Small Backyard Patio Transformation – Before and After

The owners of this three-story Ontario home felt their patio lacked cohesion, despite having multiple access points to the backyard. While these areas featured distinct spots for dining and gathering, guests had to return through the home to reach the other side, making the spaces feel disjointed and uninspired. Meanwhile, the basement walkout felt more like an afterthought than a space for entertaining.

Desperate to transform their small backyard patio into a functional oasis, the homeowners turned to Peter Perzia at Greystone Landscaping to help bring their vision to life. Their wish list for the new space included an interconnected balcony with a staircase to the lower level, a fire pit area, and dedicated zones for outdoor gatherings. Wasting no time, Peter and his team got to work.

They began at ground level, building a sleek, contemporary pathway using Unilock Beacon Hill™ Smooth XL slabs in Granite Fusion, extending from the basement walkout. From there, the path branched in three directions, allowing guests to explore different areas of the patio. To the left of the door, an outdoor stepping stone walkway led to an open space the homeowners had planned to use for additional gatherings or potential storage. To the right, a slight step-up transitioned to a shaded area featuring an outdoor dining table and extra seating.

To further enhance this extended patio and define the space, a low seat wall was built using U-Cara® panels with an Umbriano® finish in French Grey. Matching U-Cara Umbriano pillars at each corner elevated the design both physically and aesthetically while supporting the balcony above. The pillars were accented by a decorative band of Winter Marvel U-Cara panels, which borrowed visual cues from the white plush cushions to deliver a seamless blend of form and function.

Moving further into the space, the third pathway led to a stunning paver rug at the back of the patio. Built using Umbriano® Hex™ pavers in three hues, this geometric design created a striking foundation for the fire table centerpiece, while a spacious L-shaped couch provided ample seating for nighttime conversations. On one end of the seating area, a brand-new backyard shed blended into the landscape, offering convenient storage for lawn equipment. On the opposite side, a stepping stone path of Beacon Hill™ Smooth XL slabs provided a seamless connection to the nearby walking trail. To tie the scene together, wooden arches framed the space, providing warmth and character while complementing the newly designed balcony.

After Peter and his team had completed the lower patio, they turned their attention upstairs, building a staircase that led to a raised outdoor living area. This space featured a new outdoor kitchen, dining table, and additional seating, all connected by a wooden bridge that linked the two balconies. To provide safety, a sleek glass enclosure framed the upper patio while preserving unobstructed views of the walking trail and nearby forest.

Finally, biophilic design elements such as lush potted plants, native trees, and colorful shrubs were thoughtfully integrated throughout the patio, adding vibrancy and charm.

Reflecting on the project, the homeowners were thrilled to see that their transformed backyard now felt cohesive and functional, maximizing its compact space across multiple levels. If you’re ready to start your own transformation, visit our Paver Patio Design Advice page to explore ideas and gather inspiration for your project.