Yard Crashers

This unused yard goes from plain to "party pad" with the addition of a putting green and large concrete patio with covered barbecue island. A stone firewall flanked by benches anchors the patio and a custom table is added for alfresco dining. Finally, a creek with elevated stepping stones is added to connect the putting green to the patio.

This overgrown, boring yard is transformed into an inviting space for dining and entertaining. The small patio is expanded to include a barbecue island and large dining area made with wood and metal. An additional room provides a sleek concrete conversation area complete with water spillway and fire pit. Finally, bright redwood planters are built and placed strategically to anchor the new space in the expansive backyard.

A homeowner that's struggling with a backyard that's fallen into ruin accepts Matt Blashaw's offer to transform it with defined features. Taking a cue from the homeowner's eclectic style, Matt replaces a patchy lawn, rickety shade structure, and crumbling concrete pond with a system of curved floating redwood decks. Together, Matt and the homeowners build a new gate with "windows" that give the fence line a sleek, modern look. They pour a concrete garden wall that is treated to make it look like wood. A pergola with privacy screens creates a new area for seating. An old shed gets a facelift. And in the center of the yard, Matt and the homeowners place a DIY concrete and metal fire table, which highlights an inviting entertainment space.

This empty barren Las Vegas yard is transformed into a lush relaxing space. A paver patio is laid and a steel shade structure is added which provides a dining space complete with new barbecue. Gabions stacked with stone provide a unique retaining wall which includes a cantilevered wooden bench surrounded by lush plants. A fire feature is added along with a gabion water feature surrounded by synthetic turf to complete the modern lines of this makeover.

This family wants a back yard that can host parties for their 5 kids. Matt doesn't disappoint when he transforms the boring yard into party central with the addition of a wood & metal dining pavilion with a unique storage wall, a sheer decent water feature and stucco fire pit. In addition, a privacy fence is added which includes a chalkboard and creative seating for the kids. Finally, a new grill, sod and plants are added to give this family the entertaining space of their dreams.

A sloped, messy yard has first-time homeowners baffled, until Matt Blashaw offers to help them take advantage of the built-in elevation. Matt shows the outdoorsy couple how to terrace their muddy hillside, and use the slope to create a backyard river, waterfall and fishpond that can all be regulated by remote control. A do-it-yourself footbridge establishes an attractive walkway across the river. Flagstone pathways lead to new areas for outdoor seating. A series of easy-to-install stone walls creates new space for gravel patios, a sunken campfire pit, a natural stone bench, and pine forest plantings. Together, Matt and the homeowners transform a pile of reclaimed barn wood into a gorgeous chevron dining table, complete with gabion legs that they fill with river rock.