BOTHELL BACKYARD TRANSFORMATION
From Steep, Unusable Yard to Functional Outdoor Living Space
THE CASE STUDY PROJECT
Creating a Backyard the Whole Family Could Use
This Bothell property had a steep side yard and limited usable backyard space. The homeowners wanted a more functional outdoor living area for entertaining, a dedicated play space for their children, and better access between the front and back of the property.
THE CHALLENGE
Making a Difficult Grade Change Work
The existing slope made circulation difficult and left much of the yard underused, especially during wet weather.
The project needed to solve grade changes, improve access, and create enough level space for both entertaining and play.
DESIGN DETAILS
One Cohesive Hardscape Plan
Blue Ribbon Scapes developed a hardscape design that used each part of the property intentionally. The plan combined a paver patio, retaining wall installation, hardscape stairs, synthetic turf installation, raised garden beds, and outdoor lighting installation into one connected outdoor space.
The design went through multiple revisions with the homeowners before construction began, allowing the layout and materials to be refined around the family’s goals.
PROJECT DETAILS
What the Transformation Included
The existing slope made circulation difficult and left much of the yard underused, especially during wet weather. The project needed to solve grade changes, improve access, and create enough level space for both entertaining and play.
PAVER PATIO
A new patio created a defined space for outdoor seating, entertaining, and everyday use.
RETAINING WALLS
Retaining walls helped manage the grade and create more usable, level areas within the yard.
HARDSCAPE STAIRS
New outdoor stairs improved access between elevations and connected the front and back of the property.
SYNTHETIC TURF
Synthetic turf created a clean, durable play area for the family’s children.
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Integrated lighting improved visibility and made the finished space more usable after dark.
RAISED GARDEN BEDS
Terraced planting areas added structure and softened the surrounding hardscape.
THE BUILD
Project completed in Two Phases
At the homeowners’ request, the project was completed in two phases.
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Throughout construction, Andy shared regular progress photos and updates so the homeowners could follow the work and stay informed as the project came together.
Phase 1
This phase focused on the outdoor stairs and access improvements.
PHASE 2
This phase included the patio, synthetic turf, raised garden beds, retaining walls, and lighting.
THE RESULT
A More Connected, Usable Backyard
The finished project transformed the difficult property into a functional outdoor living space with areas for entertaining, play, gardening, and easier movement through the yard. What had been a steep, underused space became a backyard the family could use more comfortably throughout the year.