Building Spaces That Extend Your Home Outside

Outdoor living and backyard construction services in Phenix City that create functional spaces for cooking, entertaining, and relaxing beyond the pool.

Your backyard has the pool, but nothing else that makes you want to spend time out there when you are not swimming. Homeowners in Phenix City often realize after a few seasons that the pool works fine, but there is nowhere comfortable to sit, no shade during the hottest part of the day, and no setup for cooking or serving food without running back and forth to the kitchen. Adding outdoor structures and features turns the yard into a space that gets used for more than just pool maintenance.

Summer Pools by Ray Carden handles outdoor living projects including custom outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, counters, and storage that let you cook and serve outside, gazebo and patio construction that provides covered areas for seating and dining, water features such as waterfalls and fountains that add sound and movement to the pool area, landscaping that frames the pool and softens hardscaping, and walkways, retaining walls, and lighting that improve access and visibility after dark.

Contact us to go over what you want added to your backyard in Phenix City and how the construction process works.

How Outdoor Structures Change Backyard Use

Construction begins with site preparation, which includes leveling the ground, running utilities such as gas or electrical lines for kitchens and lighting, and setting footings or bases for permanent structures. In Phenix City, clay soil and drainage patterns affect how foundations are poured and where hardscaping should slope, so grading and compaction happen before any structure goes up.

Once an outdoor kitchen is built, you can grill, prep, and serve without leaving the backyard, and covered patios or gazebos mean you can sit outside during midday heat or light rain without retreating indoors. Water features installed near the pool add ambient sound and create a focal point that makes the space feel more finished and intentional.

Landscaping ties everything together by adding plants that provide privacy, color, and texture around hardscaped areas, and lighting along walkways or under structures extends usability into the evening. Retaining walls manage grade changes and create defined planting beds or seating areas, and pathways made from pavers or stone connect different parts of the yard without crossing grass that turns muddy during wet weather. Projects range from single additions like a pergola or firepit to full backyard transformations that include multiple structures and features built in phases.

Planning Questions That Come Up Early

Most homeowners want to know what fits in their yard, how long construction takes, and whether existing landscaping or pool equipment will be affected by the work.

What makes an outdoor kitchen functional?
A functional outdoor kitchen includes a grill, counter space for food prep, storage for utensils and supplies, and a sink or cooler for washing and keeping drinks cold. In Phenix City, adding a roof or pergola over the cooking area protects you from sun and rain while using it.
How does a gazebo differ from a pergola?
A gazebo has a solid roof and is typically fully enclosed or partially enclosed, providing complete shade and protection from rain. A pergola has an open or slatted roof that offers partial shade and works well for defining a space without blocking airflow or views.
When should water features be added during pool construction?
Water features are easier and less expensive to install during initial pool construction because plumbing and electrical lines can be run before the deck is poured. Adding them later requires cutting into existing decking and running new lines, which increases labor and material costs.
Why does landscaping need to be planned with hardscaping?
Plants need proper drainage, sunlight, and root space, so hardscaping layouts should account for planting beds, irrigation lines, and mature plant size. In Phenix City, choosing plants that tolerate heat and humidity near paved surfaces prevents constant replacement and maintenance.
What does lighting add to outdoor spaces?
Outdoor lighting makes walkways safer at night, highlights features like water or plants, and extends the usability of patios and seating areas after dark. Low-voltage LED systems use less energy and last longer than traditional landscape lighting.

Summer Pools by Ray Carden plans and builds outdoor living projects that match how you use your backyard and what the space can support, from single features to complete transformations. Get in touch to talk through ideas and schedule a consultation for your property in Phenix City.