How Outdoor Construction Solves Awkward Backyard Layouts

Whenever we think about the outdoor area of a house, an open, rectangular, sophisticated, and perfect design appears in our heads. But, in reality, the outcomes are not always the same. Some yards may have a sudden dip or a strip of grass with a narrow space.

Even a minor cut in the edge completely changes the appeal. And, unfortunately, most people end up having a bad landscape! They even think that they can’t do anything about it. Hold on! This is not the complete truth; we can redesign the complete layout just by making some minor adjustments.

This article is all about constructing a backyard that rebuilds your home’s exterior. So, come on, scroll up and see how to adapt construction to the yard rather than trying other ways! 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• An outdoor construction impacts the curb appeal of the residence.
• You will find different types of awkward backyard layouts.
• Hire professionals for any kind of construction work to elevate the space.

Types of Awkward Backyard Layouts

Some backyards appear tricky, and what makes them even more challenging is that you don’t always see why. 

Here are the most frequently observed layouts that create problems. 

Irregularly Shaped Lots

These lots are usually shaped like some type of triangle, or one of those weird two-dimensional geometrical formations you saw in math classes. And while they may look interesting on a plat map, you realize that you cannot do much with them (at least not at first glance).

You end up with corners that may not fit normal furniture and pathways that feel like someone squeezed them. 

It all ‘technically’ counts as square footage, but it is not (that) functional. 

Sloped/Uneven Ground

A sloped yard can be stylish, but it’s not that easy to use for everyday life.

 Soil moves over time, and the ground never quite feels steady under your feet. You’ll often be dealing with spots that sink/dip, and then if you minimize them, the situation only gets worse. You end up feeling a bit like Sisyphus (the one from Greek mythological literature, who was rolling a boulder uphill forever). Not ideal.

And if you live in a region of the state where there’s lots of rainfall, or you have hard freeze-thaw cycles due to cold winters, you may have these problems MUCH more often.

The issue here isn’t the slope at all. IT’s the missing (or weak) supporting under the slope, which you need if you want to stabilize the surface.

Narrow/Long Yards

There’s no room to do anything there, and privacy turns into a problem when you have neighbors sitting a few steps away on either side (especially if you are not on good terms with them… Yikes!). 

The potential’s there, sure, but the lack of dimensions makes the yard feel extremely limited. 

Limited Access to the Backyard

Sometimes, it’s not the physical layout that’s messing things up but the fact that you can barely get to the backyard. A narrow gate or a house built too close to the property line can stop larger tools and materials from entering the space. 

That means that every single project takes a lot more time and planning, and you might even need to change the construction method entirely to make it work. 

So, What Can You Do About It?

Well, to keep things short, the explanation lies in outdoor construction. What it DEFINITELY does not require is a major (landscaping) makeover.

The whole focus should be on developing stable and comfortable points that sit ON TOP of the layout you already have.

To do this, you could DIY everything. However, such DIY projects need knowledge of what you’re doing; you’ll ideally need to have a quiet experience, you’ll need to have lots of tools, and even if you finish, will the construction be safe long-term? 

There are many factors to think about if you want to go with the ‘more affordable solution’, which begs the question: “Is DIYing even worth it when it comes to projects like these?”

It would (probably) be best to spend money on professionals, show them what they have to work with, let them know what you want, and let them figure it all out. Businesses such as Fortress Construction (or a similar company that specializes in outdoor construction projects) deal with layouts such as yours often enough to ensure a successful project, which is what you most likely want.

The first area that typically requires to be sloped or uneven ground. 

A raised deck or a multi-level platform can turn a steep or bumpy yard into a flat surface where you can sit without worrying that you might fall over. 

Another perk of these elevated areas is that they keep the main activity area dry, since they lift it away from zones where water tends to collect. 

For more extreme slopes, what you can use is a retaining wall or terraced layout to help support the current layout. 

But for narrow yards, the layout (ideally) has to follow the shape, not fight it. This basically means things like built-in benches, long patios, and low railings to keep the space as open as possible – you get the gist. The same goes for tight sideyards. 

In case, however, the yard has limited access, you need a bit more planning. 

If you can’t fit machinery through a hatch or side passage, you may need modular sections and materials you can carry by hand. 

Conclusion

If you find yourself buying a house with an oddly shaped backyard, don’t worry. Wired/unconventional garden’s layout does not mean that you can’t do anything there, and you’re stuck with it as is.

What you require in this situation is a bit more imagination to make everything work.

Sure – you’ll lose a bit of space, it will not be 100% optimal, but it’s doable. And that’s the most important part. Hopefully, this article has started those ccog and sparked a few ideas, and – most significantly – has shown you that you CAN turn your backyard into something absolutely amazing.

Once you’re done, you may be pleased you did it because you’ll then have yourself THE perfect backyard you always wanted!

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