Outdoor Living Spaces Services in Minneapolis, White Bear Lake, Woodbury

Transforming a Backyard Pool Space in Woodbury, MN A Complete Pool Deck and Retaining Wall Rehab with Unilock Every great outdoor space starts with a problem that needs solving. For John in Woodbury, Minnesota, that problem was a backyard pool area that had seen better days. The retaining walls were failing, the decking around the pool was undersized, and drainage issues were becoming more than just a nuisance — they were a real risk to the structure. That’s where Grey Cloud Outdoors came in. The Problem: Failing Walls and a Cramped Pool Deck John’s original pool area had retaining walls that were beginning to lean and settle. Water had nowhere good to go, and the narrow concrete deck made the pool feel confined. Over time, the freeze–thaw cycles Minnesota is known for had taken their toll. The entire space needed a rebuild — not just to look better, but to perform better for years to come. The Design: Seeing It Before It’s Built Using Unilock U-Vision 3D design software, we created a detailed digital model of the project before the first shovel hit the ground. That allowed John to visualize his new pool deck, stairs, and wall layout in real space — color, texture, and lighting included. Every elevation and detail was reviewed and approved ahead of time, eliminating surprises and ensuring the final product matched the vision exactly. Seeing your new outdoor space before it’s built is one of the biggest advantages of working with a Unilock Authorized Contractor. It gives homeowners confidence that what they’re getting will be worth every penny. The Build: Strength, Drainage, and Detail Once the design was locked in, our team got to work rebuilding the space from the ground up — literally. 1. Expanded Pool Deck We added roughly 400 square feet of new paver pool deck using Unilock premium pavers designed to handle heat, foot traffic, and pool chemicals. The expanded layout provided more room for lounge chairs and entertaining — all while matching the home’s style and grade. 2. Permeable Joint Drain A custom permeable joint drain was installed through the center of the pool deck to direct surface water away from the pool edge and house foundation. This subtle but critical feature keeps the area dry, safe, and free from standing water — a must for any Minnesota pool patio. 3. New Retaining Walls We replaced the failing block walls with new Unilock segmental retaining walls, engineered for longevity and appearance. Each wall was built with proper drainage and geogrid reinforcement behind it, preventing the same problems from ever returning. 4. Safe, Durable Access A new set of stairs was constructed to connect the house and pool deck, providing safe access and clean lines that tie the entire space together. The Materials: Built with Unilock Quality We exclusively used Unilock products for this project because of their proven performance in Minnesota’s climate and their unmatched visual appeal. The combination of EnduraColor™ surface technology and TitanTec™ strength means the patio will maintain its color and structure for decades — through summer sun, pool water, and winter frost alike. And every Unilock product we install is backed by a lifetime transferable warranty from the manufacturer. That’s what we mean when we say: Built for the North. Built for you. Built for life. The Result: Function Meets Form Today, John’s backyard feels like an entirely new property. The pool area is larger, safer, and more functional Drainage issues are gone The new Unilock pavers and walls tie seamlessly into the home’s architecture And the space is ready for decades of use — no settling, no surprises, no headaches The best part? John got to see it all beforehand through our U-Vision 3D design — and the final result matched it perfectly. Ready to Rebuild Your Pool or Patio? Whether you’re dealing with failing retaining walls, cracked concrete, or just an outdated backyard, we can help you reimagine it with confidence. Our process makes it simple: Consultation & Design – We visit your home, assess the site, and create a detailed 3D U-Vision design using Unilock products. Build It Right – Our team handles excavation, drainage, and installation to the highest industry standards. Enjoy for Decades – You get a space that’s durable, low-maintenance, and built to handle Minnesota’s toughest seasons. 📍 Woodbury, MN Built for the North. Built for you. Built for life.

We love helping homeowners transform their backyards into functional and beautiful spaces. Jessica's outdoor area in Cottage Grove, MN was due for an upgrade from just an outdoor rug to a full-fledged paver patio. She's now the proud owner of a cozy retreat where grilling, dining, and relaxation come together in harmony. Our team specializes in crafting beautiful paver patios that not only look stunning but are built to endure the harsh northern climate. Say goodbye to uneven surfaces and hello to a patio that enhances your outdoor living experience. We utilized high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting use, allowing you and your family to enjoy countless memories under the open sky. This project is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship. By incorporating space for grilling and outdoor seating, we turned her vision into reality. It's transformations like these that inspire us to create more special places for more families. If you're dreaming of an outdoor upgrade, we're here to make it happen. There's no need to settle for less when you can have an elegant and durable patio that boosts the overall appeal of your home. Whether it's a cozy corner or a large entertainment space, our outdoor living solutions are tailored to fit your needs and lifestyle. Let us help you design a space that's uniquely yours, built not just for today, but for a lifetime.