Mesa Backyard Transformation
From desert wasteland to luxury outdoor living space in 14 working days.
When the Henderson family contacted us about their Mesa property, they described their backyard as "an unusable desert wasteland." After 12 years of neglecting their outdoor space, they were ready to create the outdoor living area they'd always envisioned.
The Challenge
The 2,400 square foot backyard presented multiple challenges:
- Completely barren dirt with no vegetation or landscaping
- Poor drainage causing water pooling near the house
- 6-inch elevation difference from patio to yard
- Existing concrete patio in poor condition with cracking
- No shade structures or functional spaces
Design Solution
Phase 1: Foundation Work
We began by addressing drainage and grading issues. The entire yard required excavation to proper depth, installation of drainage systems, and creation of appropriate slopes away from the house.
Phase 2: Hardscape Installation
The design incorporated multiple functional zones:
Extended Patio Area: We demolished the old concrete and created a 600 square foot paver patio using cool-surface technology pavers in a modern linear pattern.
Artificial Turf Zone: 800 square feet of premium synthetic grass creates a green, usable space without the water requirements of natural grass.
Pergola Structure: A 16x14 foot modern pergola provides shade over the main entertaining area with integrated LED lighting.
Fire Pit Area: A secondary sitting area features a modern gas fire pit surrounded by a circular paver design and boulder seating.
Project Timeline
Completed in 14 working days:
- Days 1-2: Demolition and excavation
- Days 3-5: Base preparation and compaction
- Days 6-8: Paver installation
- Days 9-10: Turf installation
- Days 11-12: Pergola construction
- Days 13-14: Final details and cleanup
The Results
The transformation exceeded the family's expectations. What was once avoided outdoor space is now the most-used area of their home.
"We feel like we added a 2,000 square foot room to our house. We're out here every evening, and our summer parties are now actually enjoyable." - Sarah Henderson
Investment Details
Total project cost: $47,500
This included all materials, labor, permits, and a 5-year installation warranty. While not inexpensive, the Hendersons noted that this represented less than 10% of their home's value while dramatically improving their quality of life and property value.
One Year Later
We checked in with the Henderson family a year after completion. The space had required minimal maintenance—occasional turf rinsing and paver cleaning—and was performing exactly as designed. Their water bill had decreased by approximately $150/month from eliminated irrigation.
Most importantly, they reported using their backyard daily, with the covered patio area providing comfortable outdoor space even during the hottest summer months.