Our porch and where we want to extend patio
Need to fix cookie cutter back yd with hill and water issues
by
Srg4740906
As you can see from pictures we have place we love to sit - screen porch. We are wanting to extend patio to edge of house. Make a raised flower bed in back on bare spot and better stairs to climb hill and another level below current one we built. This would make our backyard then a perfect spot
View of hill with stairs and garden level addition needed and place for raised bed.
As to the deck/stairs, you didn't mention if you wanted wooden stairs or built into the earth/stone but these videos should help.
https://www.lowes.com/projects/porch-deck-and-patio/build-a-deck-wood-stairs-and-stair-railings/project
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a2145/4224738/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGLw9OI50tw
And for earthen/stone steps;
https://www.hunker.com/13401972/how-to-build-outdoor-stairs-on-a-hill
https://www.thegardenglove.com/step-by-step-diy-garden-steps-and-stairs/
You actually have 3 projects there so take your time and don't hurry them or try to do them all at the same time. Good luck.
for the raised bed; Use only Cedar or at least pressure treated wood. I prefer to alternate the boards in the corners for a stronger joint (first video);
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYFEOVJHN8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0UKFi7IZDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cIWvBFkCa8
Exciting! I notice a spot in the frame (where the shepherds hook is in the frame. ) Is that a place where water gathers after rain? If so, consider a rain garden. Plants that like wet feet, in fact they thrive in an otherwise hard to use spot. Google ‘rain gardens’ and you will get a picture and ideas. Many of these plants are perinnals so once planted, you are done. My personal opinion? Work WITH nature and you will be much happier.
A rain garden would soften up the space as well and contrast with the hard surfaces. What kind of an extension of the patio do you want? Paving stone? Slate? Concrete? You might want to dig out and initially place stone just to see how the additional area drains...and how big you want it.