Homeowners in Roswell, Ga., worked with a local design/build firm to transform their unusable backyard into a getaway with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment area, spa and terraced gathering spaces. More than 2,000 square feet of new patio space was created during the three-month installation, and western red cedar was used for the pergola, ornamental accents and trim.

When Bruce Miller, president of Miller Landscape, first met with the Wilson family at their Roswell, Ga., residence, he was presented with a foreboding backyard that ended in a steep cliff at the rear of the property. Miller was tasked with creating an outdoor oasis that would allow the stresses and strains of everyday life to melt away.

Miller Landscape, a design/build firm based in Woodstock, Ga., has been creating memorable landscapes for residential and commercial clients since 1985. Miller's staff of designers, architects, and certified professionals work closely with their clients to create a project scope that represents each homeowner's vision for their outdoor space. The information is used to create working budgets and 3D designs, which become the basis of project proposals.

A new deck was constructed on the home's main level, providing an entrance to the main terrace and an additional 600 square feet of living space. An underdeck water containment system traps and redirects runoff that could otherwise cause staining and erosion issues.

"When possible, we use 3D AutoCAD design software for our client presentations," said Britany Heater, sales and marketing director for Miller Landscapes. "This allows our clients the opportunity to visualize how the many components of our project proposal will fit into their outdoor space."

The Wilson family's desire to create a usable outdoor living area required the installation of retaining walls to terrace the rear of the home. The site plan called for nearly 300 tons of crushed granite and high quality fill, creating more than 2,000 square feet of new patio space. "Having a space to entertain and cook out with friends and family was very important to our clients," Heater said. "Our client loved the look and texture of natural stone, so we worked very hard to include that finish throughout the project."

Nearly 300 tons of crushed granite and fill were installed to solve the steep cliff at the rear of the property, creating a functional space for the homeowners. Natural stone boulder walls provide transitions from the hardscape to the planting areas, and path lights illuminate the concrete steps that lead to the backyard from the side of the house.

The main retaining walls were constructed with concrete blocks, and the walls, columns and spa surround were faced with field-split Tennessee fieldstone in thin and medium stack combinations. "We selected Pavestone's Venetian stone Heritage series concrete pavers for this project, because they offered an Old World look that really complemented our overall design," the Wilsons said. Interlocking concrete pavers have many benefits that make them desirable over other patio decking systems, and are known for being extremely strong and durable.

Western red cedar was used for the pergola, trim and ornamental accents at the client's request. Cedar is usually not used as a structural component in construction, as it is weaker than redwood, cypress, and pressure treated lumber. Cedar, cypress, and redwood are useful when building outdoors, however, as they are resistant to insects and rot.

"Most of our designs also include a water feature of some kind. This can really add to the overall ambience of the space by providing natural water sounds that have help people relax and unwind," Miller said. This installation included a rushing stream from Savio, and incorporated river stones and meticulously installed plant material made to look as natural as possible. The pump and water are below the pebbles, eliminating the danger of open waters.

Venetian stone concrete pavers (Pavestone, Heritage series) were installed to add a grounded, Old World atmosphere beneath modern conveniences like the kitchen and spa. The granite countertop provides a prep area for outdoor cooking.

The project incorporated drip irrigation, using small tubing instead of underground piping and sprinkler heads and sending water directly to each plant, cutting down on over-spray and waste. Low-voltage outdoor lighting was used extensively, highlighting focal points and projecting a warm glow over the backyard.

The growing popularity of outdoor living areas can be attributed to one thing – homeowners never have to choose just one thing. Features can include outdoor kitchens, entertainment centers, drapery, fire pits, fireplaces, spas, pools and outdoor lighting systems. Nearly every amenity imaginable within today's home can be added to any outdoor space.