Backyard Deck Makeover: From Overgrown to Outdoor Oasis

Discover how Karin Newstrom and Jeff Hansen transformed their cramped, overgrown Minneapolis backyard into a stunning outdoor living space. Their DIY deck makeover is an inspiration for anyone looking to revitalize their yard and create a modern, minimalist haven. This month’s Makeover Tour delves into the details of their incredible journey, filled with hard work, clever solutions, and a whole lot of determination.

Overgrown backyard with weeds surrounding the house and an elevated deck. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

The original backyard was dominated by a massive, space-hogging deck that offered little privacy. Rising above the fence line, it felt more like an obstruction than an asset. But Karin and Jeff had a vision: a minimalist dream deck that would maximize usable space and create a tranquil retreat. Their backyard deck makeover showcases how you can transform an uninspiring outdoor area into a beautiful and functional extension of your home.

Meet the DIY Enthusiasts: Karin and Jeff

Names: Karin Newstrom and Jeff Hansen

About: Karin is a talented Minneapolis-based photographer (www.karinnewstrom.com) who shares her life with Jeff and their three adopted dogs. Together, they have fully embraced the joys and challenges of homeownership, tackling DIY projects with passion and transforming their first home piece by piece.

Project: Backyard Deck Makeover (Phase I)

Budget: Approximately $3500 for excavation, waste disposal, lumber, materials, and sod.

Overgrown grass around the stairs of the old, large deck in the backyard. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Inspiration Behind the Backyard Transformation

What sparked the backyard makeover?

“When we bought our house, it was a foreclosure property, and the yard had been completely neglected,” Karin explains. “We tried planting a few things, but quickly realized there was a thick layer of landscape rocks buried beneath the dirt. The old deck took up almost the entire yard and desperately needed replacing. We wanted a clean slate to create a more usable space.”

The primary goal of their backyard deck makeover was to create a space that their three dogs could enjoy. A larger lawn area for fetching, chasing, and agility practice was essential. The transformation had to be dog-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Newly constructed deck with stairs leading to the house and a lush green lawn. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Jeff sitting on a back porch chair, contemplating the deck makeover. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

The Vision and the Design Evolution

Did the design start clear or evolve?

The backyard deck makeover vision was refined over time. While they appreciated having a deck, its original size was far too large for their narrow yard. They recognized that a smaller, lower deck would offer increased privacy and open up the space for their dogs to roam freely.

“Our backyard is also located on a high point in the neighborhood, so a smaller, lower deck was a key design element,” says Karin. “We decided to keep the rest of the yard as grass for now and plan to add trees and perennial beds next summer. This will create an even more inviting and balanced outdoor space.”

Three dogs sitting together on the newly built deck. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

A newly constructed fence offering privacy on the side of the backyard. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Inspiration and Design Choices

What were the main sources of inspiration?

The couple drew inspiration from various sources, including online deck tutorials. “I found a great tutorial for a low, floating deck that seemed perfect for our needs,” Karin shares. “We modified the plans slightly to make the deck larger, but the basic concept was ideal.”

The low-to-the-ground design provided enhanced privacy without requiring railings, maintaining an open and visually appealing backyard. Additionally, because the plans didn’t require attaching the deck to the house, they saved money by avoiding permit costs and time-consuming inspections. The simple, clean lines of the deck perfectly complemented their minimalist aesthetic.

Jeff posing with a tool on the concrete porch steps, ready to start the makeover. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

A bobcat moving dirt in the barren backyard during the excavation process. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

The Challenges and Solutions

Any setbacks or unexpected dilemmas?

No DIY project is without its challenges, and the backyard deck makeover was no exception. “Removing the concrete steps underneath the original deck was incredibly difficult, even with a jackhammer,” Karin recounts. Her brother and the bobcat operator worked together to overcome this hurdle.

Another unexpected challenge was the high cost of disposing of the concrete debris. They discovered that an aggregate company down the road offered significantly lower disposal fees, saving them a considerable amount of money. They also had to rent a long trailer to transport the 20-foot joists for the deck framing, requiring careful maneuvering around corners.

Vegetation being removed from the backyard during the makeover process. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Rugs stacked up, waiting to be used in decorating the newly constructed deck. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

The Favorite Feature

What’s the favorite new feature?

For Karin, the transformation from a rock-strewn, thistle-infested yard to a lush green lawn was the highlight of the backyard deck makeover. “Laying the sod was much easier than I anticipated,” she says. “The rolls were relatively light, and it went very quickly with the help of some kind neighbors.”

A wheelbarrow in a yard with partially installed rolled grass. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

View of the light brown house with the newly fenced backyard. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

DIY Pride

The proudest DIY moment?

Karin takes immense pride in building the deck steps entirely on her own. While her dad, brother, and husband assembled the deck frame, she single-handedly constructed the frame and finished the steps in a single weekend. Lowe’s provided many of the supplies, including lumber, fasteners, and landscape plastic, making the project possible.

Wooden step leading onto the green grass. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

A pallet of wooden boards layered on top of each other in the backyard. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Advice for Aspiring Backyard Makeovers

Any advice for others?

Karin recommends consulting with a local landscaping company for expert advice. “We hired Landscape Love for a consultation,” she explains. “We wanted input on our ideas to ensure we were on the right track. They also recommended the sod company and bobcat operator, which was invaluable. It was money well spent.”

She also suggests exploring options for repurposing or recycling old deck components. Listing unwanted materials on Craigslist can give them a second life and keep them out of landfills. They were able to recycle some framing lumber and plan to use old cedar decking to create raised garden beds.

Man and dog sitting on the chair in the backyard. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Green plant next to the wooden steps. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

What’s Next?

Future Plans?

Karin and Jeff have exciting plans for the future. They plan to install a patio with a fire pit, a utility screen, and add lots of plants. They also intend to move the fence line to expand the yard size.

“We’re hoping to find some excellent end-of-season sales on plants so we can get some in the ground this season,” Karin says. “Indoors, we have a bathroom renovation on our agenda next!”

A small black dog sitting at the feet of its owner on the new lawn. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

A man sitting next to a dog on the back porch, enjoying the new deck. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

A small white dog looking up next to a wooden table with a potted plant. — Image Credit: Karin Newstrom

Thanks Karin!

See more of Karin’s photography, home projects, and animal adventures on her site karinnewstrom.com. Also, be sure to check out the Makeover Tour of her amazing Scandinavian-inspired kitchen renovation as well as her master bedroom/bath makeover!