Minnesota Landscape Design
Multi-level Colored Concrete Patio in St Paul
Nancy and Bob Verhey more than doubled the amount of useable space in their suburban St. Paul, Minnesota backyard with help from Southview Design. The Verhey's backyard makeover opened up the property, giving them more patio space and a fire pit with wood burning campfire. The project was completed in approximately five weeks, with help from concrete expert Doug Pietig of Southside Concrete." When Bob and Nancy first came to me, they really only used the deck," says Southview landscape designer Tim Johnson. "The backyard was too steep for much of anything."
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Before: pretty, but not practical. Although the backyard was spacious, a steep slope made this Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota back yard impractical for entertaining. The family spent most of their time on either the upper deck (left) or the walkout-level patio. Getting from one area to another was awkward, and there weren't enough spots to set up tables and chairs. |
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| After: a spacious outdoor living area features a colored concrete patio with firepit and faux finishes. Southview Design landscape designer, Tim Johnson, walked the site with the Verhey's, and discussed better ways to use the space. Together, they decided on a multi-level plan that transforms the deck and backyard into a spacious outdoor living room. |
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| The colored concrete patio. Wooden steps from the existing deck lead to the upper level "stamped" patio (a cost-effective alternative to brick pavers). On one side of the patio, a flagstone path leads through the surrounding planting bed to a grassy play area for the kids. |
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| The Fire Pit. Colored concrete steps lead from the upper patio to a fire pit which features a seat wall and wood burning campfire. A second set of steps leads to the walkout-level (existing) patio. The space flows from the main floor deck, to the fire pit, to the lower level patio. |
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| Seat Wall and Firepit. The seat wall provides a comfortable and informal place for family and friends to gather around the campfire. The fire pit is situated safely away from combustible furnishings and building materials. |
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| Integral colored concrete. The concrete is colored all the way through. Integral color lasts longer than shake-on color, which is like icing on a cake. As the integral colored concrete ages, inevitable cracks and imperfections will be less noticeable because the color goes all the way through. |
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| More backyard space. From below the fire pit, you can see how the concrete wall was built up to create a level space. |
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| Lots of concrete. The concrete work took about three weeks (due to several rain delays). Landscape designer, Tim Johnson, worked closely with Doug Pietig of Southside Concrete on the concrete patio, steps and circular wall. |
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| Faux finish. The stone veneer matches the side of the house and unifies the design. |
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The result. A spacious outdoor living area where Nancy and Bob can entertain dozens of friends and family.
To learn more about how Southview Design can help you add outdoor living space to your home, contact us. |
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