A Low-Maintenance Montlake Backyard Designed for Family Living
Like many Seattle homeowners, this young Montlake family needed a backyard that was safe, functional, and easy to maintain. This meant a space where the kids could play safely, and somewhere the parents could relax without worrying about constant upkeep.
The existing backyard wasn’t doing them any favors. The old deck stairs took up valuable space, and the landscaping had become overgrown and difficult to maintain. So we cleared things out and started fresh with a more thoughtful plan.
A new TimberTech Advanced PVC deck became the foundation of the space. It’s durable, low maintenance, and built to handle Seattle weather.
Underneath the deck, we added custom barn doors with cedar paneling to create hidden storage. Now bikes, toys, and outdoor gear have a place to live without cluttering the yard.
The yard itself was designed with kids in mind. Artificial turf and oversized pavers create a soft, durable surface that’s easy to maintain and comfortable for play. Built-in bench seating adds room for family gatherings, while a breathable shade sail provides relief from sun and light rain so the space can be used more often throughout the year.
We also added an artificial green wall for year-round greenery without the maintenance, along with new cedar fencing and thoughtful lighting to tie everything together.
The result is a backyard that feels simple, functional, and built for real life. A place where the kids can play, the parents can relax, and the family can spend more time outside without adding more to their to-do list.