Texas is a backyard state. A well-curated outdoor space isn't appreciated everywhere, but it's a prerequisite here, where Texans know sweet tea tastes best from their back porches in the summer. So, where should Cowtown's homeowners turn to between contractors, online tutorials, and Fort Worth's many wholesale distributors once they decide they're ready for some changes? Depending on the design, DIY mistakes can be costly and time-consuming, reserved for the bravest or most experienced weekend warriors. For those interested in outsourcing the work to a trusted professional, few companies have a reputation that rivals The Complete Backyard. The North Texas-based design-and-build company focuses on helping customers create their dream backyards— with an impressive portfolio that includes casitas, outdoor kitchens and patios, simple pools and spas, or, their favorite, combining multiple elements into the ultimate staycation backyard resort.
As a family-owned business with over 30 years of combined experience, the staff and craftsman behind The Complete Backyard are known for their integrity, taking a personalized approach to each project. Their goal? To design spaces that are functional and beautiful.
RJ McNett, a designer at the firm, is particularly fond of a project they took on in Fort Worth's upscale Walsh Ranch community, where the space's challenges yielded beautiful results.
"It was memorable because of the yard's elevation challenges," McNett says. "The clients wanted a state-of-the-art pool, with lighting a top priority. They also wanted a space they could use year-round. Our team loves a good challenge and enjoys working with clients who dream big—this was definitely fun."
The homeowners came to The Complete Backyard with a clear vision: a modern, fully illuminated poolscape that would serve as both a showpiece and a sanctuary. However, the elevation issues created construction challenges, and the budget required strategic planning.
"One of the main opportunities here was working creatively within their budget to ensure they got exactly what they wanted," McNett explains. "Our goal is the client's happiness not just now, but for the long run."
To do that, the team relies on collaboration during the design process. Every project starts with an in-person consultation at the client's home to assess the space, discuss goals, and take precise measurements. Then, using state-of-the-art 3D rendering software, they present clients with a vivid, realistic view of what the finished backyard will look like to avoid wasting time and money.
"We got creative, held multiple design meetings, and used our 3D rendering software to give them a clear visual of what their backyard would look like," McNett says. "This ensured the design matched their vision before we broke ground."
As the project progressed, lighting became the crown jewel of the design.
"This backyard includes multiple standout lighting features—lighted laminars, colored vision bubblers, multiple in-pool lights, and a lighted waterfall," McNett says. "Lighting was a huge focus of the design."
But the innovation didn't stop there. The team incorporated sleek lines and angles to satisfy the owner's modern taste.
"We followed a modernist approach from the beginning because that's what the client wanted—from the shape of the pool to the spa layout, we design for each client's taste, whatever they like," McNett says. "We used travertine for coping and decking to create a seamless, cohesive color scheme."
From the first design sketch to the final polish, the project took just four months—an impressive timeline considering the complexity of the terrain and the level of customization involved.
"The client was extremely pleased and has generously offered to use his backyard as a showcase for our work," McNett notes. "He's even welcomed potential clients to visit his home and has referred several to us as their builder."
The team at The Complete Backyard says customer satisfaction drives them. Their approach relies on building trust with clients to ensure they get what they want and enjoy the experience of creating it.
The company's dedication to detail, from initial concept to long-term support, sets it apart. They also offer in-house warranty services to resolve issues with completed projects quickly and efficiently.
"We hold ourselves and every partner to a high standard to ensure your backyard is beautiful and long-lasting," McNett explains.
Their focus on quality and eye for aesthetics and functionality makes them a rising resource for luxury outdoor living. And while trends may come and go, they're seeing a strong return to sleek, geometric designs in pools and modern outdoor spaces but say they like it all.
"Sleeker designs are trending overall," McNett says. "We create beautiful, sustainable, and easy-to-maintain spaces using aesthetically pleasing materials and advanced functional products."
The Walsh Ranch project is a testament to that mission—a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and client-focused collaboration that turned a challenging backyard into a glowing, year-round escape where life happens beautifully.
And thanks to the dedication of The Complete Backyard team, one Walsh Ranch homeowner brought his glowing outdoor space to life—one laminar at a time.