Ever looked at a tricky backyard slope and thought, What can I even do with this? That’s exactly the challenge our client faced—a steep, unusable section of lawn that dropped off sharply. They wanted to reclaim this space and create a cozy area to gather and enjoy nature.
Our solution? A rustic-modern firepit retreat! We tackled the 7-foot grade change by constructing a decorative big-block retaining wall, blending strength with beauty. To create a comfortable and stylish space, we used smooth gray pavers and a modern, yet natural looking block for the seat wall and firepit.
But we didn’t stop there! We also re-graded part of the lawn, gently sloping it toward the new space. This brought the gathering area closer to the house while still leaving plenty of room for the family to run and play. The finishing touches—landscaping, accent boulders, and lighting—brought everything together.
Fun Fact: A Last-Minute Twist!
After we built the main retaining wall and steps, the client decided they wanted a larger firepit area, expanding from 16 feet to 18 feet in diameter. But with each block weighing 800-1,200 pounds, moving the entire structure wasn’t the easiest solution!
Our creative fix? Instead of a perfect circle, we extended the seat wall and firepit outward, creating an elegant oval shape. To make the change look intentional, we added a black accent border along the outer edge while carefully scribing the gray pavers to flow seamlessly into the wall. This required precision craftsmanship, but the result was worth it!
The Final Look: Clean. Modern. Luxurious.
This project proves that with smart design and expert craftsmanship, you can transform even the most challenging landscapes into functional, beautiful outdoor spaces. So, if you’ve got a tricky yard, don’t count it out—there’s always a creative way to make it work!
