24 Mar Transforming an Unused Side Yard into a Versatile Outdoor Space
Do you have a side yard that feels like wasted space? Maybe it’s that awkward strip of grass between your house and the neighbor’s fence, or a narrow path that’s part driveway, part walkway—but not useful for much else. You’re not alone. Many homeowners overlook these smaller areas, leaving them unused and disconnected from the rest of their outdoor space. But what if you could turn that forgotten corner into a cozy, functional patio where you could enjoy quiet mornings, host intimate summer barbecues, or gather around a fire pit on cool evenings?
That’s exactly what we did for a homeowner in Smithfield, VA. They had a side yard that wasn’t doing them any favors—just a patch of space that sat between their screened-in porch and a busy road nearby. They wanted more outdoor space, but they also needed something practical that wouldn’t become a muddy mess. The result? A beautiful, versatile patio that feels like a natural extension of their home.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- Why the side yard was the perfect spot for this transformation.
- How we turned it into a functional patio with privacy and flexibility.
- The key design choices that made this space so versatile.
- The timeline, cost, and process for creating a space like this.
By the end, you’ll have all the inspiration and information you need to rethink that forgotten space in your own yard.
Why Your Side Yard Deserves a Second Look
Side yards don’t get a lot of love. Most of the time, they’re too narrow for a garden and too small for traditional outdoor furniture. But ignoring that space means you’re missing out on an opportunity to add functional square footage to your yard.
Here’s why a side yard makeover makes sense:
More Usable Space: If your backyard is already tight, expanding into the side yard gives you extra room for relaxing, grilling, or entertaining. Even a 10-foot-wide area can become a cozy seating nook or a perfect spot for a portable fire pit.
Seamless Flow from Indoors to Outdoors: A patio that connects to your house makes it easier to enjoy your outdoor space. Whether it’s right off the kitchen, living room, or screened-in porch, you’ll use the space more often when it’s easily accessible.
Less Mud, More Clean Floors: Tired of tracking dirt and mud into the house? A well-designed patio eliminates that problem by giving you a clean, solid surface where grass and dirt once were.
Privacy and Noise Control: Adding a fence or landscaping around your new patio can create a sense of privacy and block out street noise—perfect if you live near a busy road or have close neighbors.
A Real-Life Example: Side Yard Transformation in Smithfield, VA
To give you an idea of what’s possible, let’s talk about a project we recently completed for a homeowner in Smithfield, VA. They had a side yard that wasn’t being used at all. It was a narrow space between their driveway and screened-in porch, and with a busy road nearby, it didn’t feel private or inviting.
Designing a Functional, Private, and Versatile Space
When it came to designing the space, we knew the homeowners wanted more than just a simple patio. They needed something that could adapt to different seasons and uses—whether it was grilling in the summer or gathering around a fire pit in the fall.
Key Features We Included
Paver Patio: We used high-quality pavers to create a clean, cohesive surface that tied in seamlessly with the existing walkway. It extended right to the door of the screened-in porch, making the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces smooth and natural. This included:
- 4-5 inches of base stone with 1 inch of #8 screed.
- Plate compacting the sub-grade, base, and pavers to prevent settling.
- Using polymeric sand in the joints for stability and durability.
- 356 square feet of
- Belgard London Cobble Pavers in the color Jefferson, laid in a classic herringbone pattern.
- We added a beautiful border using Belgard London Cobble in the color Chesapeake, giving the patio a clean, finished look.
New Drainage for Long-Term Protection: To prevent future drainage issues, we installed new drainage that connects both downspouts under the patio and directs the water all the way to the curb.
New Fence for Privacy and Security: To add a sense of privacy, we installed a new fence along the perimeter. As a bonus, we added landscaping along the fence line that will grow in over time, creating an even cozier feel.
- 45 feet of 54-inch tall Elite Aluminum Fencing was installed around the patio.
- The fence posts were set in concrete for stability, and we added two 48-inch gates over the walkway for easy access.
Flexible Fire Pit Area: Originally, the homeowner wanted a built-in fire pit, but because the space was only about 10 feet wide, we suggested a portable fire pit instead. This choice kept the space open and adaptable. In the summer, they can use the area for outdoor dining, and when the weather cools down, they can easily shift the setup for a cozy hangout around the fire pit.
Beautiful Landscaping to Complete the Space
An outdoor space isn’t complete without the right landscaping to soften the edges and make the space feel inviting. For this project, we carefully fine-graded around the patio and added a variety of plants to bring life and texture to the space.
Here’s What We Planted:
- 12 Mexican Petunia – Adds vibrant color and texture.
- 1 Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum – A low-maintenance shrub with a touch of color.
- 3 Dwarf Cassian Grass – Provides movement and texture.
- 3 Patriot Hosta – Perfect for adding greenery in shaded spots.
- 5 Junior Walker Nepeta – Brings a soft, fragrant touch to the landscape.
- 6 Variegated Liriope – Great for defining edges and adding contrast.
- 1 Lilac Azalea – A pop of color in the spring.
- 2 Empress Azalea – Adds long-lasting color and structure.
- 9 Japanese Pencil Pine – Tall, slender plants that add privacy and height.
To tie it all together, we added:
- 1 yard of shredded hardwood mulch to retain moisture and keep the plants healthy.
- 2 yards of 1-2 inch brown river rock to provide a polished, finished look.
Timeline and Cost: How Long and How Much?
If you’re wondering how long a transformation like this takes, you might be surprised by how quickly it can come together.
Timeline: From start to finish—fencing, landscaping, pavers, and cleanup included—this project took just over one week. In a matter of days, this homeowner went from an unused, forgotten space to a fully functional outdoor area that they can enjoy immediately.
Cost: The total investment for this project was $16,710. This price included everything:
- Paver patio installation
- New fencing for privacy
- Landscaping to enhance the space
- Power washing and cleanup after the job was complete
Our Process: How We Bring Your Vision to Life
When you’re ready to transform your side yard—or any outdoor space—our process makes it easy.
Step 1: Phone Consultation
We’ll start with a quick phone call to talk through your ideas, goals, and any concerns you might have. This gives us a chance to understand how you want to use the space and offer initial insights about what’s possible.
Step 2: On-Site Consultation
Next, we’ll come to your home (armed with a can of spray paint!) and map out your ideas right on the ground. This way, you can see exactly how the space will feel before any work begins. We’ll even move furniture around to help you visualize different layouts.
Step 3: Design Drawing
Once we’ve got a plan, we translate that spray-painted layout into a detailed design drawing. This step helps ensure everything fits and flows just right.
Step 4: Bringing It To Life
When the design is finalized, we get to work. And since we’ve completed over 1,000 outdoor transformations, you can rest easy knowing that no matter what you’re working with, we’ve got the experience to make it happen.
Related: How to Plan Your Dream Backyard
Ready to Reimagine Your Side Yard?
If your side yard is just sitting there, unused and overlooked, it’s time to rethink what’s possible. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy fire pit area, a place to grill and entertain, or just a quiet spot to enjoy your morning coffee, we can help bring that vision to life.
Get in touch today, and let’s start planning your perfect outdoor space.