How to Design a Backyard

Advanced 5 min 25 steps 33868 views Rating: 4.1/5 Published: 2026-06-07

Embrace your natural landscape instead of trying to change it.. Take into account the sun and wind patterns in your yard.. Leave trees in place if they don't pose a danger to your home.

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Steps

1

Embrace your natural landscape instead of trying to change it.

Step 1

Embrace your natural landscape instead of trying to change it.

2

Take into account the sun and wind patterns in your yard.

Step 2

Take into account the sun and wind patterns in your yard.

3

Leave trees in place if they don't pose a danger to your home.

Step 3

Leave trees in place if they don't pose a danger to your home.

4

Work with natural slopes whenever possible.

Step 4

Work with natural slopes whenever possible.

5

Allow 5 ft (1.5 m) for main walkways.

Step 5

Allow 5 ft (1.5 m) for main walkways.

6

Create borders from rock walls, fences, and shrubbery.

Step 6

Create borders from rock walls, fences, and shrubbery.

7

Include flower gardens to add pretty pops of color throughout your yard.

Step 7

Include flower gardens to add pretty pops of color throughout your yard.

8

Add shrubs if you want extra greenery.

Step 8

Add shrubs if you want extra greenery.

9

Plant trees for a long-term addition to your backyard.

Step 9

Plant trees for a long-term addition to your backyard.

10

Opt for native plants and grass for a healthier ecosystem.

Step 10

Opt for native plants and grass for a healthier ecosystem.

11

Use planters to add greenery to a small space.

Step 11

Use planters to add greenery to a small space.

12

Include plenty of comfortable seating.

Step 12

Include plenty of comfortable seating.

13

Choose a large outdoor table if you'll be dining outside.

Step 13

Choose a large outdoor table if you'll be dining outside.

14

Add a fire pit for a fun way to stay warm.

Step 14

Add a fire pit for a fun way to stay warm.

15

Build a deck or a patio to keep your feet out of the dirt.

Step 15

Build a deck or a patio to keep your feet out of the dirt.

16

Create a grilling area if you love to cook outside.

Step 16

Create a grilling area if you love to cook outside.

17

Don't forget to include lighting in your design.

Step 17

Don't forget to include lighting in your design.

18

Build a pool in your backyard if you love to swim.

Step 18

Build a pool in your backyard if you love to swim.

19

Make an area for the kids to play if you have children at home.

Step 19

Make an area for the kids to play if you have children at home.

20

Leave space for outdoor games if you're athletic.

Step 20

Leave space for outdoor games if you're athletic.

21

Prioritize the features that are most important to you.

Step 21

Prioritize the features that are most important to you.

22

Sketch out your backyard plan to see how everything fits together.

Step 22

Sketch out your backyard plan to see how everything fits together.

23

Create multi-functional areas if you have a smaller backyard.

Step 23

Create multi-functional areas if you have a smaller backyard.

24

Incorporate repeating elements to make a larger backyard feel more cohesive.

Step 24

Incorporate repeating elements to make a larger backyard feel more cohesive.

25

Start small if you're doing the work yourself.

Step 25

Start small if you're doing the work yourself.

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