Before and After: A Backyard Makeover You Need to See to Believe

How Real Cedar Transformed a patchy, fragmented landscape into a stunning hot tub paradise. 

When the homeowners first toured their future home, they immediately fell in love with the interior. But the exterior? Not so much. Awkward, uneven, and disconnected, the backyard felt more like a dusty patchwork of dead zones than a relaxing retreat. Still, they saw potential. They knew that with the right builder, design, and material, they could transform this barren wasteland into a stunning outdoor oasis. So they bought the house—and called Böehm Construction.

The first step was clarifying their vision. They wanted more than just a nice yard—they envisioned a cohesive, welcoming space suited for family gatherings, relaxing evenings, and weekend entertaining. At the heart of it all, they dreamed of a hot tub deck that felt private yet connected, sheltered yet open enough to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. The deck would need to handle constant moisture, changing temperatures, and heavy use, all while blending seamlessly into the wooded Pacific Northwest landscape.

Material That Makes the Difference 

To meet these demanding criteria, they needed a top-performing material—one that would harmonize effortlessly with their natural surroundings and withstand the elements. Real Cedar was the clear choice. As James Zwingli, VP of Böehm Construction, explains, “Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects, meaning this deck will look amazing for decades with minimal maintenance. So it’s a great investment for these homeowners.”

The final design featured a two-tiered Western Red Cedar deck: an upper covered area providing privacy and protection for the hot tub, and a lower open tier designed specifically for entertaining and relaxing under open skies. Thoughtful touches, like built-in niches for drinks and snacks, rounded out the plan, transforming the homeowners’ once neglected backyard into a seamless extension of their home.

For added warmth and texture—and to stay on budget—they opted for a beautiful knotty grade of cedar decking. For structural support and maximum design flexibility, Zwingli and his team chose engineered cedar posts. Engineered cedar, made from kiln-dried wood joined together by finger jointing, edge gluing, and veneer overlays, allowed the team to customize the project precisely to the homeowners’ needs while maintaining cedar’s natural beauty and strength.

Drama-free Build from Start to Finish

After the deck was installed, the walls and cover were clad in cedar as well, creating visual continuity and warmth. Overall, the build went smoothly, with no decking drama, no stress, and no unexpected delays or headaches—something every builder and DIYer can appreciate.

“It definitely helps that we’re working with Real Cedar,” explains Zwingli. “It’s durable yet lightweight, so it’s really easy to handle, and tools love it. Whether you’re a pro or a DIYer, cedar’s a go-to because it makes every project hassle-free. And the best part? The finished product always delivers. When clients ask to see samples of my work, I always show them my cedar projects.”

Not only does it look good, but using Real Cedar is a green choice you can feel good about. As Zwingli points out, “Cedar’s harvested from sustainably managed forests, it’s renewable, and it actually stores carbon—unlike man-made materials that don’t.”

Design Versatility and Added Value

With the structure complete, it was now time for finishing touches.

“The homeowners are going for a solid stain on the posts and a semi-transparent on the rest,” says Zwingli. “It’s gonna give it just that perfect amount of contrast for visual interest but also highlight cedar’s natural luster and beautiful grain patterns and texture.

“Of course, if they wanted to,” he continues, “they could just let it weather naturally, eventually turning a beautiful silvery patina. With a versatile wood like cedar, ya got options. Its pitch and resin-free nature means it really grabs onto any finish you choose and looks fantastic.”

Ultimately, the homeowners achieved exactly what they envisioned—a beautifully crafted, cohesive outdoor area with clearly defined spaces that feel connected, purposeful, and a natural extension of their home. Not only does this beautiful Real Cedar deck enhance their outdoor living experience, it also adds real value to their home. Whether your style is modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, Real Cedar transforms any outdoor space, no matter the size or shape.

Ready to upgrade your backyard? Explore more inspiring outdoor living ideas with Real Cedar.