How To (DIY) Your Backyard (Video #1)

All about how to DIY your Backyard. You can do this -
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[@mrscmeier9570]

Great video. Placement of where to put things and how much space i need for each area is what i struggle with.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u for this comment. I’ll do my best to answer that in the next Video in this DIY series. Thank u again 🙏

[@imarak3455]

I love how you included options for so many different backyard styles. I feel more confident in starting backyard projects with your guidance.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@tricia8727]

Great video! IMHO i think knowing how many people you want to entertain in your space is so important. I had to literally count how many family members and friends i would invite to the biggest party. From there i determined how big of a dining table and different seating areas i would use to accommodate everyone. Then start figuring out how big those areas really needed to be. I wanted to make sure it was really going to work

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Yay!!! Love this comment

[@dougpyle5602]

Great video Micah!! I feel like most DIYers get things out of order during the construction phase. They don't think about what phase 4 of the project will take before they dive into phase 1. When this happens things have to be ripped up on phase 4 to run water, electric, drainage, etc. Most of us DIYers do projects in phases since we don't have crews to get it all done at once. Lol Second, getting in over our heads. Watching videos, talking to friends, and thinking something is easier than it really is then having to call in someone to finish a partial project. Anyone can rent a skidsteer or mini excavator but not everyone can run one or know ehat grades, slopes and drainage they need. Some things are best left to the pros.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Awesome comment Doug! Appreciate you mentioning these items

[@jarmomoskuvaara]

Thats why you need a good plan. Im a landscaper and we usually start with groundwork and go up from there first and then move from the back of the yard towards the street.

[@johnpomeroy5385]

Good Advice about using concrete. I appreciate your channel and watch it often, keep up the great work.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u

[@jasongraham4206]

I'm in Pensacola Fl so proper drainage and creating structures to mitigate wind are 2 of my biggest hurdles in the planning stage I'm at.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u for this comment. I will do my best to answer this question

[@deesplif]

Awesome video…Probably it’ll be design and placement.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank you for this feedback. I’ll definitely answer those in the next Video

[@felisiaperkins8247]

1. Placement 2. For DIY piece by piece, what is first? electrical, fencing, patio stones, elevated deck????

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u for this question. I will provide an answer in my next video

[@zseibe0234]

#1 budget and #2 have a slope that starts shallow then all the sudden becomes a steep slope down. I’m a very diy person I like to do everything myself and with friends found your videos when I first bought my house and have constantly came back as I slowly turn my backyard into a backyard living space

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Nice! Please let me know if I can help. Feel free to check out my membership

[@tami2170]

I absolutely love the designs you provide, but afraid to do it cuz of all the pollen, rain and snow. How do you keep it out for the winter ?

[@5brothersracing]

I love your videos... Have you ever done a pea gravel patio that you glue or epoxy so it is solid? I don't want concrete or pavers I'm looking for alternatives

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I have never done a pea gravel patio like that. Do your research as I can imagine some problems with that. Standard gravel or decomposed granite might be a nice alternative 🤙

[@RichardChoromanski-f8j]

Last year Took all the grass out of my backyard and all I want is a beautiful backyard garden with flowers and pathways

[@kmsch986]

I just watched all the DIY videos and they are great and I love your designs. Especially your use of side yards and Asian inspired designs. Biggest concern- the gazillion tons of river pebble rock mulch the builder placed surrounding every foot of the house for about twenty feet in diameter . It’s a weed nightmare, a foot deep so can’t plant in it but bindweed loves to grow on top. Will cost a fortune to remove. I’m thinking of decking over it and just laying thick layer of weed cloth over it before decking. Removing what I can to put in beds or putting raised beds on top in multiple areas. I hate rock mulch more than anything. Has made me want to sell the home the weeds have gotten so out of control and I hate idea of drowning in roundup which is what previous owners did . The video of house you did with deck and office/yoga type room elevated in side yard inspired me to think of decking over all this hopeless rock. Thanks!

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u for this comment ❤️🙏. Let us know when its all done. I would love to see the completed space. Remember we can help with the design and build if u get stuck

[@jarmomoskuvaara]

Rock mulches have been a thing in landscaping also here in Europe, I dont see them working well and fabric beneath the mulch wont solve the problem because you will be constantly getting decomposing organic matter from above. So if the original idea with rock mulch was low maintenance, its not working, and turns instead against the keeper.

[@michelefromsleepycreek7618]

Love watching your videos. I am struggling with designing my space. I live on a lake and am concerned with erosion and how best to create a fire pit with paver setting area while also managing erosion.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Should be an easy fix. I can totally help and will try to add some ideas on how to handle this.

[@JCeelou]

I would like to add a canopy next to the house, but I don’t know if to add a flat or a four sided one. Does the way the house roof matters?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Yes, it matters a lot. I’ll go over this for sure

[@abbyeh1]

My big question is where and how to use trees as I'm putting in a brand new yard. Any chance you could give feedback on that from a design standpoint?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Yes! I will try to answer that in the DIY video. Thank u SO MUCH🙏

[@theegrumpyangel398]

I personal would like videos that show you step by step on how to build these things from stratch and material lists.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

You got it! I’m working on it to provide that in future videos

[@kentjames239]

My yard has a slop, relatively flat from the back door, then slope down to the fence line - reservoir behind all the new homes. Would definitely need a thoughtful plan.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I am happy to help. Thanks for this comment 🙏

[@irisli2150]

I'd like to have a pergola with some dining and resting space in my backyard, but I worry that I might be too noisy to my neighbors since I share three walls with them. Is there any way to address this?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I’ll do lay best. Thank you for this information ❤️

[@mikeyfoofoo]

So, what software other than sketchup do you suggest using? I have a folder full of pictures from your videos of things I like. I'd love to draw up my existing structure and elevation. Maybe poke around with some ideas using your principals. Then when I have a better idea of what I want, kick it up to a pro like yourself. I think I'd have to do that for plumbing and electrical considerations. Those kind of details are the hardest part. I'd hate to miss something critical.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

We use a pretty robust CAD version but really any 3d program will prove the visuals you need. I would be happy to take a peek at what u come up with so u can make sure you don’t miss anything. Have a great day Mikey

[@ruthleach546]

First, I loved the video. I had a lot done to our backyard without a plan, and my husband hated it. I can't get mad because I hate it as well. It would be great to get help creating a 3D layout because we would love to fix our yard since our home is the party house because of the swimming pool. Also, we hired horrible contractors who refused to fix and complete their work.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I would love to help out. Yes, this is a good example of how important a design is before you start. Please reach out and I would totally help with a 3D Design

[@happyplants6889]

Thank you for putting together this video. The information was very helpful. My husband and I have different design styles and ideas so coming up with a plan we both like is difficult. We live on a hill and our backyard has a pretty of the sunsets but it can get pretty windy and cold. I would also like to know which 3d program we could use that can give us different design options and ideas (a user friendly version would be a plus.)😊

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Lol. I totally understand the husband and wife teeter totter. I find that I have become a good peace maker for both sides of the coin 🤪. Not sure on user friendly options we use Vector works which is CAD based. Happy to help with however u wanna move forward. Have a wonderful day

[@yasinyener3020]

Hi, greetings from turkey. I have a big place to work on and there so many things to do and i searched a lot of but my brain is just burn and the budget have a limit. I think i need first a design plan for everything to choose to what i concentrate first. What are you charge for a 3d design concept? Best greetings Yasin Yener

[@zaloA.]

Hello, how can I get a sketch from you? I am not a good planner and am interested in having you sketch my backyard for me.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

We can do a 3D Design but we don’t offer a sketch. I am about to release a membership site that would be helpful for you. It would walk you through all the steps and we would be there to guide u I’m the right direction and check your work. Hope that helps? Have a wonderful day

[@michelledavis1865]

We completed a new build so all exterior near house is dirt; no back patio or anything; phases are critical for budgeting purposes. Knowing where to start or phase 1? which sight line to choose, living room/dining room window? We enjoy diy projects. However, I’m concerned about starting an idea I’ve seen and missing the underlying “essentials” ; drainage lines, plumbing etc. Does a sunken seating area require seeping holes? This is what I mean with the term “essentials”. Those are a part of the layering of a design as well. Also, how do you incorporate functional necessities such as a pole barn etc? I’m looking for country/homesteading elements in the design; gardens etc. I’ve seen beautiful outdoor spaces you created, uncertain of what’ll work for my space.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Hi Michelle, you would be a perfect candidate for my Membership Site. I am almost done with it and it goes over all of the items that you mention. The beauty is that you will have my team and myself to bounce things off of as u complete your design and move to the build phase. Anyway - it should be live in about 2 weeks. Hope it works for u

[@michelle_lynn]

Hmmm we have an odd shaped backyard and placement of fire pit & covered structure or even a fun place to be is tough... It's a corner lot

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Copy that. I’ll do my best to try to create an answer for this - thank u Michell

[@Sergio-cr8bo]

My biggest challenge is plant/shrub/tree selection and placement.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Wow! You got it! Thank u for this feedback and I’ll do my best to answer

[@LawrenceWilbon]

I'm not good at all when it comes to drawing so can you help me plan a 3D design

[@Sol_Bull]

Where do find information about framing decks the right way and to code?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

That’s a good one. Thank u 🙏

[@Sol_Bull]

@@BackyardDesignGuy I’ll be building a screened in porch with a deck off to the side. After 2 years, my patio is done. Furniture, planters, and hot tub. We love it. Now on to the decks! You inspire us!!

[@jeanbaaden4900]

What brand of outdoor umbrella is best quality

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Love this question. I’ll respond to it in a future video

[@DougJentzsch]

A plan and design are a must. The cost of getting a design can be quite prohibitive though.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u Doug. I’m definitely working to solve that problem. Stay tuned

[@shelli1108]

How do you design for sloping lake lot?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Great question. I’ll do what I can to answer this

[@abbyeh1]

I have another question - boulders! How do you use boulders in design and in planters to look cool and be functional (where they look nice and you can use them for more seating)? Some yards have boulders and they look so cool, and others they look kind of dumb. How do I make them cool and inviting to go sit on?

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Great question. I’ll do my best to answer this question. Have an awesome day

[@caritolalinde]

The fact that our backyard is of a townhouse, so quite small, and the need to incorporate something safe and engaging for children (no tree for a tree house😂)

[@vernonvinson5925]

Have lived in our home for 8 years now and we have done minimal changes (inground pool, wooden deck with DIY pergola top with shade sails). Lost in where to place living spaces (Outdoor kitchen with grill and smoker, dining/bar area, fire pit area) and afraid to do anything.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Try my Membership- Membership www.backyardlivingguyde.com/backyard-life-membership It’s very inexpensive and I’ll guide u to make the correct decisions

[@shawnarkenburg7671]

Two biggest fears- regretting a design ( the coulda, shoulda, wouldas ). And HOA restrictions and permits

[@jfarrar231]

Don't live in a commy HOA area to begin with

[@lovinlocs5]

I have an existing large covered pergola and am considering enclosing it to keep out bugs, lizards, squirrels however I worry this will ruin my sitelines, openness …

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Yes, please reach out before u finalize this decision

[@collinblake9957]

I guess a fear or fears are what steps to do first. For example rebuild fence and work on the lawn before digging and building.

[@jefferyrowe2648]

Placement of features and flow seem daunting to me

[@LawrenceWilbon]

How much does it cost to do 3D design in my backyard

[@GR-mw1tk]

Gophers , cost and privacy since my neighbor built a huge shop next to my hot tub relaxing area

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u for these items. I’ll do my best to help

[@heathermcduffie3544]

Biggest fears! How to lay things out properly. Wear does the grill go vs fireplace vs waterfall.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Thank u. I’ll definitely answer this for u in this series

[@df4146]

Need a family liveable outdoor space in a wet, windy dark most of the year british weather.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I would be happy to design your space for you! I would provide a big discount as we are trying to grow in the UK. www.backyardlivingguyde.com/3d-design-process

[@galedelatorre366]

The design

[@reesewhitt5495]

2 things: I don’t know how to consider the many large tree roots and drainage issues of our backyard (flooring) Placement of purposes is the next consideration.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Excellent question! Thank I for adding this. I will definitely help with this in our future videos

[@AribaSyed-my1yj]

Pool. And a play ground

[@markarcher9902]

The space that I have for this project scares me because I know it can turn out bad or set the whole things up and bring it all together. whether to just pour a slab or place pavers, have a fire feature and tv with outdoor seating plus a cover. I am limited in my skills but cant afford a professional but still want to do it right.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

I totally understand Mark. You may be a perfect candidate for my Membership Site. I don’t have the doors open yet but I hope it have it ready in about 2 weeks. I hope to see you in the community. Have a great day

[@patrickhampton6248]

Finding workers

[@Matt-to1bi]

Cost work and know how.

[@tomhanks9587]

I need to cut down 4 trees be in start

[@abbibrennen2549]

for me the task of design and build a total expensive backyard, bar, grill, fire pit maybe a small pool, ? sauna? no it is way too much. I would rather just move to a house that already has some of that done. ☺

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Lol! If you can find one 🤪 outdoor living is super popular and homes that have it go really fast

[@eriktorres8656]

Placement

[@naomidacolatse8511]

Biggest fear- Placement is the issue for us.

[@Blaizeflame23]

Placement is my biggest problem

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Understand. Thank u for this feedback 🙏

[@simbiods3]

2 problems2 me.,privacy and small backyard.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

Great! I will do my best to solve those for u

[@sdutch9132]

Great video. But to put that kind of $$$ into our place. Is waste, I would be only 1 to enjoy & possibly moving in 5yrs or sooner. Not great/ save neighborhood & getting worse. Gonna take lose as is.

[@BackyardDesignGuy]

It doesn’t sound like a new backyard is right for you at this time. Hopefully in the future as I am confident you and your peeps will have much enjoyment and create a lot of memories within your backyard space. Have a wonderful day

[@sdutch9132]

@@BackyardDesignGuy yes & in mean time I will continue to watch your videos and dream & pass them on to others. You do/ show beautiful settings!