Not Just Grass and Stone: 10 Surprising Elements That Make a Backyard Feel Luxurious
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When people think of “luxury,” they usually imagine high price tags or flashy extras. But that’s not how we see it. To us, luxury lives in the details — in functional layouts, long-lasting materials, and features that feel cohesive instead of crammed together. Real outdoor luxury isn’t about cost. It’s about how well the space moves with you.
We’ve spent over 15 years designing and building high-end backyards across Toronto. Not with shortcuts or surface-level styling, but with craftsmanship that holds up season after season. From precision-built fiberglass pools to seamless composite decks, outdoor kitchens, interlocking patios, and custom wood features — we layer each element with purpose. That’s what creates a space that feels polished yet practical.
One thing that sets us apart? Our 7,000-square-foot landscaping showroom — the only one of its kind in Ontario. It’s not just for browsing. It’s for feeling out real finishes under your feet, comparing stonework, testing layouts, and making confident choices before a single shovel hits the ground.
Thinking about giving your backyard a true upgrade? Here’s what makes an outdoor space feel custom, elevated, and built for living well.
1. Composite Decks: The Foundation of Outdoor Living
Every outdoor space needs a solid starting point — and for most Toronto homeowners, that begins with a deck. But not just any deck. A composite deck, whether it’s crafted from premium Trex boards or high-performance PVC, sets the stage with clean lines and long-term durability. You won’t find splinters here. You won’t be staining it every spring, either. These materials are made for life outdoors — rain, sun, snow, repeat.
We’ve been building low-maintenance decks in the GTA for over 15 years. What sets us apart? It’s not just the materials we use — though we source some of the best — it’s how precisely we install them. Our clients expect tight finishes, straight seams, custom trims, and details that elevate the build from “basic” to “beautiful.” That’s what we deliver, every time.
As a composite deck builder Toronto homeowners trust, we know how crucial it is to get this step right. Done well, a PVC deck does more than just look good — it holds everything else together. The outdoor kitchen sits on it. The hot tub blends into it. The pergola rises from it. This is where function meets form, and the backyard starts to feel like yours.
2. Integrated Outdoor Kitchens: Eat, Entertain, Repeat
Food brings people together — that’s not just a saying, it’s the backbone of outdoor living. A few years ago, a freestanding grill might’ve done the trick. Now? Full outdoor kitchens are the standard in high-end yards. We’re talking built-in grills, under-counter fridges, prep sinks, warming drawers, and real storage. These aren’t add-ons — they’re essentials.
When we design a custom outdoor kitchen in Toronto, we don’t just bolt metal boxes onto stone. We build every element into your deck, patio, or hardscape so it looks like it was always meant to be there. Stainless steel meets sleek stone. Counters extend seamlessly beneath pergolas. Storage tucks in under bar seating. It’s functional, but it feels fluid.
We’ve spent years refining the way we approach every outdoor kitchen project. As an outdoor kitchen builder GTA families come back to again and again, we’ve seen what works — and what doesn’t — through every season. From sweltering heat to deep freeze, our kitchens hold up. And they don’t just last — they invite people in. Late dinners, backyard birthdays, morning coffees, Friday cocktails. That’s the rhythm of real outdoor living. Eat, entertain, repeat.
3. Fire Features: Extend the Season with Style
When the air cools and sweaters come out, your backyard doesn’t need to shut down. Fire features stretch the season far beyond summer — and do it in style. Whether it’s a crisp fall night or an early spring evening, the right fire element adds instant warmth, glow, and atmosphere.
We’ve installed everything from sleek stone fire bowls to built-in gas fireplaces that anchor full lounge zones. Some clients want a clean-lined fire strip built into a custom seating wall. Others go for a raised hearth surrounded by plush sectionals, perfect for sipping wine or roasting marshmallows. Each design is shaped around how you live, not just how it looks.
As specialists in outdoor fireplace installation Toronto homeowners trust, we focus on safety, longevity, and visual flow. Gas lines get tucked neatly away. Materials are fire-rated and weather-resistant. Finishes tie into surrounding elements — decks, kitchens, stonework — so nothing feels out of place.
Modern fire pit backyard ideas don’t belong only on Pinterest boards. We build them right here, every week, and we build them to last. Warmth, mood, and year-round comfort? That’s not a bonus. That’s the new standard.
4. Pergolas and Gazebos: Add Structure Without Walls
Open-air living doesn’t mean open-to-everything. Sometimes, a little structure makes all the difference. Pergolas and gazebos bring just enough coverage to carve out zones — for dining, lounging, or quiet morning coffee — without shutting out the sun or breeze.
We’ve seen how a well-placed pergola can anchor a backyard. Add soft lighting or let vines wind through the beams and suddenly, you’ve got ambiance for days. Gazebos take it further — solid roofs, defined shapes, and serious architectural punch. Each one we build feels custom because it is. Every inch is planned around how you move, where the sun hits, and what the space wants to become.
As outdoor woodworking experts with years under our tool belts, we craft every pergola, privacy screen, and gazebo from premium materials that age with grace. No warping, no shortcuts. Our pergola design Toronto clients rave about isn’t about pre-fab kits — it’s about artistry, purpose, and finished work that speaks for itself.
When the structure feels this natural, walls start to seem optional.
5. Fiberglass Pools: Modern, Sleek, and Low-Maintenance
Not every pool belongs in a resort. Some belong right in your yard — just as polished, minus the flight. Fiberglass pools have become the go-to for Toronto homeowners chasing that upscale look without the endless upkeep.
We lean into fiberglass because it checks boxes. Fast installation? Check. A smooth, non-porous surface that’s gentler on skin and chemicals? Check. It resists algae, holds shape, and stays beautiful longer than many expect. That makes it perfect for families who want more swim and less skimming.
At M.E. Contracting, we’ve carved out a name for ourselves as a leading Toronto inground pool contractor, especially when it comes to fiberglass. But we don’t stop at the shell. Our teams blend each pool into its surroundings — think custom stone coping, water features that hum quietly in the background, and strategic landscaping that ties the whole space together.
When we build fiberglass pools Toronto can rely on, we think about the total experience: from the first footstep on the deck to the last ripple under a sunset sky.
6. Outdoor Lighting: The Underestimated Game-Changer
We’ve seen it happen over and over — a beautiful yard by day that completely vanishes come nightfall. That’s where lighting flips the switch. Not just for visibility, but for mood, shape, and that quiet wow factor.
Well-placed lighting turns flat into dimensional. It pulls shadows across the stone, throws a soft glow through pergola beams, and brings out the grain in wooden walls. We’re talking uplighting under trees, warm under-cap strips along stair edges, or subtle path lights that feel more resort than the runway.
One of our favourite projects involved a layered lighting scheme — uplights bathed a row of maples in soft amber while under-deck lighting traced every stair with warmth. The homeowners said it felt like their space doubled in beauty after sundown. That’s what thoughtful outdoor lighting for backyards can do.
As one of the top teams for landscape lighting Toronto-wide, we don’t treat it as an afterthought. It’s part of the design from day one — because no one builds a luxury yard just to lose it after 7 p.m.
7. Interlocking Pavers: Beyond the Driveway
Interlocking pavers used to be something you tossed on the driveway and forgot. Not anymore. These days, high-end yards are using sleek concrete pavers, textured stones, and oversized slabs everywhere — from front walks to full pool decks.
At M.E. Contracting, we treat every square foot with surgical precision. Our team handles base prep like it’s an art form — deep excavation, tight compaction, and exact leveling. No shifting, no sagging. Edge restraints keep everything locked, even after a rough freeze-thaw season.
We’ve paved patios that feel more like boutique hotel courtyards. Picture a charcoal paver walkway cutting through a soft garden or creamy stones circling a hot tub with perfect symmetry. This isn’t filler — it’s a major design element.
As a trusted patio paving contractor in the GTA, we’ve redefined how homeowners use interlocking pavers in Toronto. They’re not just for utility anymore. They’re structure, texture, and serious curb appeal — right underfoot.
8. Privacy Features: Fencing, Green Walls, and Panels
Luxury doesn’t shout — it shelters. The most striking backyards we’ve built across Toronto have something in common: seclusion. That peaceful, tucked-away feeling doesn’t happen by accident.
We design privacy into the space from the very start. Think custom cedar fencing with clean lines, slatted screens that soften with climbing vines, or pergolas with integrated privacy walls that block unwanted views without boxing you in. Some clients even go bold with green walls — vertical gardens that pull double duty as living art and sound barriers.
As a custom fence builder in Toronto, we don’t default to store-bought panels. Every privacy feature we craft is tailored, measured, and finished on-site. Want a horizontal layout that matches your deck? Done. Need a built-in bench against a slatted screen? Easy.
Whether you’re tucked into a downtown lot or sharing a yard with three neighbours, we’ll find a way to make your backyard feel like a world of its own.
9. Heated Driveways and Walkways: Hidden Luxury
Not every luxury feature begs for attention. Some are buried beneath the surface — literally. Heated driveways and walkways might not be the first thing guests notice, but they’ll definitely feel the difference when snow piles up and your entrance stays clear, dry, and safe.
We install snow-melting systems across the GTA for homeowners who value both elegance and ease. Whether you’re tired of shoveling or just want to protect your stone pavers from salt damage, a heated driveway brings real function without sacrificing design.
Our systems are smart — they activate automatically when moisture and cold collide. We embed the cables seamlessly under pavers or poured surfaces, so there’s no visual disruption. And yes, we handle the electrical coordination, base prep, and restoration too.
From modern walkways that glow against the snow to fully heated driveways in Toronto’s busiest neighborhoods, we make winter a little less of a hassle — and a lot more impressive.
10. Professional Project Management: The Real Luxury
You can’t feel relaxed in your backyard if getting it built was a nightmare. True luxury doesn’t start with marble or imported stone — it starts with not chasing your contractor for updates or wondering if surprise costs will show up in the final invoice.
That’s why every M.E. Contracting project comes with a dedicated manager — someone who’s dialed in from day one, keeping everything on track, on budget, and on your terms. Our approach eliminates chaos. You’ll know what’s happening and when, without having to chase answers or manage trades yourself.
We believe timelines should be respected and promises should mean something. Our pricing stays clear from the start, and we back our work with a 3-year labor warranty. No fine print. No last-minute detours. Just solid, predictable service.
That commitment has earned us over 4.8 stars across platforms, and it’s why so many Toronto homeowners come back for second projects or refer us to friends.
Luxury begins with peace of mind. We build that first — then the rest.
Your Backyard, Reimagined
Real luxury doesn’t scream. It speaks in quiet details — in a deck that never splinters, a pergola that casts just enough shade, lighting that flickers like firelight, and a pool that blends into the stone like it’s always belonged. A high-end backyard should feel easy, livable, and built to suit you — not just the summer, but spring mornings, fall evenings, and maybe even snowy strolls on a warm walkway.
For over 15 years, we’ve helped Toronto homeowners turn plain yards into layered, functional escapes. From fiberglass pools and outdoor kitchens to heated driveways and bespoke fencing, our team handles it all — with care, craftsmanship, and consistency. Our award-winning work stands the test of time because it’s built with intention, not just style.
Thinking it might be time for something new? Visit our 7,000-square-foot showroom or reach out to book a consultation.
Let’s build something that feels like coming home, even when you step outside.
Author Profile
'M.E. Contracting is one of Toronto’s premier outdoor solutions company. Founded by owners Keren and Eitan Abu, with a desire to change the face of Toronto through the revitalization of outdoor living space, M.E. Contracting was established. The “M” and “E” stand for Keren and Eitan’s daughters, Mika and Emma; from the start these two girls have inspired the vision of innovation and creativity that M.E. embodies today. Want to see for yourself? Our 7,000 square foot landscaping showroom is the only showroom in Ontario dedicated to landscaping and outdoor transformations'
