How to Plan Your Backyard Makeover: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Confidence in Middle Tennessee
For homeowners in cities like Brentwood, Hendersonville, and Franklin, the backyard is no longer just an afterthought—it’s an extension of the home. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy fire pit area, an outdoor kitchen, or a complete paver patio redesign, planning your backyard makeover with purpose ensures your investment pays off in beauty, functionality, and value.
At Martin Outdoor Living, we help Middle Tennessee homeowners turn their backyard dreams into reality. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process from vision to completion.
1. Assess Your Space
Before diving into any design plans, spend time understanding your current outdoor layout.
What to look for:
- Sunlight patterns: Which areas get full sun vs. shade?
- Slope & drainage: Does water pool in any specific spot?
- Existing features: Are there mature trees, outdated patios, or fencing to keep or remove?
- Lifestyle needs: Do you want more space to entertain, relax, garden, or play?
Tip for Middle Tennessee homeowners: Natural slopes are common in this region. A well-designed retaining wall or grading plan can turn an unusable slope into a stunning focal point.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Every backyard makeover starts with a number. Determining your budget early helps prioritize features and keeps expectations in check.
Factors to include:
- Materials (pavers, lighting, plants)
- Labor
- Design and permits
- Unexpected challenges (like underground utilities or drainage fixes)
- Décor and finishing touches
Ballpark range: In Middle Tennessee, a quality paver patio project typically starts around $7,500–$10,000 for basic layouts and increases based on size and custom features.
Pro Tip: Leave a buffer of 10–15% for unforeseen expenses.
3. Choose the Right Contractor
Your contractor is the key to a smooth, stress-free project. Look for someone who not only builds patios—but builds trust.
What to look for in a contractor:
- Clear portfolio of past work
- Transparent pricing and quotes
- Positive reviews or referrals
- Local experience in cities like Franklin, Murfreesboro, or Mt. Juliet
- Ability to handle permitting, inspections, and HOA guidelines
Why Martin Outdoor Living?
We’ve built our reputation on craftsmanship, communication, and creating outdoor spaces that stand the test of time. Our clients choose us for our professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to quality.
4. Design Your Space with Purpose
A strong design makes your space not just beautiful—but functional. This is the stage where you blend creativity with practicality.
Design must-haves:
- Defined zones: Create areas for dining, lounging, cooking, or a fire pit.
- Flow: Make sure movement between zones is natural.
- Materials: Choose pavers, stone, wood, and lighting that align with your home’s style.
- 3D renderings or sketches: Visualize your space before breaking ground.
Ideas we love:
- A dining area under a pergola in Brentwood
- A cozy fire pit nook in Hendersonville
- Multi-level patios with lighting in Franklin
Martin Outdoor Living uses design tools and experience to help you see your future backyard clearly—and tailor it to how you live.
5. Start the Build Phase
Once the design is approved and permits are secured, it’s time to break ground. This is when the magic starts to happen.
What to expect:
- Site preparation and grading
- Material delivery and staging
- Construction of base layers, pavers, and walls
- Clean-up and final walkthrough
Stay involved with weekly updates and communicate any questions. With Martin Outdoor Living, we prioritize transparency and timelines, keeping your project moving smoothly.
6. Add Personal Touches
Once the construction is done, it’s time to make the space truly yours.
Ideas to personalize your space:
- Comfortable, weather-resistant furniture
- Outdoor rugs and planters
- String lights or smart lighting for ambiance
- Fire features and water fountains
- Custom signage, swings, or artwork
These details may seem small—but they’re what turn a nice patio into your favorite place at home.
7. Maintain Your Investment
Even the best-built backyard needs occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Simple maintenance tips:
- Clean and seal pavers annually
- Trim landscaping and check drainage areas
- Wipe down furniture and re-stain wood if needed
- Inspect lighting systems and wiring
Martin Outdoor Living offers continued support for cleaning, sealing, and touch-ups, so your space always looks fresh.
The Cost of Quality: Understanding Patio Package Pricing and What You Get for Your Investment
A beautiful patio starts with a solid foundation—not just structurally, but financially. Knowing what goes into patio pricing helps homeowners make informed, confident decisions.
What Influences Patio Pricing?
There are three major factors:
1. Size
The larger the patio, the more materials and labor are required. For example:
- A small patio (10x10 ft) great for a café table and chairs might start around $6,000–$7,000.
- A medium patio (15x20 ft) suitable for lounging and dining may run $9,000–$12,000+.
- A large patio (multi-zone layout) could reach $15,000–$25,000+, especially with retaining walls, custom lighting, or advanced materials.
2. Materials
Materials make a major impact on cost and longevity.
- Basic concrete pavers – budget-friendly and durable.
- Premium pavers or natural stone – higher-end options like travertine or flagstone cost more but offer unmatched aesthetics and value.
3. Design Complexity
If your design includes curves, borders, steps, or different elevation levels, expect additional labor and time. Intricate laying patterns like herringbone or basket weave also add complexity.
What’s Included in a Basic Patio Package from Martin Outdoor Living?
Our basic paver patio package includes everything you need for a beautiful, long-lasting foundation:
- On-site consultation and measurements
- Full site prep, grading, and base layers
- High-quality paver selection
- Edge restraints and border detail
- Professional installation
- Clean-up and walkthrough
- Optional sealing and warranty options
We never cut corners—and we’re transparent about what’s included, so there are no surprises.
Why Quality Matters
Cutting costs on materials or labor might seem tempting, but it often leads to:
- Uneven surfaces or sinking pavers
- Poor drainage that causes water damage
- Weeds growing through joints
- Cracked or shifting patios within a year or two
A professionally installed patio by Martin Outdoor Living stands the test of time. We build every project as if it were our own home.
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Backyard Awaits
Whether you’re in Spring Hill looking to replace an old concrete slab, or in Franklin dreaming of a full paver patio and outdoor kitchen, Martin Outdoor Living is here to guide you through every step—from planning and design to construction and maintenance.
Benefits of working with us:
- Local expertise in Middle Tennessee terrain and climate
- Trusted by homeowners across Brentwood, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, and more
- Responsive team with a passion for craftsmanship
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Ready to Begin?
Call us today for a free estimate and design consultation.
Proudly serving Middle Tennessee with high-quality, custom outdoor living solutions.
Let’s make your backyard the most beloved space on your property.



