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A sloped backyard can seem like a challenge, but with thoughtful design and some creativity, a sloped yard can make your outdoor space functional, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind.
Below, we share our favorite ideas to make the most of your sloped backyard, from the smallest of slopes to steep ones.
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01
of 15Install a Multi-Level Deck
A sloped backyard is a great opportunity to create different zones in your yard. This backyard features a two-level deck with a built-in, semi-inground pool that seamlessly connects the two levels together. One level is for lounging by the pool, while the lower level is a nice spot to enjoy a meal al fresco.
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02
of 15Add a Rock Garden
If you have a sloped yard but want a low-maintenance garden option, add a rock garden. The wood steps in this yard feature gravel that extends out to create a low-maintenance rock garden throughout the yard. A rock garden is a great way to incorporate native plants.
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03
of 15Embrace the Slope
Sometimes it’s best to embrace a sloped yard and use its beauty to plant a lush garden. This modern cabin’s backyard blends with its natural surroundings, with its combination of plants and natural rock.
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04
of 15Plant a Tiered Garden
If your yard is on a steep hill, make it more manageable with a tiered garden. To make it even easier to manage, plant a rock garden as a low-maintenance garden option.
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05
of 15Plant Colorful Perennials
These colorful perennials help make the walk down to the pool feel relaxing. Using a sloped yard for a rock garden is a low-maintenance way to add color and nature to your backyard.
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06
of 15Create a Calming Ambiance
This backyard design makes the most of the steep drop with a two-tiered retaining wall between the back patio and lawn below. A row of shrubs and landscape lighting create a relaxing ambiance for nighttime chats while enjoying fresh air.
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07
of 15Build Brick Patio Steps
What was once a sloped backyard is now a functional space for enjoying fresh air. Brick stairs lead from a covered back patio to a brick patio below, making the backyard feel larger and providing a variety of ways to enjoy every square inch of the backyard space.
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08
of 15Plant Wild Flowers
A wild garden makes you feel like you’re on your favorite nature trail and it allows for more privacy. This sloped garden sits adjacent to a pool area for privacy while swimming and lounging.
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09
of 15Create a Private Santuary
If you have a steep slope in your backyard, you can easily transform it with wood steps and a flagstone patio. This sloped yard is surrounded by trees and shrubs that lead down to a private and shaded fire pit area that’s neatly and safely tucked away from the house.
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10
of 15Bring In Colorful Patterns
A finished back patio with patterned tile flooring is a beautiful way to transform a backyard with a steep slope. The tile flooring is carried through to the steps that take you down to the backyard below.
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11
of 15Plant a Two-Tiered Garden
A double-tiered retaining wall in this expansive backyard is an eye-catching feature in this backyard and allows for more areas to plant tall grasses and shrubs. The stairs make it easy to walk down from the house to the grassy backyard below.
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12
of 15Add a Few Steps
Even the smallest slope can make a backyard less functional, but the right elements can mean a backyard you’ll love to spend time in. A back porch and patio with stairs leading out to the yard provide a nicely structured and easier way to access the whole yard.
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13
of 15Incorporate Large Boulders to Create a Focal Point
A sloped yard is a great opportunity to create a stunning garden. This side yard features large boulders to help level the garden, while providing a pretty focal point.
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14
of 15Add Boulders for a Dramatic Effect
The large boulders of this retaining wall create a dramatic effect in this expansive backyard. When paired with the staircase leading down to the fire pit area, the backyard feature adds a laidback, rustic feel to the outdoor space.
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15
of 15Add Matching Water Features
A raised patio, filled with lush plants like ivy, allows for a cool pond feature. Two retaining walls, featuring modern water features, flank stone steps that make it easy to walk through the backyard.
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