Backyard and Landscape Renovation in Aurora
Wellington Street. Aurora
Project Overview
Although the home was only a few years old, the property had not yet been developed into a usable backyard. The homeowners wanted a full outdoor living space where they could entertain guests, relax by the pool, and enjoy privacy from neighbouring properties.
Because the lot shape widens toward the back, the design focused on maximizing usable space while maintaining strong circulation around the house and pool area. The result is a backyard that feels organized and spacious despite the irregular property boundaries.
The project also included minor front and side yard work to complete the overall landscape.
Site Conditions and Constraints
The property was a new construction home, which meant the grading conditions had to be reviewed carefully before construction could begin.
Prior to starting work, the grading plans needed to be confirmed to ensure the landscape could be installed without creating conflicts with neighbouring properties or municipal requirements. Once approvals were confirmed, permits were obtained for the construction work, including a permit for the deck.
The deck structure was designed by Horvath Landscapes and reviewed by an engineer to ensure it met structural requirements before construction began.
The backyard itself had a pie-shaped layout, requiring careful planning to use the space efficiently while maintaining proper circulation between the house, deck, pool, and yard areas.
Design Approach
The design focused on creating a backyard that felt comfortable and welcoming while matching the architecture of the home.
Because the house itself was not strongly modern in style, the landscape followed a contemporary approach with warmer tones, combining natural textures, soft planting, and structured outdoor spaces.
Key design priorities included:
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Creating a large entertaining deck connected to the house
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Installing a fiberglass pool with durable natural stone coping
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Maintaining open recreation space using artificial turf
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Establishing privacy with full cedar hedge planting on both sides of the property
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Creating defined patio and circulation areas around the pool
The final design follows the shape of the property rather than forcing a rigid rectangular layout, allowing the deck and landscape to flow naturally with the lot boundaries.
Materials, Features, and Execution
Deck Construction
A large composite deck was constructed using Trex decking with black aluminum railings. The deck layout follows the property line rather than a strict square shape, allowing the structure to integrate naturally with the yard.
The deck was designed as a primary gathering space for entertaining and outdoor dining.
Swimming Pool
The backyard features a Latham fiberglass pool (Olympia 14) installed as the central feature of the yard.
The pool is surrounded by patio surfaces and open turf areas to allow for relaxation, entertaining, and recreation.
Pool Coping
The pool was finished with India sandstone coping, providing a natural stone edge that complements the surrounding materials.
Patio and Hardscape
Patio surfaces around the pool were constructed using Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers, selected for their durability and warm colour tones that match the home’s exterior.
Artificial Turf Area
Artificial grass was installed between the deck and pool to create a low-maintenance recreation area. This space provides a comfortable place for relaxing, playing, or sunbathing while eliminating the maintenance associated with natural grass.
Water Feature
A decorative water feature was constructed using Unilock U-Cara wall blocks, adding movement and visual interest to the backyard.
Irrigation
An irrigation system was installed to support the planting beds and lawn areas.
Planting Design
Planting was designed to provide privacy, structure, and seasonal interest.
Key planting elements included:
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White cedar hedges planted along both sides of the property for privacy
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Hydrangeas for seasonal colour
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Ornamental grasses, including Karl Foerster varieties
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Hostas in shaded areas
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Griselinia shrubs for structure and greenery
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Various groundcover plantings to soften patio edges
The planting palette was selected to complement the natural tones of the hardscape materials while maintaining a clean and organized appearance.
Final Outcome
The finished landscape provides a complete outdoor living environment that makes full use of the property.
The combination of composite decking, natural stone pool coping, Unilock patio surfaces, artificial turf, and layered planting creates a backyard that is both practical and visually appealing.
Privacy hedges frame the yard while the deck and pool provide central gathering areas for entertaining and relaxation. The overall result is a backyard that feels spacious, balanced, and carefully integrated with the architecture of the home.
Services Featured in This Project
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Backyard landscape design
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Composite deck design and construction
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Fiberglass swimming pool installation
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Natural stone pool coping installation
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Interlock patio installation
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Artificial turf installation
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Cedar hedge privacy planting
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Landscape lighting installation
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Irrigation system installation
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Decorative water feature construction
Project Location
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Aurora, Ontario — York Region (North GTA)
Discussing a Similar Project
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Many newer homes in Aurora and surrounding communities are built with unfinished backyards that require a complete landscape plan to become functional outdoor living spaces.
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Projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful planning can transform a new property into a fully usable environment for entertaining, relaxation, and family activities.
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Horvath Landscapes designs and builds outdoor living spaces throughout Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, King, North York, and Toronto.
FAQ
What type of pool was installed in this project?
This backyard features a Latham fiberglass pool (Olympia 14), a popular pool design known for its clean shape and durability.
Why use composite decking for outdoor spaces?
Composite decking such as Trex provides long-term durability, low maintenance, and resistance to weather and moisture.
What is the benefit of artificial turf around a pool area?
Artificial turf creates a clean and comfortable recreation space while reducing lawn maintenance and preventing mud from being tracked into the pool.