Gratuitous backyard remodel pics

[DallasSocFan]

I just completed my spring project. I used a handyman that needed heavy guidance, so this was done relatively on the cheap with my labor and knowledge guiding it. All-in we are under 18k. The kitchen on the deck was the inspiration point for this project. Previously, it was just a dining table and chairs under the pergola. We never thought about putting a kitchen up there because I wasn't confident the deck could support the weight (I built it myself.) However, I got those all-steel cabinets from Costco and New Age Products and they are very light comparatively and all 304 stainless. Although I am in Texas and on the west side of the house, the stainless counters are always shaded and shouldn't get too hot. I now have hot/cold water and a sink and a 36" propane griddle. The island is slate ledger stone that is slightly reflective silver with a soapstone pre-fab countertop that was only $450. The pavers are solid marble with artificial turf in-between. The courtyard tile is porcelain, so slipping is a problem, but that should discourage the kids from sprinting into the house. I do now have two TVs in the backyard and a 3 zone speaker setup It's also amazing what string lights will do.

Next year we will re-do the spray deck and get nicer furniture in the courtyard.

Okay, in full confession the pool isn't at its best. I need to SLAM and brush it back into shape, but its clear right now so it shouldn't take much.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Fabulous! Just fabulous

 

[tomas21]

Nice.. can you share how you did your 3 zone speaker setup with two tv's in your backyard... ? Curious on the overall design toying with similar ideas.

 

[DallasSocFan]

Nice.. can you share how you did your 3 zone speaker setup with two tv's in your backyard... ? Curious on the overall design toying with similar ideas.

Sure. I'll put amazon links to the items, but just in case they die in the future, here's the basic concept.

I picked the deck TV as the master for a variety of reasons. In the cabinet underneath it is a 4 channel amp *0. I highly recommend the amp listed **.
I use a roku streaming *1 device for all viewing as well as Spotify.
Output from the roku is an HDMI audio extractor *2. (HDMI in, HDMI + RCA out)
Out from the audio splitter is an 1-to-2 HDMI mirroring splitter *3.
Output A is hooked up directly by HDMI to the Deck TV
Output B is hooked up to the courtyard TV using an HDMI to Ethernet device *4. I use burial grade Cat6. It basically goes under the deck, then under the turf over to the TV. About 120 feet run.
This mirrors the TVs and extracts the audio to the amp.

*0 - 4 Channel Pyle Amp - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P684PVV
*1 - Roku Streaming Device - (I used an old one I already had, any streaming device should work)
*2 - HDMI Audio Extractor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082BB4R7Z
*3 - HDMI Mirroring Splitter - https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-LinkS-Amplifier-Source-Displays/dp/B0732MD43P
*4 - HDMI Over Ethernet - https://www.amazon.com/J-Tech-Digital-Extender-Single-1080P/dp/B00G5RBX2Q

**Usually I am unimpressed with Pyle equipment, but this one was a gem. Drives solid volume to all 4 channels, including one run over 200 foot 14AWG. Each channel has separate volume, so you can get it tuned to have consistent volume throughout backyard. All channels are mono, so left and right speakers don't get stereo weirdness. We've even used the karaoke feature during a party once.