway with interlocking pavers, and the choice was transformative. Not only did the new driveway resist the usual cracking seen in previous winters, but it also withstood the heavy use of de-icing salts that previously led to surface degradation. 

The pavers’ jointed design allowed them to flex with the freeze-thaw cycle, preventing any significant damage. Additionally, when a section near the street was disturbed by city utility work, the ability to remove and then precisely replace the affected pavers without visible patchwork or mismatch kept the driveway looking seamless and newly laid. 

In the end, luxury driveway pavers, specifically, are not only durable but also versatile in design, making them ideal for those seeking to install materials that combine elegance with resilience. And for a classic look, you can choose pavers that mimic the appearance of old cobblestone, adding timeless charm to any driveway or pathway.

Specialized Solutions

When it comes to enhancing the functionality and safety of your outdoor spaces, the above materials can be complemented with innovative systems designed to tackle specific challenges posed by Michigan's winter weather. 

Heated Driveway Systems

Heated driveway systems are a luxurious complement to both interlocking pavers and natural stone surfaces like Bluestone. These systems prevent ice accumulation, making driveways safer and easier to maintain during winter. They work by heating the driveway from below, ensuring that snow and ice do not settle on the surface.

Permeable Paving Systems

Permeable pavers offer an eco-friendly solution to managing runoff and ice formation. These systems allow water to percolate through the surface and into the ground below, reducing the risk of water pooling and refreezing. This feature not only enhances safety during icy conditions but also helps manage water more sustainably.

Maintenance, Repair, and Prevention

One of the most significant advantages of interlocking pavers is their ease of maintenance. As mentioned above, these pavers can be individually replaced if damaged, which is far less cumbersome and expensive than repairing a whole slab of concrete or asphalt. 

As an example of maintenance ease, imagine a scenario where a tree root has grown under a section of your patio, causing several pavers to shift out of place. Unlike a concrete slab, which would require a large section to be broken up and re-poured, only the affected pavers would need to be removed. Then, a quality hardscape specialist would install a root barrier—a plastic system that lines the area below your hardscape, helping to prevent roots from entering in the first place.

And here’s a great bonus: after removing the root issue, the same pavers can often be reinstalled! This maintains the hardscape’s aesthetic without the need for costly new materials.

Or consider a driveway or a large commercial plaza where heavy traffic can lead to wear and tear. With interlocking pavers, individual pavers that show signs of distress or damage from heavy vehicles can be replaced singularly or in sections, without the need for an entire overhaul. This significantly reduces maintenance costs over the hardscape’s life cycle.

Prevention

Since prevention is the best medicine, here are a few protective measures you can take to help prevent freeze-thaw damage before it starts:

• Keep your hardscapes clear of leaves to prevent staining and remove added moisture

• Clean your drains and gutters to prevent overflow

• Keep up with snow removal

• Make wise de-icing choices (talk to a professional!)

Freeze-Thaw Damage

If freeze-thaw damage has already occurred, the best thing to do is reach out to a hardscape expert for initial advice—and take action quickly, before the situation worsens. 

Installation Tips and Long-Term Value

Proper installation is key to maximizing the durability and effectiveness of paving materials. It’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand how to lay pavers correctly, helping your materials withstand the rigors of Michigan’s climate. 

Investing in high-quality materials and professional installation can significantly increase the lifespan of your hardscape, providing long-term value and reducing future maintenance costs. Here are some key installation points to ask about:

Preparation of a Stable Base: 

This includes proper excavation to the required depth and the use of proper compacted materials, based on the unique application and soil types. Proper preparation will create a stable base, preventing settling and shifting during freeze-thaw cycles.

Planning for Proper Drainage: 

Your installer should incorporate slope into the design, to facilitate water runoff. If necessary, they should install drainage systems to prevent water pooling, which can lead to ice formation and surface damage.

Precise Leveling and Compaction

Use of precise leveling tools ensures an even surface. Your hardscape team should compact each layer of material thoroughly to eliminate air gaps and ensure a solid foundation. 

Accurate Laying of Pavers or Stones: 

Pavers or stones should be placed correctly & according to the planned design. Then, materials should be cut and adjusted to perfectly fit the layout and space.

Filling PaverJoints: 

A high-quality hardscape team will apply the appropriate amount of polymeric sand between pavers or stones, then compact the sand in the joints to prevent weed growth and shifting. As a bonus, once this sand is cured and hardened, the polymeric sand will help shed water off of the hardscape.

Quality Materials and Supplies: 

Your hardscaping specialist should be able to advise you on the best materials for your vision and the needs of our Michigan climate, recommending high-quality pavers, stones, and other installation materials that are suitable for our local environment and your intended use.

With the right installation and maintenance, these materials can transform any outdoor space into a durable and stylish landscape.

Are you considering upgrading your driveway, walkways, or patio with high-quality paving solutions? For over 30 years, Decra-Scape has been bringing fine craftsmanship to outdoor living spaces, setting the standard for luxury-landscape environments. 

Contact us today to learn more about our products and schedule a consultation to find the best materials for your needs. Let us help you create a beautiful and enduring landscape that you will enjoy year-round.

For more inspiration, check out our gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram. 

7 Simple Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Ultimate Entertaining & Leisure

Transforming your backyard into an outdoor entertainment oasis can make hosting culinary gatherings—from casual family barbecues to elegant dinners under the stars—a delightful and memorable experience. 

But while we’re huge fans of elegant, custom kitchens that provide a striking and expansive backyard entertaining mecca, we also know that this size project is not the best first choice for every homeowner. So as an alternative starting point, here are 7 simple outdoor kitchen ideas that will expand your outdoor options and elevate your backyard space:

1. Design an Efficient Work Triangle

In kitchen design, the work triangle concept involves strategic placement of the stove, sink, and refrigerator to achieve optimum food-prep function.

What makes it simple: This doesn't require extensive renovations or a large space, but rather thoughtful planning to ensure that these key elements are well-positioned for ease of use and movement. Design your space with no barriers blocking your paths between these 3 cooking areas, and you’ll make preparing meals and entertaining outdoors more efficient, enjoyable, and user friendly.

2. Select High-Quality Appliances

Choosing the right appliances doesn’t mean going for the most expensive or the largest. Rather, it’s about selecting a few high-quality, durable appliances that meet your specific needs. 

What makes it simple: A reliable grill, a compact outdoor refrigerator, and a versatile cooking element like a pizza oven can offer significant cooking capabilities without the need for a full kitchen setup.

3. Create a Dedicated Outdoor Dining Area

Setting up an outdoor dining area can be as straightforward as selecting a durable dining set that complements your outdoor space. 

What makes it simple: This one addition creates a functional and inviting area for meals without requiring complex structures or extensive space modifications.

4. Incorporate an Outdoor Fire Feature

An outdoor fireplace can be added in various ways, from portable fire pits to modular or custom outdoor fireplace units that set a beautiful tone of ease and leisure for your outdoor space. 

What makes it simple: Fire pits and fire tables are perhaps the easiest ways to add some glow to your outdoor kitchen vibe. These options provide the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace without the requirement for a custom, built-in structure.

5. Expand Your Living Space

Expanding your living space outdoors can start with basic elements like outdoor rugs, weather-resistant furniture, and simple cooking setups. 

What makes it simple: This approach allows you to gradually enhance your outdoor area without jumping straight into extensive remodeling or construction. Which means you can get a sense for how much you enjoy cooking and eating in your own backyard—before you decide how much to invest in a custom outdoor kitchen.

Read More: How to Make a Sloped Backyard Usable

6. Optimize for Entertainment

Sure, you may have long-term visions of open-air movie nights and exciting weekends cheering the big game on your outdoor flatscreen, complete with surround sound. But you can also start simpler by considering all your options. 

What makes it simple: Simple additions like a bar area or a designated spot for games can significantly improve the entertaining potential of your outdoor space—even with minimal effort. Optimizing your outdoor kitchen for entertainment can start simple—with a Bluetooth speaker system and good lighting—and expand from there. 

7. Enhance with Lighting and Shelter

Outdoor lighting + some shelter = truly bringing the indoors out. 

What makes it simple: For shelter, consider retractable awnings or a simple pergola that can provide protection from the elements, both of which can be installed with relative simplicity. Adding lighting can also be as straightforward or customized as you like. You might start by simply incorporating solar-powered lights or string lights to up the cozy ambiance. 

Bonus Tip: Incorporate Sustainable Practices

Sustainability starts with small steps, like choosing LED lighting, using local professionals, and installing rain collectors and gauges for water conservation. 

What makes it simple: These practices are not only easy to implement but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable outdoor kitchen environment.

By focusing on these simplified approaches, homeowners can begin enjoying the benefits of an outdoor kitchen without the immediate need for complex or costly developments, making the dream of outdoor living more attainable and enjoyable from the day your ideas begin percolating.

Have more questions about your future outdoor kitchen? We’d love to discuss the options with you. 

For more inspiration, check out the gallery of our work, read more on the blog, or catch up with us on Instagram.

Spotlight on Firelight: Gallery of Outdoor Fireplace & Fire Pit Materials

Michiganders know a thing or 2 about the importance of fireside living. Evenings spent lingering by a warm hearth or gathered around a friendly fire pit are part of our Mitten State identity. And the chillier the day (we’re talking to you, February), the more these memories warm our hearts. 

The joy of a backyard fire feature is that it’s just as delightful on a snowy winter afternoon as it will be during a height-of-summer night. So now’s the time to gather glowing inspiration—and get planning.

Here, we’re sharing beautiful concepts as well as tips and insights on what materials to choose for your fire pit or outdoor fireplace, so you can make smart and stylish choices. Because whatever the weather, fire features are both an aesthetic focal point and a functional gathering place, bringing warmth and light to your outdoor space all year round.

Stone fire pit in Detroit suburbs next to a pool and Michigan lake

On top of form and function, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces deliver the gift of expanded time outside. One fire element can transform your entire fresh-air living area into a space that can call to you in any season. 

What’s the key to choosing the right look? Partner with a hardscaping company that blends meticulous craftsmanship with an unwavering commitment to bringing your vision to life, tailoring every detail to your tastes, needs, and the style of your home. 

Important factors to consider include:

• The distinctive shape of your structure

• The unique colors and textures of your materials

• How the stone you choose will weather our freeze-and-thaw climate

• How the selected materials will conduct and retain radiant heat

• How your fire feature will blend in or stand out with surroundings—including landscaping, other hardscape elements, or your home

Fire pits And Fireplaces: What’s The Difference? 

Either a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace will elevate your outdoor space, but each offers a distinct vibe. 

A fire pit usually sits in an open space, centrally located in the backyard. It is designed for gathering, roasting frankfurters and marshmallows, and even breaking out the guitar and sharing a few fireside songs. Fire pits are interactive features that deliver casual, communal charm. 

An outdoor fireplace, meanwhile, typically has a more enclosed design. It’s often built into a wall, creating a focal point for relaxation. And it brings your outdoor space a touch of sophistication—an elegant yet welcoming gathering place.

Outdoor fireplace in Birmingham Michigan

Best Outdoor Fireplace & Fire Pit Materials

You can design your fire pit or outdoor fireplace to seamlessly integrate with your existing space—or to stand out in contrast, making a bold statement. 

The materials you use for your fire pit or outdoor fireplace will play a pivotal role in defining its character and how it blends in with or stands out from your overall outdoor aesthetic.

At Decra-Scape, we pride ourselves on fine craftsmanship and excellent quality, so we typically recommend either natural stone or brick for outdoor fire features. Let’s look at each option in a bit more detail:

Natural Stone

Natural stone stands out as the predominant choice for outdoor fireplaces, offering versatility in 

• Color

• Size

• Style

• Shape 

Whether you're aiming for a rustic, contemporary, or traditional look, natural stone can be the answer, providing a timeless and elegant option.

Brick

Opt for brick to evoke a traditional or historic ambiance, particularly if your home also has a brick exterior—or if you would like your fire feature to standout by using contrasting materials. In either case, incorporating brick into your overall aesthetic is a classic and strong choice.

Whether it’s a cold winter or a warm summer, outdoor fire features can extend enjoyment of your outdoor space—and deliver striking year-round beauty. 

Get in touch with a design consultant today to begin exploring how you can give your backyard the gift of warmth and light.