You know you want to do something with your backyard. You’ve seen beautiful outdoor living spaces online, in your neighbors’ yards, or in design magazines. But where do you actually start? What should you build first? How much should you budget? And how do you find a contractor you can trust? At VistaScapes Design & Build, we’ve helped hundreds of Oklahoma homeowners start their outdoor living journey, and we hear these questions constantly. Here’s the honest beginner’s guide to outdoor living in Oklahoma.
Step 1: Understand What You Actually Want to Do Outside
Before thinking about materials, contractors, or budgets, spend a few weeks paying attention to how you actually use — or want to use — your backyard. Ask yourself:
- Do we primarily want to eat outside? Sit and relax? Entertain friends? Play with kids?
- How many people do we typically have over at once?
- Are we morning people or evening people outdoors?
- Does shade matter more or does the openness of the yard matter more?
- Do we want to cook outside, or just eat and relax?
The answers to these questions determine your design priorities. A family that primarily wants to eat outside and entertain on weekends needs different features than a couple who wants a quiet evening wine and fire pit space for two.
Step 2: Learn What’s Possible in Your Budget Range
Oklahoma outdoor living spans a wide range. Here’s a realistic budget framework:
- $10,000–$20,000: Quality paver or natural stone patio + simple pergola OR paver patio + fire pit. This is the “solid foundation” budget — it gets you great hardscape and one meaningful feature.
- $20,000–$40,000: Covered patio with ceiling fans and lighting + paver base OR covered patio + basic outdoor grill station. This range gets you a functional outdoor room.
- $40,000–$80,000: Complete outdoor living space — covered patio, outdoor kitchen with full appliances, fire feature, quality hardscape. This is the “full project” range that most of our complete builds fall into.
- $80,000+: Premium complete outdoor environments — natural stone throughout, large-format covered spaces, full outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, masonry fireplace, extensive hardscape. The “no compromises” range.
Step 3: Decide What to Build First
If budget requires phasing your outdoor living project over time, here’s the generally recommended build order:
- Phase 1 — The foundation: Patio hardscape (pavers or natural stone). Everything else sits on top of this, so getting it right first avoids disrupting other features later. Include a covered structure if budget allows — it’s the highest-impact single addition.
- Phase 2 — The kitchen: Once you have a patio and cover, adding an outdoor kitchen extends your outdoor time and becomes a daily-use feature. This is also when gas and electrical connections happen — easier to plan when you know the patio layout.
- Phase 3 — Fire and ambiance: Fire pit, fireplace, or fire table. These are the features that make the space feel finished and create the evening gathering destination.
- Phase 4 — Details: Landscape lighting, sound systems, additional seating walls, and plantings complete the picture.
Step 4: Find a Contractor You Can Trust
The contractor you choose matters more than the material choices. A great contractor using standard materials produces better results than a mediocre contractor with premium materials. When evaluating outdoor living contractors in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, or surrounding Oklahoma communities:
- Request a portfolio of completed projects — specifically projects that are 2–5 years old so you can see how the work has held up
- Ask for references and actually call them
- Confirm they pull permits when required (a contractor who skips permits is cutting corners)
- Get a detailed written proposal — not a vague estimate
- Be cautious of significantly lower bids than competitors (low bids usually mean something is being left out)
Step 5: Consult Before You Commit
A free consultation with a quality outdoor living contractor costs nothing and teaches you a great deal. The consultation should involve the contractor visiting your property, asking about your goals and lifestyle, and explaining what’s realistic for your space and budget. You’re not obligated to hire them — the consultation is educational.
At VistaScapes, our consultations are free, no-pressure, and genuinely educational. We’ll walk your property with you, discuss what’s possible, and give you honest guidance on what to build and in what order. Call 918-779-1317 to schedule yours.
