The lanai I envisioned for our backyard had been a dream for years, but for too long, the space remained little more than an overlooked area, cluttered with unused items and random junk. The old wooden shed that took up most of the area had seen better days, standing out like a relic of the past. It was the kind of place you avoided rather than enjoyed. Still, in my mind, I always imagined it as something better—a peaceful retreat to unwind, a cozy spot to sip coffee on slow mornings, or a place to entertain family and friends. That vision stuck with me, quietly growing until I finally decided it was time to make it happen. So, I gave the space a makeover and turned it into a lanai.
For years, the back of our house was little more than an overlooked area, a space filled with unused items and miscellaneous clutter. The old wooden shed that took up most of the space was a prominent yet had definitely seen better days. It was the kind of place you avoided rather than enjoyed. But in my mind, I always pictured the place into something better – a relaxing space to unwind, a space to sip coffee on slow mornings, or entertain family or friends perhaps. That idea stuck with me, quietly growing until I decided it was time to do something about it. So, I gave the old space a makeover and turned it into a
The first step was clearing out the clutter. That alone made the backyard feel 50% bigger. The shed—once the king of the backyard—was dismantled, piece by piece, revealing a space full of potential.
I turned to Pinterest for inspiration, searching for ideas for a lanai: something open enough to let the breeze flow through, yet structured enough to offer shade and shelter. I envisioned a design that was simple, welcoming, and practical A space that felt like an extension of our home—not just a backyard add-on.
You can watch the video here.
I opted for a tubular frame with a polycarbonate roof for filtered light and rain protection. The flooring was a neutral tile that complemented the space, and I filled the open areas with plants and Bermuda grass. On the wall, I mounted a TV—for watching Netflix or hosting karaoke nights. My wife contributed by adding a stylish outdoor table, ideal for dining or enjoying coffee.
There were definitely moments where I second-guessed everything—especially when the weather didn’t cooperate and set me back an entire day. But slowly, the vision came to life.
Today, the lanai is a favorite spot at home. It’s where we begin our mornings and often where we wind down our evenings. It’s hosted family dinners, impromptu get-togethers, and quiet solo moments alike.
“They say that home is where the heart is. So I guess my heart lives in the fridge.”
–Unknown
If you’re considering building your own lanai (or upgrading your backyard), my advice is this: start with a vision, keep it realistic, and build with joy. You don’t need to be a professional designer—just someone who believes their home can offer more.
Let me know in the comments what you think of the transformation—or feel free to share your own backyard project!
Seafarer and Family Man
I'm Dexter— a seafarer by profession, a traveler by passion, and a homebody by choice.
