It's All About the Elements: How Materials Can Transform Your Landscape

A wooded setting, gently rolling hills, and mature trees set the stage for this dramatic outdoor transformation. Ross and Linda Schanzmeyer had always viewed their backyard as underwhelming, and they wanted to transform it into a place they would enjoy spending time. They wanted a tranquil, go-ahead-and-stay-awhile environment that could be enjoyed during large gatherings or when it’s just the two of them. 

Instead of the entertaining space they desired, the expansive outdoor area was sadly underutilized. A worn out deck and a concrete slab left much to be desired. So they began by looking around at their neighbors outdoor improvement projects, found inspiration at the HBA Home Show and in Capital Lifestyles magazine. They decided they needed help with the landscape design, and they contacted Chad at Stockman Stoneworks.

The old wood deck? Gone. It was replaced with a large suspended concrete deck to provide covered parking. They enlisted Nathan Voss Construction to complete this phase of the project. Ross and Linda met with Nathan to make sure that the deck provided a seamless transition from the paver patio to the suspended concrete deck. He used a natural look stamped concrete with an exposed chiseled edge in a color that complemented the colors on the home’s brick facade and the colors of the columns that give another texture to the entire area.

Why are materials so important in a landscape?

Quality materials beautifully intersect the topography as the landscape design took shape. All new retaining walls were built. Chad punched up the design by mixing Maytrx L Tumbled Oak-Blend blocks with dark accent stripes to create the desired high-end look. “It really isn’t any harder to build a retaining wall with two tones of block. It’s a design element that requires an eye for details and advance planning. The result gives a higher end look,” says Chad Stockman. “When we plan a project, we look for opportunities to mix colors and sizes of our product to do something special for the homeowners.” These more complex designs take more time, but the completed project has a cohesive and polished look.

The centerpiece of the space is the large island and pergola. The pavers were laid in a random pattern to break up continuous joint lines. A beautiful charcoal boarder softens the edges and helps to invite you through the many areas of the space. No entertaining area is complete without a place to grill, so they found the perfect niche for his stainless steel grill. Stone columns make a great countertop for food prep and a durable surface for serving their guests. A curved staircase and walkways create meandering transitions between the hardscape and the beautiful wooded yard.

Stockman made dual duty of the retaining walls by integrating bench seating into the design plan. Very often the most popular and used area of these outdoor spaces is the gathering area. Seating walls and inset benches are a viable and stylish way to introduce permanent seating into modern outdoor living spaces, and the Schanzmeyer’s love that it is a no maintenance option. The Schanzmeyer’s backyard project was completed in about 14-months. They placed their trust in Stockman Stoneworks, Stockman Landscaping and Nathan Voss to create the backyard of their dreams. “We have loved everything that has happened in our yard. The completed project ticked all the boxes and all the planning paid off. Now we are looking forward to enjoying it,” said Ross.

Choose a Patio Made From Quality Materials With Stockman Stoneworks



The result of this backyard renovation is a stunning and calm landscape with something for everyone. “The intention was to create a sense of place that combines generous entertaining spaces with low maintenance materials to create a welcoming retreat. We applied our comprehensive knowledge as problems solvers, designers, builders and craftsmen.” -- Chad Stockman, Designer. What some people might see as deficits, a sloped and shady backyard, these homeowners have turned into assets. They love that their backyard features areas for play and relaxation for both adults and children to enjoy.