Backyard Upgrades That Add Instant Value: Fire Pits, Patios, and More

When it comes to increasing your home’s value and enhancing the way you enjoy your outdoor space, few investments pay off quite like a smart backyard upgrade. Whether you're planning to sell your home in the future or simply want to create a space your family can use year-round, adding hardscape features like fire pits, patios, and more can dramatically improve both function and curb appeal.

At Urban Forest Landscaping, we help homeowners throughout Utah County transform ordinary yards into beautiful, usable outdoor living spaces. Here are some of the top backyard upgrades that add instant value to your property—and elevate the way you live outside.

1. Custom Fire Pits: Create a Gathering Spot

Few things draw people together like a warm fire. A custom-built fire pit is one of the most popular—and affordable—backyard features that instantly adds value to your home. Fire pits create a natural gathering space for family and friends and extend the usability of your yard into the cooler months.

Whether you prefer a rustic stone design or a sleek, modern layout, a fire pit can serve as a stunning focal point on a patio or in its own gravel-lined area. Add built-in seating or Adirondack chairs, and you’ve got an outdoor feature that everyone will love.

2. Paver Patios: Boost Function and Style

A well-designed paver patio is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your backyard. Unlike poured concrete, pavers offer a more customized and high-end look, with a wide range of textures, colors, and layouts to suit your style. They’re also incredibly durable, low-maintenance, and designed to stand up to Utah’s changing seasons.

Patios expand your usable square footage and provide a perfect base for outdoor dining areas, lounge furniture, or a pergola. From traditional layouts to unique patterns and multi-level designs, paver patios are a top choice for homeowners looking to invest in both style and long-term value.

3. Retaining Walls: Structure That Works Hard

If your yard includes a slope or uneven terrain, retaining walls can be both a practical solution and a beautiful design element. A well-built retaining wall not only holds soil in place but can also be used to define garden beds, create terraced levels, or edge off a patio or fire pit area.

At Urban Forest Landscaping, we use high-quality materials like natural stone, brick, and concrete blocks to build retaining walls that are as durable as they are attractive. They add visual interest, structure, and usable space to otherwise challenging areas of your yard.

4. Pergolas and Shade Structures: Comfort Year-Round

Adding a pergola or other shade structure to your yard not only improves the look of your outdoor space—it also makes it more comfortable. Pergolas can be installed over patios, walkways, or seating areas to offer shade in the summer and structure in the winter.

These features add dimension to your yard and can easily be customized with lighting, fans, or climbing plants for added ambiance. A pergola also helps define space and offers a natural “ceiling” for your outdoor room, making it feel like a true extension of your home.

5. Walkways and Garden Borders: The Finishing Touch

Never underestimate the value of clean, well-placed walkways and borders. Whether leading from the house to a garden area or outlining beds and patios, stone or paver walkways guide movement and add polish to your landscape.

Installing defined borders around flower beds, trees, or garden features also creates visual clarity and makes maintenance easier. These small upgrades tie everything together and give your yard a professionally finished appearance.

Build Value That Lasts

Upgrading your backyard is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value, boost curb appeal, and create a space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re adding a fire pit, expanding your patio, or incorporating multiple elements into a full landscape redesign, the right hardscape features will transform the way you live outdoors.

At Urban Forest Landscaping, we bring your vision to life with expert design, quality materials, and flawless craftsmanship. Contact us today for a free consultation—and let’s get started on your next backyard upgrade.