How to Plan Your Dream Backyard: A Step-by-Step Guide

07 Feb How to Plan Your Dream Backyard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted at 11:00h in Uncategorized by Abby Bumpus

New Year, New Backyard

As you step into the new year, are you looking around your backyard and thinking, this space could be so much more? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of hosting outdoor dinners, relaxing by a fire pit, or watching your kids play by a sparkling pool—but you’re not sure how to begin turning those dreams into reality. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.

At Easton Outdoors, we’ve worked with countless families who felt stuck at the starting line when it came to creating their dream backyard. We understand the concerns: How much will it cost? What if I make the wrong decisions? What if I don’t have the budget to do it all right now? We’re here to assure you that with the right plan, you can create a space you’ll love for years to come—whether you tackle it all at once or break it into manageable phases.

In this article, we'll walk you through:

Why winter is the perfect time to start planning.
The steps to take when designing your dream backyard.
Tips for working with your budget.
How to think about your space for the future.

Let’s dive in and turn that dream into a plan!

Why Winter is the Best Time to Plan

Winter might not seem like the ideal time to think about outdoor spaces. It’s cold, the days are shorter, and your backyard might not be looking its best. But that’s exactly why it’s the perfect time to start planning. Here’s why:

1. 1. More Time for Design: At Easton Outdoors, our building schedule tends to slow down during the winter months, which means we have more time to focus on creating thoughtful, detailed designs. This extra time allows us to really dive into the specifics of your space and explore all your options.
  2. Get Ahead of the Spring Rush: Once the weather warms up, everyone starts thinking about their outdoor spaces. By planning in the winter, you can be first in line for construction when spring arrives, ensuring your project is ready to enjoy by summer.
  3. A New Year, A New Goal: Many families set goals for the new year, and upgrading their outdoor space often makes the list. Winter is a great time to evaluate how you want to use your space and set a plan in motion.

click through to view a variety of backyard design plans

Step 1: Identify Your "Big Rock"

When designing a backyard, one of the first questions we ask is, *What’s your big rock?* In other words, what’s the most important feature or experience you want in your outdoor space? Think of it as the foundation of your design. Once you know your big rock, everything else can be planned around it. Here are some examples:

- - A Pool: If a pool is your ultimate dream, it’ll likely be the focal point of your yard. Other features, like patios or seating areas, can be designed to complement it.
  - A Fire Pit or Fireplace: Fire is the perfect centerpiece for cozy evenings. This feature often becomes the heart of outdoor gatherings.
  - Outdoor Dining and Cooking: Do you love hosting BBQs or outdoor dinners? A kitchen and dining area could be your priority.
  - A Shaded Lounge Area: Maybe you envision relaxing afternoons with a book or chatting with friends under a pergola or pavilion.

Get Inspired

Identifying your big rock early ensures your design will work for your main goal, whether you’re completing the project all at once or in phases.

Step 2: Plan for the Future

One common mistake we see is designing a backyard for right now without considering what the space might need in 5, 10, or even 20 years. Here’s how to avoid that:

- - Think Long-Term: If you know you want a pool eventually but can’t fit it into your budget today, we’ll design the yard to accommodate it in the future. This might mean leaving space for the pool and ensuring other elements, like patios or walkways, won’t have to be torn up later.
  - Phase the Project: It’s okay to tackle your dream yard in stages. Start with the most important elements and build out from there as your time and budget allow.
  - Consider Your Lifestyle: Will your kids want space to play? Are you planning to host large gatherings? Do you want a low-maintenance yard for retirement? Answering these questions will help shape a design that grows with you.

Step 3: Work Within Your Budget

Budget is often the biggest concern for homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Easton Outdoors, we like to think of the budget as part of the design puzzle. Here’s how to make it work for you:

1. 1. Start With Priorities: Once you’ve identified your big rock, allocate your budget to that feature first. If something needs to be cut, it’ll be a lower-priority item.
  2. Think Creatively: Sometimes, budget constraints can lead to innovative solutions. For example, if you can’t afford a full outdoor kitchen, we might suggest a smaller grill station that can be expanded later.
  3. Be Realistic: For larger projects, expect to invest at least $50,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the features you want. For smaller budgets, focus on one or two key elements, like a patio or fire pit, to create a functional space you can build on over time.
  4. Plan for Phases: By breaking the project into phases, you can spread out the cost while still working toward your ultimate vision. For example, install a patio and fire pit now, and add a pergola or outdoor kitchen later.

Step 4: Design with the Details in Mind

Once the big picture is in place, it’s time to think about the details that will make your backyard special. Here are some considerations:

- - Seating and Layout: How will people move through and use the space? Comfortable seating and thoughtful layout are key.
  - Lighting: Outdoor lighting can completely transform your yard, making it usable and beautiful after sunset.
  - Water Features: A fountain or spillway bowl adds soothing sounds and a touch of elegance.
  - Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and flowers bring life and color to your space. They can also provide privacy or shade.
  - Technology: Consider outdoor speakers, a TV for game nights, or smart systems to control lighting.

Why Exprience Matters

Creating a dream backyard isn’t just about picking features—it’s about how those features come together to create an experience. Over the past six years, we’ve built over 1,000 spaces, and that experience has taught us what works and what doesn’t. We’ve seen it all—from tight budgets to tricky layouts—and we love the challenge of designing spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

One thing we’ve learned is that the best designs come from collaboration. We want to hear your dreams, your concerns, and your vision for how you’ll use the space. Together, we can create a plan that fits your needs and budget—whether it’s a simple patio or a full backyard transformation.

Schedule a Call

Ready to Get Started?

This winter, take the first step toward your dream backyard by reaching out to us at Easton Outdoors. We’ll work with you to create a design that fits your vision, your budget, and your timeline. Whether you’re ready to build now or just want to start planning for the future, we’re here to help.

Let’s make 2025 the year you finally say, this backyard is everything we dreamed it could be.