How to Design a Fun & Functional Backyard With a Pool in Mid-Missouri

Design the Perfect Pool & Landscape With Stockman Stoneworks & Their Mid-Missouri Building Partners

Stockman Stoneworks and Vaughan Pools met with the homeowners on multiple occasions over several weeks to finalize the concept and design. The family’s list of needs was easy maintenance, and a natural oasis and living space the family would be able to use for years to come. Since the homeowners have younger children, their main goal was to make the backyard functional and fun! The creative design for the remodel was left to the collaborating companies to maximize the potential of the yard. The companies brought in the heavy equipment and completely tore out the old yard. Like most Central Missouri homes, it wasn’t level. This called for Stockman Stoneworks to create a level space by adding dirt and building 4 foot retaining walls topped with their pilaster rails system. With the level foundation, they set about their biggest challenge; creating the multiple living areas that the family wanted. The new design included areas for entertaining, dining, dancing, lounging, a deck to watch the kids swimming and a romantic privacy area. After the retaining walls were complete, Stockman Stoneworks installed the paver decking. Design details made a big impact on the project. Beautifully crafted extra wide curved stairways were created to easily access each living area. The scope of work, creative design and quality craftsmanship completely transformed the backyard. The only remaining original feature, the gazebo, was able to be restored and integrated into the project.

“Through extensive planning of the masses, tears that were shed during construction and many unexpected surprises, the family ended up extremely happy with the completed project and that makes it all worthwhile,” says DJ from Stockman Stoneworks.

The pool was designed to have the natural feel, requested by the family. Vaughan Pools suggested to build the pool at an angle to maximize the view from the interior of the home. The pool was designed with an 8–foot diving area, extra bench seating and a 10–inch sundeck to accommodate the children. To further achieve the natural look, the family requested a pebble screen aggregate plaster with an earth toned tile that bleeds into the pavers used by Stockman Stoneworks. The pool has many wonderful amenities that includes a robotic cleaner, LED lighting and a heating and cooling mechanism.

Rick Vaughan from Vaughan Pools said, “The greatest reward of this job was seeing the enjoyment of the family. I finally gave them their own resort in their backyard where they can vacation anytime!”

The final touches came from Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape. Adding color and keeping privacy while allowing for low maintenance from the foliage was the couple’s main instructions to the company. The landscaping design was left completely in Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape’s hands. Since there was already a large amount of stone used, they chose brown mulch to soften the hardscape in the multiple living areas. To tackle the privacy, Giant Green Arborvitae were used to create a privacy screen. Hydrangeas, Bloodwood Japanese Maple Trees and Tall Upright Evergreens will boost the color in the backyard as the seasons change. The foliage and planting design was chosen to be the best of formal design, but always have a sense of fun!

“The homeowners were wonderful to work with. They were a breath of fresh air. Hearing compliments and seeing the happiness the family exhibited was what made this job worth every minute,” says Sarah Spurgeon, Boulder Creek Lawn & Landscape.

Through the wonderful collaboration of three amazing companies, a family’s backyard resort became their reality. The project was more than the family had ever imagined it to be. They now enjoy spending most of their time in this beautifully remodeled backyard. “We couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with on our remodel. It is now our forever backyard,” said the homeowners. With the right team and imagination, the possibilities are endless for any backyard remodel!