A Complete Backyard Transformation in Massapequa, NY

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A Complete Backyard Transformation in Massapequa, NY, designed and installed by Gappsi.  When a new home is built, the outdoor space should be just as carefully designed as the inside. For this Massapequa, NY residence, Gappsi was trusted to create a custom backyard that maximizes every inch for comfort, style, and function. The finished space combines luxury materials, a smart layout, and features you can enjoy year-round.  Although the property footprint is modest, every element of this backyard was carefully planned to serve a purpose. From a low-maintenance synthetic turf play area to a resort-style swimming pool, a limestone patio, and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen pavilion, this space now functions as a true extension of the home.

Designing With Purpose: Making the Most of Every Inch

Because this was a newly built house, Gappsi had the opportunity to start from scratch. The design goal was clear: use all available space efficiently while maintaining an unbroken flow between zones. Rather than crowding the yard, each area was positioned to complement the others, creating a layout that feels open, balanced, and practical.
The side of the house was transformed into a playground with high-quality synthetic turf sourced from the Gappsi showroom. This turf offers the look of natural grass without the maintenance, watering, or mud. It also dries quickly after rain, making it a dependable space for children to play year-round.  Using the side area for play means the main backyard can focus on entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the pool. This holds the whole layout neat and organized.

Pavilion Living: Outdoor Kitchen, Fire Pit & Lounge

At the heart of the backyard is a 16×16 traditional pavilion with a classic metal roof supported by four columns. This structure grounds the space and creates a comfortable, shaded environment for cooking, dining, and gathering.  Under the pavilion, there is a full outdoor kitchen finished with silver travertine in a mixed-size pattern for extra depth and texture. The kitchen features Fire Magic appliances and cabinets, a top brand recognized for its durability, high performance, and style.
The large island features a black leather-finish granite countertop, supplying a striking contrast to the lighter stone finishes while providing a durable, weather-resistant surface. One side of the pavilion features bar seating for casual dining, while the other side transitions into a snug lounge area.
A gas fire pit surrounded by plush couches creates a warm, pleasant space that extends usability into cooler evenings. When hosting friends, enjoying family dinners, or relaxing after a long day, this pavilion serves as the backyard’s social hub.

Resort-Style Swimming Pool With Safety Features

The backyard also features a 16×36 concrete wall vinyl swimming pool, perfectly proportioned to the yard’s size. The pool serves as a visual centerpiece and a refreshing escape during the summer months.
Facing the house is a sheer descent water wall, capped with G045 24×24 limestone, which adds a modern water-feature element while enhancing sound and movement. This wall becomes a focal point both day and night, especially when the pool is illuminated.
a-complete-backyard-transformation-in-massapequa-ny
The pool is equipped with an outcover automatic safety cover, a valuable solution for properties where customary fencing is not an option. The cover provides:
  • Safety for children and pets
  • Heat retention supports maintaining water temperature
  • Energy efficiency, reducing the heater workload
  • Resale value, as buyers increasingly look for embedded safety features
This feature alone significantly extends the swimming season and adds peace of mind.

G045 Limestone Patio and Coping: Natural Beauty & Comfort

The entire patio area surrounding the pool and pavilion is paved with G045 limestone from the Gappsi natural stone collection. This stone was chosen for both its rustic appearance and soft, comfortable texture underfoot. The pool coping is also made of G045 limestone, which keeps the look consistent throughout the space. Its gentle color changes and natural finish give the area a classic, elegant style that suits the home.
The stoop leading to the sliding door was also constructed with G045 coping limestone and a silver travertine veneer, tying the home’s entry point directly into the patio and pavilion materials for an integrated design.

Privacy and Greenery: Evergreen Screening

To finish the backyard, Gappsi planted 10-foot-tall evergreen trees along the property’s edge. These trees offer:
  • Natural privacy
  • Wind protection
  • Year-round greenery
  • A softer visual boundary than fencing
This living border transforms the yard into a private retreat, making it feel like a hidden oasis even in a suburban neighborhood.

A Small Yard That Lives Large

This Massapequa backyard shows that even a small space can have a big impact. With prudent planning, top-quality materials, and skilled installation, Gappsi transformed a modest yard into a complete luxury retreat.
Every part of the yard has a purpose, and all materials were chosen for both strength and beauty. The layout moves seamlessly from one area to the next, making the backyard not just beautiful but also useful, safe, and enjoyable year-round.
This project is Gappsi’s latest backyard design and installation. It shows how skill, creativity, and careful attention to detail can completely change a home’s outdoor living space.

Contact Gappsi Today

📍 Serving all of Long Island, NY — Nassau & Suffolk Counties
🌐 www.gappsi.com
📞 Call now for a free consultation and estimate!

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Backyard Design with Porcelain Patio and Pool in East Setauket, NY | Gappsi

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel to view Backyard Design with Porcelain Patio and Pool in East Setauket, NY | Gappsi

Transforming a backyard into a luxury retreat takes vision, creativity, and expert craftsmanship.  This latest Gappsi project in East Setauket, NY, is a perfect example. The homeowners wanted a space that was beautiful, functional, and comfortable year-round. Gappsi designed and installed an entire backyard environment that blends modern features, elegant materials, and thoughtful outdoor living spaces. The result is a seamless combination of leisure, entertainment, and architectural sophistication.

A Custom Vinyl Pool as the Centerpiece

The project began with the installation of a custom vinyl pool featuring concrete walls for exceptional durability and longevity. Measuring 16 feet by 36 feet, the pool offers ample space for swimming, relaxing, and entertaining. Its shape complements the backyard layout, providing space for the surrounding patio, sundeck, and additional landscape features.

A full-width sundeck at the shallow end provides a resort-style element. Gappsi installed two bubblers on the sundeck, creating a soothing, spa-like water feature that enhances the pool’s visual appeal and comfort.

Custom Vinyl Pool as the CenterpieceTo create a clean, elevated look around the perimeter, Gappsi used sandstone coping with rounded edges on the top and bottom. The coping was then sealed to match the porcelain patio, ensuring a cohesive, elegant finish throughout the space. This color-matching technique allowed the natural stone to blend beautifully with the rest of the design.

Porcelain Patio Pavers Throughout the Yard

The entire patio surrounding the pool was installed using high-quality porcelain pavers selected from the Gappsi showroom. The homeowners chose a beige porcelain with white veins, adding a modern yet timeless aesthetic to the outdoor environment. Porcelain is one of the most durable and low-maintenance materials available for outdoor patios.  The porcelain paver is resistant to fading, staining, weathering, and heat.

Porcelain Patio Pavers Throughout the YardThe pavers were installed with precision to create a smooth, flawless surface ideal for lounging, walkways, and outdoor entertaining. Their neutral tones allow all surrounding structures and landscaping features to blend harmoniously.

Synthetic Turf Accents for Clean, Modern Lines

To further elevate the visual design, Gappsi installed a 12- to 14-inch synthetic turf border around the patio. This strip of turf creates a clean line in front of the retaining walls and alongside the home, enhancing contrast while keeping the overall layout neat and contemporary. Synthetic turf is not only visually appealing but also eliminates the need for trimming, watering, or maintenance along those tight boundary lines.

Retaining Wall and Pool Auto Cover Housing

Synthetic Turf Accents for Clean, Modern LinesA custom-designed retaining wall was built behind the pool’s deep end. This wall also serves as the housing area for the pool’s automatic cover system, keeping it concealed and protected. The retaining wall blends seamlessly with the overall design, offering both structural support and visual appeal.

A Custom Pavilion Designed to Match the Home

One of the standout features of this backyard is the custom-built pavilion, thoughtfully designed to mirror the home’s architectural style. Trimmed entirely in Azek moldings, the pavilion features a detailed front peak that ties into the residence’s aesthetic.

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The pavilion floor is uniquely delineated with synthetic turf, creating a soft, visually distinct boundary between the shaded structure and the porcelain patio. Under the pavilion, Gappsi created a cozy outdoor living room complete with a gas fireplace, a mounted TV, and comfortable lounge space. The cathedral ceiling enhances openness while providing excellent airflow, and a built-in heater allows the homeowners to enjoy the area even during cooler seasons.

backyard-design-with-porcelain-patio-and-pool-in-east-setauket-ny-gappsiA Premium Outdoor Kitchen Built for Entertaining

No luxury backyard is complete without a well-designed outdoor kitchen. Gappsi installed an L-shaped outdoor kitchen featuring top-tier Twin Eagle appliances, including:

  • A 36-inch grill
  • A 30-inch griddle
  • Summit refrigerator
  • Summit ice maker
  • Stainless steel cabinetry
  • A built-in sink

The kitchen is topped with a leather-finished granite countertop, explicitly chosen to complement the color of the stone walls and porcelain patio. This outdoor kitchen allows for complete meal preparation, making the backyard an ideal space for gatherings, celebrations, and summer cookouts.

Custom Pavilion Designed to Match the HomeA Cohesive and Luxurious Backyard Design

This project reflects Gappsi’s commitment to quality design, precision installation, and personalized outdoor living solutions. Every part of this East Setauket backyard, from the pool and patio to the pavilion and kitchen, was thoughtfully planned and executed to deliver a cohesive, luxurious, and functional environment.

The combination of porcelain pavers, synthetic turf, custom masonry, architectural woodwork, and premium outdoor appliances creates a space that is both modern and timeless. Whether relaxing on the sundeck, enjoying the pavilion in the evening, or hosting a backyard barbecue, the homeowners now have a private retreat that enhances their lifestyle year-round.

This backyard transformation stands as one of Gappsi’s latest and most impressive designs, showcasing their craftsmanship and dedication to delivering beautiful outdoor spaces across Long Island.

Contact Gappsi Today

📍 Serving all of Long Island, NY — Nassau & Suffolk Counties
🌐 www.gappsi.com
📞 Call now for a free consultation and estimate!

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Synthetic Turf Accents for Clean, Modern Lines

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Maintenance-Free Backyard with Synthetic Grass and Vinyl Pool

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View Gappsi’s YouTube Channel for Videos of a Maintenance-Free Backyard with Synthetic Grass and Vinyl Pool

A “maintenance-free backyard” with synthetic grass and a vinyl pool means you won’t need to mow, weed, or heavily treat the grass. The pool’s vinyl lining requires minimal upkeep, making it a low-maintenance option overall. Just focus on basic pool cleaning and occasional debris removal from the synthetic grass surface. Our team recently completed this maintenance-free backyard makeover in Smithtown, N.Y.

maintenance-free-backyard-with-synthetic-grass-and-vinyl-pool1Synthetic Grass and Vinyl Pool Installation with Sheer Descent Waterfalls

We started by installing a new vinyl pool. The pool measured 16 x 36 inches and had a depth of 43 to 66 inches, including a gradual slope. In addition, we installed stairs to the raised turf area on both sides of the pool.

A vinyl pool with a sheer descent waterfall refers to an inground swimming pool lined with vinyl, featuring a water feature called a “sheer descent” where a thin, continuous sheet of water cascades down a vertical wall, creating a clean and elegant waterfall effect, often considered a modern design element for pools; this type of waterfall can be easily integrated into a vinyl liner pool due to its design flexibility.

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Key points about a vinyl pool with a sheer descent waterfall:

  • Water Feature: Unlike traditional rock-style waterfalls, the “sheer descent” creates a smooth, curtain-like water flow down the wall.
  • Design Flexibility: This water feature can be customized to fit the shape and size of the vinyl pool, with options to adjust the water flow and the length of the waterfall.
  • Installation: Special considerations may be needed when installing a sheer descent waterfall on a vinyl pool. This often requires a raised wall or specially designed coping to accommodate the water flow.
  • Customization Options: The height and width of the waterfall can be customized depending on the pool size and desired water flow, allowing for varying levels of drama.
  • Lighting Integration: Adding LED lighting behind the waterfall can create a stunning visual effect at night, especially with color-changing options.
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Benefits of a Sheer Descent Waterfall on a Vinyl Pool:

  • Elevated Aesthetic: The clean lines and smooth water flow add a modern and sophisticated look to the backyard.
  • Relaxing Soundscape: The gentle cascading water creates a calming ambiance.
  • Increased Functionality: The waterfall can provide a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the water flow.

maintenance-free-backyard-with-synthetic-grass-and-vinyl-pool2Things to consider when planning a sheer descent waterfall on a vinyl pool:

  • Pool Layout: Determine the best placement for the waterfall based on the pool’s shape and existing features.
  • Water Flow Control: Ensure the waterfall system has adjustable water flow to control the sound and visual impact.
  • Maintenance: Consider the additional maintenance required to keep the waterfall clean and functioning correctly.

Retaining Wall Built with Eldorado Cultured Stones

Due to the grade change from the neighbor’s yard, we built a retaining wall. The wall was veneered with eldorado cultured stones.  A retaining wall for a vinyl pool is most commonly constructed using interlocking concrete blocks (segmental retaining walls) stacked together to form a strong and stable wall, offering a good balance of cost-effectiveness and durability compared to other options like poured concrete or large stones.  However, the best material for your specific situation will depend on the slope of your yard and the height of the wall needed.

Key points about retaining walls for vinyl pools:

  • Concrete blocks: Concrete blocks are the most popular choice due to ease of installation and versatility.
  • Poured concrete: Stronger and more suitable for very tall walls, but can be more expensive.
  • Natural stone: Aesthetically pleasing but can be labor-intensive and costly.
  • Timber (pressure treated): Suitable for smaller walls but requires regular maintenance due to potential rot.

maintenance-free-backyard-with-synthetic-grass-and-vinyl-pool3Some considerations when choosing a material for the retaining wall:

  • The yard’s slope: Steeper slopes require more substantial materials like poured concrete.
  • Wall height: Higher walls may need additional support or engineering calculations.
  • Aesthetics: Consider how the retaining wall will blend with your backyard design.

Important Design Elements

  • Drainage: Proper drainage behind the wall is crucial to prevent water buildup and soil erosion.
  • Geotextile fabric: A layer of geotextile fabric can be placed behind the wall to prevent soil erosion further.
  • Proper installation: Ensure the wall has a level base and appropriate backfill materials.

Pool Coping and Design Elements

Many pool operators may initially overlook pool coping. However, it is an essential part of building a swimming pool. Understanding the various types of pool coping available, the materials used, and their features is crucial for creating a durable, stylish pool.

Pool coping refers to the material or structure that forms the edge or perimeter around a swimming pool. It essentially acts as a protective cap that separates the pool shell from the surrounding deck. The coping allows people to sit or stand on the pool’s edge, preventing water from spilling over the side. It’s the area on which people typically sit when at the pool’s edge.

Key Points About Pool Coping

  • Function: It protects the pool shell, prevents debris from entering it, and provides a safe, comfortable area to sit or stand at the pool’s edge.
  • Material options: Can be made from concrete, natural stone, pavers, or ceramic tiles.
  • Different styles: Includes bullnose coping (rounded edge), top mount coping (attached to the pool wall), and drop edge coping (sharp vertical edge).

For the coping on the top of the wall and the pool, we used G036 marble from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. This gray natural stone was installed in a French pattern on the top patio.

Synthetic Turf for a Maintenance-Free Backyard

We installed synthetic turf on top of the raised area in the backyard area, adding to the maintenance-free features of the backyard makeover.  This unique artificial turf is manufactured in Italy by a great company that makes synthetic turf for all FIFA regulation soccer fields for European teams.

Synthetic lawns require almost no maintenance besides occasional cleaning. They don’t need mowing, fertilizing, aerating, or weeding. Durability is a big plus. Artificial turf stands well to heavy use and extreme weather, from UV rays to freezing temperatures.maintenance-free-backyard-with-synthetic-grass-and-vinyl-pool

Vinyl Liner Pool Auto Covers

The pool is also equipped with an autocover.  A pool auto cover is primarily used to significantly reduce water evaporation, conserve heat in the pool, minimize debris buildup, and, most importantly, provide a safety barrier to prevent accidental access to the pool, especially for children and pets, all with the convenience of opening and closing with the press of a button.

Key Benefits of a Pool Auto Cover:

  • Safety: The primary function is to act as a safety barrier, preventing unauthorized access to the pool and significantly reducing the risk of drowning, particularly for young children and pets.
  • Energy savings: Covering the pool when not in use drastically reduces heat loss from evaporation, meaning less energy is needed to maintain the desired water temperature.
  • Water conservation: Minimizing evaporation translates to less water loss, reducing the need to refill the pool frequently.
  • Reduced maintenance: A cover keeps debris like leaves and insects out of the pool, decreasing the need for regular cleaning.
  • Chemical conservation: Fewer pool chemicals are needed to maintain proper water balance by preventing evaporation.
  • Convenience: Unlike manual covers, an automatic cover can be opened and closed with a button, making pool usage effortless.

Check out our page to learn more about the benefits of pool auto covers.

We installed synthetic turf in the rest of the yard, creating a play area for the kids and a maintenance-free backyard.  This is the latest Gappsi design and complete installation in Smithtown, NY.

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