Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

An Outdoor Living Space For A Growing Family

Hardscaping Contractor in Bethesda

Outdoor Living SpaceWe’ve always said that an outdoor living space should be a reflection of a family’s indoor décor and of their lifestyle. For this Potomac, Maryland family, that meant a place to relax by a fire, cook a great meal, and even chill watching a movie. Our client already had a concept plan so it was up to us to put on the finishing touches and add our own signature to the project. Over several weeks and many conversations, we arrived at a finished plan that was ready to be built.

The project centered around a grand fire pit feature. The 48” x 48” stone fire pit is capped with 2” thick thermal Pennsylvania flagstone and is the main focal point of the upper patio space. There is plenty of room around the fire pit for comfy chairs to sit back in and relax the evening away. Near the patio, our team built a one of a kind firewood holder from rough cut cedar wood. Refreshing the fire is only a step away.

Also on the upper patio is an amazing wrap around outdoor kitchen complete with a spectacular 32” stainless steel gas grill and a Big Green Egg smoker. The smoker sits in a special nook we specifically designer for it.  The kitchen itself is made from the same veneered natural stone as the firepit and also has a 2” thick thermal Pennsylvania flagstone countertop. Countless Outdoor Living Spacegourmet meals have been cooked and enjoyed in this outdoor kitchen including brisket and all kinds of delicious pizzas.

A set of thermal Pennsylvania flagstone steps lead down to the lower patio, which is large enough for a family sized dining table. This patio is set apart from the rest of the project with an amazing cedar pergola overhead. The pergola was custom built by out carpentry partner and is a work of art unto itself. Our client installed a retractable video screen on the house wall adjacent to the patio, turning the outdoor space into their very own private movie theatre. Also adjacent to the patio is a storage area for seat cushion that our team constructed using the same rough cut cedar lumber as the firewood storage area.

 

Outdoor Living Space

No outdoor living space would be complete without lighting to make it wonderful late into the night. Our team installed low voltage lights including step lights and several path lights. A unique flair to this patio is the in-patio lights that were installed along the edge of the patio, giving the space a delightful glow.

Plant selection was of particular importance to our client. We worked together to create a plant palette that provide interest all year long. Of course, they also needed to be deer resistance. For flowers, we turned to Helleborus, Catmint ‘Walkers Low’, Coneflower ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ and Lavender to provide an abundance of color. A row of Limelight Hydrangeas will brighten a wall near the pergola all summer long. The gardens are anchored by a Bloodgood Japanese Maple, a Sweetbay Magnolia and a multi-stem Heritage River Birch. Finally, a Golden Fernspray Cypress was installed as an accent plant near the fire pit area.

This amazing outdoor living space has given one growing family a fantastic place to spend time and better enjoy their outdoor environment.

Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company

Phone: 301-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com

Houzz Service Awards

At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.

The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been a leading landscape company in Montgomery County, Maryland for over 234 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.

Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences, Mosquito & Tick Control, Deer Control.

Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick in Maryland and Washington DC.

Should Ornamental Grasses Be Cut Back In Winter?

They look wild. A little messy. Maybe even forgotten.And every winter, homeowners stare out the window and ask the same question: Should ornamental grasses be cut back in winter, or left alone? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on what you want your landscape to do during the cold months—and how you want it to perform come spring. Cut too early and you can weaken the plant. Leave them too long without a plan and things

READ MORE »

Winter Landscaping Ideas: How to Keep Your Yard Vibrant All Season Long

Winter landscaping ideas often get overlooked. It’s easy to assume your yard will look dull and lifeless once the leaves fall and snow starts to settle. But that’s just not true. You can have a beautiful, eye-catching landscape that shines through the quietest, coldest months. The key is knowing where to focus your efforts and what to plant, build, or highlight to keep your outdoor space alive with color, texture, and interest. Let’s break down some simple, practical winter landscaping

READ MORE »

Winter Home Prep Checklist: Essential Tips to Protect Your Home This Season

Winter’s chill is creeping closer, and with it comes the need to prepare your home for the harsh months ahead. A well-prepared house can save you money, prevent expensive repairs, and keep your family warm and cozy when temperatures drop. This Winter Home Prep Checklist is your go-to guide for ensuring your home is winter-ready. Let’s dive in. Exterior Preparation Inspect and Repair the Roof Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against winter weather. Look for loose

READ MORE »

5 Top December Gardening Tips: Preparing Your Garden for Winter

As December settles in, the garden enters a period of winding down. But there’s still plenty to do to help your plants survive the coming winter and thrive come spring. Here are five top December gardening tips to keep your landscape healthy, vibrant, and ready for the cold season ahead. 1. Protect Perennials and Tender Plants For many gardeners, the risk of frost is looming, and December is the time to take protective measures, which is exactly why these Top

READ MORE »

How to Navigate HOA Rules & Permits for Landscape Projects

Nothing kills the excitement of a new backyard project faster than a letter from your HOA telling you to “please resubmit.” Or worse—“stop work immediately.” That’s why understanding HOA Rules & Permits for Landscape Projects isn’t optional. It’s the guardrail that keeps your dream patio, fire pit, or front-yard makeover from turning into an expensive do-over.Good news though: once you understand how the process works, you’ll move through it quicker, cleaner, and with far fewer surprises. Start With Your HOA’s

READ MORE »

The Best Privacy Trees for Homeowners: Green Giant Arborvitae vs. Leyland Cypress vs. Cryptomeria

Backyard privacy shouldn’t be complicated. Homeowners just want a fast-growing, good-looking screen that blocks noise, hides neighboring windows, and makes a yard feel like a retreat. The best privacy trees can do all of that, and more. But not every evergreen behaves the same way. Some shoot up like rockets. Others handle cold better. Some stay dense year-round with almost no babysitting. Choosing the right one matters, or you’ll be staring at gaps, browning branches, or a tree that simply

READ MORE »