Before & After Gallery - Installation

Backyard Pool Deck Restoration & Outdoor Living Installation – Auburn, NY

This comprehensive backyard project in Auburn, NY was completed for a homeowner who had seen our work on a neighboring property and wanted a solution that addressed both functionality and long-term performance. The existing pool area, surrounded by stamped concrete from a previous contractor, suffered from significant drainage issues. Water runoff and silt regularly flowed into the pool, creating ongoing maintenance challenges and limiting the usability of the space.

The primary focus of this project was to correct drainage and water management concerns while transforming the area into a fully functional outdoor living space. A secondary goal was to create a cohesive layout that supported entertaining, relaxation, and everyday use, including the integration of a fire feature and outdoor kitchen.

Through the design process, we delivered a layout that addressed all client objectives on the first rendition, incorporating proper surface grading, permeable pavement systems, and high-capacity drainage solutions to manage water flow effectively—even during extreme rain events.

Scope of Work Completed:

• Full demolition of existing stamped concrete pool deck through a single controlled access point
• Installation of permeable paver system to improve drainage and reduce runoff into pool
• Integration of high-quality surface grate drains as a secondary water management system
• Strategic surface grading designed to handle heavy and sustained rainfall events
• Subsurface drainage piping to redirect water safely away from the pool and neighboring properties
• Construction of structural base systems, including subterranean concrete pads to support stoops, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen
• Installation of custom outdoor kitchen featuring stainless steel high-BTU grill, sink, refrigerator, and access panels for utilities
• Construction of seat walls and wood-burning fire feature as part of the outdoor living space
• Installation of premium outdoor LED color changing lighting within walls, stoops, and kitchen areas
• Integration of LED color-changing underwater pool lighting for customizable evening ambiance
• Installation of custom bullnose coping around the pool perimeter
• Use of decorative banding to enhance visual interest across large paved areas
• Installation of paver and wall systems using Cambridge and Techo-Bloc products
• Incorporation of natural black sandstone elements to elevate overall design aesthetic
• Installation of black granite countertop for outdoor kitchen workspace
• Ongoing maintenance enrollment with Elegant Estates, including EcoGuard treatment services for long-term upkeep

Full Landscape Redesign & Water Management Installation – Auburn, NY

This full-scale redesign and installation project in Auburn, NY was driven by severe and persistent water management issues. The homeowner was experiencing significant water intrusion from surrounding properties, with standing water reaching 4–6 inches deep near the home at times. Water routinely entered through the garage pass door and flowed down the driveway like a creek during heavy rain events.

After consulting with multiple contractors and even obtaining a prior design, the homeowner was left without a clear or confident path forward. Upon evaluating the property, it became clear that the existing design would not adequately address the severity of the drainage issues and would also present budgetary inefficiencies. Elegant Estates was then contracted to redesign and execute the project, leveraging decades of experience in water management, hardscape installation, and functional outdoor design.

This was completed as a single-phase hardscape installation project, with the homeowner handling landscaping components separately. The project required a comprehensive approach to managing groundwater, roof runoff, and surface water across the entire property.

Scope of Work Completed:

• Full redesign of outdoor space with emphasis on water management and long-term performance
• Collaboration with homeowner following partial demolition of existing decking and pool area
• Management of groundwater, neighboring property runoff, and roof water discharge
• Installation of a comprehensive subterranean drainage network tied into roadside culvert system
• Integration of open-graded stone drainage zones along perimeter areas
• Use of semi-permeable pavement system to assist in surface water infiltration and control
• Strategic surface grading to direct and manage runoff across all paved areas
• Installation of multiple cleanouts and inspection ports for long-term serviceability
• Construction of outdoor kitchen with structural base designed to support granite countertops and future pizza oven installation
• Installation of infrastructure to support a future pavilion, concealed below finished paver elevation
• Construction of wood-burning fire feature with custom insert
• Adaptation to limited site access conditions for backyard construction
• Real-time system validation during multiple heavy rain events to confirm drainage performance and capacity
• Ongoing maintenance enrollment with Elegant Estates, including EcoGuard treatment and joint flushing services for long-term upkeep

Backyard Outdoor Living Space Design & Installation – Lansing, NY

This complete backyard outdoor living space project in Lansing, NY began as a relatively open and underutilized area. Elegant Estates was contracted to design and install a unique, fully integrated space that balanced aesthetics, functionality, and structural considerations specific to the property.

A key concern for the homeowner was minimizing additional weight near the foundation due to prior issues at the front of the home. To address this, we designed and constructed a lightweight walkout stoop system using a combination of deck materials and engineered stone grates. This approach created the appearance of a full stone structure while significantly reducing load on the foundation. The stoop was finished with composite railing systems and trim to achieve a clean, cohesive look.

Water management was another critical component of the design. The space was carefully graded away from the home and constructed with a hybrid base system to ensure proper drainage and long-term performance.

Beyond function, the project focused heavily on creating an inviting and visually engaging outdoor environment. Multiple banding accents, circular seating areas, and vertical elements were incorporated to add depth and character, while maintaining consistency in color and material selection throughout the space.

The homeowner selected Elegant Estates after a previous negative experience with another contractor during a front walkway installation—work that we were later brought in to correct. This project provided the opportunity to deliver a properly designed and professionally executed outdoor space.

Special consideration was also given to surface texture and usability, as the homeowner had dogs. Material selections were chosen to ensure comfort and safety for both bare feet and animal use.

Scope of Work Completed:

• Full backyard outdoor living space design and installation
• Construction of lightweight walkout stoop using deck materials and engineered stone grates
• Integration of composite railing systems and trim for structural and visual continuity
• Hybrid base installation with intentional grading to direct water away from the home
• Incorporation of banding accents and circular seating areas for visual interest
• Installation of pergolas, pillars, and vertical design elements
• Construction of seat walls for functional seating and space definition
• Installation of outdoor lighting to enhance usability and nighttime ambiance
• Selection of consistent color and material palette across all features
• Surface material selection designed for comfort and safety for pets and barefoot use
• Project execution following prior corrective work performed by Elegant Estates on the same property

Stone Church Entryway Installation – Ledyard, NY

This stone church entryway project in Ledyard, NY was completed for a long-time hardscape client who trusted Elegant Estates to deliver a safe, durable, and visually appropriate solution for their place of worship. The existing entry had aged significantly and required replacement to ensure safety and long-term usability for all attendees.

The goal of this project was to create an entryway that not only enhanced the appearance of the church but also provided reliable footing and structural integrity through all seasons, especially during harsh winter conditions.

A combination of solid stone step treads and reinforced segmental retaining wall platforms was used to construct a stable and lasting entry system. Special attention was given to material selection, surface texture, and installation methods to balance durability, slip resistance, and accessibility.

Scope of Work Completed:

• Demolition and replacement of existing deteriorated stone entryway
• Installation of solid natural stone step treads for long-term durability
• Construction of reinforced segmental wall platforms for structural stability
• Installation of semi-permeable paver system on hybrid base to assist with drainage and reduce ice buildup
• Use of pavers rated to Canadian salt standards to withstand de-icing applications
• Selection of surface textures that balance slip resistance with smoothness for safe use, including high-heeled footwear
• Installation of vinyl railing system using specialized post anchors for secure placement
• Strategic railing layout to maximize platform space and improve traffic flow in and out of the building
• Consideration of winter safety through material choice and permeability design

This project was followed up the next season with a full building soft wash and steeple cleaning by Elegant Estates. The property was also enrolled in an ongoing EcoGuard maintenance program to help maintain a clean, slip-resistant surface across the entryway, railings, and adjacent handicap ramp.