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The completed Arnold Street project in West University — new steps and a paver landing at the back of the house, with turf and paver decking beyond
West University

Arnold Street: Deck Replacement and Kitchen in West University

A tightly constricted West University yard opened up — the clunky deck and narrow staircase replaced with new steps and railing, plus an outdoor kitchen, large 2×2 pavers, turf and a diamond trellis.

NeighborhoodWest University
Project TypeBackyard Renovation with Turf & New Stairs
DesignerChris
Investment$45,000 – $50,000
TagsRenovations, Outdoor Kitchens, Turf, Hardscape, Outdoor Living
01 — Overview

Tucked away in the heart of Houston’s West University neighborhood, this backyard transformation by Texan Landscape Group reimagines a highly constricted space into something open, usable, and full of charm. The original layout featured a clunky deck and narrow staircase that disrupted flow and made daily movement from the house to the garage apartment a chore. Our goal was to remove those barriers and make the space feel like a true extension of the home.

Design Approach

We began by redesigning the staircase and entry transitions, replacing the old deck with a cascading stair layout that gently opens onto the backyard. We also installed custom railings that offered both safety and a more refined visual feel. We replaced outdated flagstone and decomposed granite with our signature 2×2 pearl cast stone pavers, forming a smooth, modern walkway that now includes a cozy nook for morning coffee or evening lounging.

In the backyard, we preserved and expanded the artificial turf area, creating more open room for kids to play while allowing parents to relax nearby on lounge chairs. To bring vertical interest and life to the fence line, we installed diamond-pattern trellises along both the side and rear fences and planted honeysuckle vines, which will gradually green the entire perimeter as they mature.

A major feature of the renovation is the clean-lined outdoor kitchen, tucked seamlessly into the design as if it’s always been part of the home. It includes a built-in grill, storage cabinets, and a polished concrete countertop—offering just the right mix of function and simplicity.

02 — Features
  • 01New Steps & Railing
  • 02Artificial Turf
  • 03Outdoor Kitchen
  • 04Diamond Trellis
  • 05Large 2x2 Pavers
  • 06Honeysuckle Vines
03 — Walkthrough

Walk the project.

Watch on YouTube
04 — Design

The drawings.

Design rendering 1 for Arnold Street, produced before construction
Design rendering 2 for Arnold Street, produced before construction
Design rendering 3 for Arnold Street, produced before construction
Design rendering 4 for Arnold Street, produced before construction
05 — Gallery

Detail & craft.

Aerial view of the Arnold Street yard, with pavers set into turf running from the steps down the length of the lot
The Arnold Street side yard from above, with the paver path threading past the utilities to the turf lawn
The rear of the Arnold Street house, with the new steps and the paver walk crossing the turf
The Arnold Street turf lawn from above, with the paver terrace along the back of the house
The Arnold Street turf lawn running between the houses to the cedar fence at the rear
The finished turf lawn and paver edging at Arnold Street
06 — Before

Where it started.

The property as we found it, before design and construction began.

The Arnold Street property as it was found, before work began
Before
The site at Arnold Street before construction started
Before
The yard at Arnold Street ahead of the rebuild
Before
The Arnold Street property before the new build went in
Before
07 — Related Projects

More work.

The completed Abington Way project in Houston — a 16×32 cantilevered aluminum pergola with a sandalwood insulated roof panel ceiling over a full-length outdoor kitchen, with pearl white pavers set into turf in a diamond pattern
Abington Way: Cantilevered Aluminum Pergola in Houston Heights

Abington Way Project

The completed Eastgrove Lane project in River Oaks — a black and white checkerboard tile terrace laid with turf joints running out from the covered patio
River Oaks

Eastgrove Lane

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