DECATUR DECK & BACKYARD RETREAT
From Bare to Blissful: A Decatur Backyard Built for Relaxation
Southern Outdoor Design saw the vision and potential for this Decatur family and brought their dream to life.
The Client
This project was designed for a couple in Decatur, GA who were ready to reimagine their backyard from the ground up. Their existing space was worn and underwhelming — an old rotted deck, patchy ground with no grass, and no visual interest. They craved something more inviting, more complete — a personal retreat where they could relax, host, and feel proud of their outdoor environment.
The Situation
The original deck was not only outdated, but structurally compromised and unsafe. The rest of the yard felt neglected: no usable lawn, no color, and no sense of flow or destination. The couple was frustrated and ready for a fresh start — a full outdoor transformation that would make the space feel like a true getaway without ever leaving home.
The Dream
The goal was to bring their backyard to life with a balance of structure, softness, and function. The couple envisioned:
A new deck with clean lines and modern comfort.
Partial shade for lounging on sunny days.
A cohesive flow that tied together seating, pathways, and fire pit elements.
Privacy and greenery, with lawn and planting areas that added beauty and calm.
A space that felt like a resort, not just a yard.
How Southern Outdoor Design Delivered This Decatur Dream Backyard
With a full design-to-delivery approach, we took this backyard from lifeless to luxurious.
Key Solutions Provided:
Gabled Roof
Built a gabled roof structure to provide shade over the new deck, creating an outdoor living space that’s usable in all seasons
Wrap-Around Steps
Constructed wrap-around steps to extend the deck’s footprint and enhance flow between levels
Slate Ship Path
Installed a slate chip path that connects the deck to a custom-built fire pit zone, encouraging movement and creating defined gathering areas
Privacy Fence
Added a new pressure-treated privacy fence for a clean, secure perimeter
Sod & Fresh Plantings
Laid down fresh sod and added a thoughtful mix of evergreens and seasonal color for visual interest and year-round beauty
Everything was planned with intention, from the placement of plantings to the angle of the stairs — delivering not just a prettier yard, but a functional outdoor lifestyle.
The Results: Mission Accomplished
Rotting and bare to private escape!
The transformation was dramatic. The once-rotted deck and bare yard gave way to a clean, structured, and welcoming outdoor environment. The couple now has a private, relaxing escape steps from their back door — a place to unwind, entertain, and enjoy the seasons in style.
They were thrilled with how the final product reflected their original vision — but elevated it in ways they hadn’t expected. By trusting Southern Outdoor Design to guide the project from the very first sketches to the last planted flower, they were able to achieve a space that truly feels like home — and like vacation, all at once.
Before
After
Southern Outdoor Design handled the entire project from start to finish. It was SO REFRESHING not having to deal with multiple contractors.
Jessica H. | Roswell, GA
