Every spring, as soon as I can stand outside without shivering, I start dreaming about a deck. Something about the idea of extending my living space outdoors, of sipping coffee while the sun rises or having friends over for burgers — it always circles back to a deck.

After researching what’s out there, I landed on the custom deck services page for Oasis Outdoor Living Construction — it sums up the endless possibilities (and decisions): https://byoasisofedmond.com/services/decks/. Do I want wood, composite, multi-level, built-in benches? (Answer: I just want a place that won’t splinter my feet, let’s be honest!)

What stood out to me was the bit about making decks that match “your lifestyle.” It’s not just a fancy platform, but an extension of how you actually want to use your home, survive the Oklahoma seasons, and maybe, finally, host a decent BBQ. And I need a contractor who gets that — not just something from a catalog.

Am I ready to commit? Maybe not quite yet. But every year I get a little closer. Maybe this is the year I give myself permission to go for it.

This weekend I finally got around to sitting down and mapping out what I actually want in my backyard. Instead of just scrolling Pinterest, I made a real list. Turns out, I want a lot: a spot for grilling, space for a hammock, some kind of fire feature, a deck... maybe a spot for the dog to run without tearing up my sad garden bed. The more I wrote, the more it felt like, “Is this even possible in my little yard in Moore?”

I started poking around for ideas and came across a page from Oasis Outdoor Living Construction all about their services: https://byoasisofedmond.com/services. This wasn’t some gigantic out-of-state company — they actually know Oklahoma. They’ve done decks, hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, patios, the works. It hit me that you can mix and match, that a backyard doesn’t have to follow just one vibe.

The photos of patios made with pavers and those little alcoves for fire pits gave me clarity. I started thinking modular: maybe a deck for eating, a separate stone patio for a fire pit, a pergola off to the side. The idea of durable, weather-resistant materials is now at the top of my list — if it can't survive a hailstorm or two, it's a no-go here.

I’m collecting notes and sketches now. This mix-and-match mentality is freeing, and I have a much better idea of what’s possible for my space, my budget, and my Oklahoma reality. Here’s hoping I can bring at least a few of these ideas to life before next spring!

Full confession: I’ve always been nervous about hiring people to work on my house. How do you know who to trust? And who will actually show up when they say? That’s why I found myself reading the “About Us” page on Oasis Outdoor Living Construction’s site: https://byoasisofedmond.com/about-us.

They’re local, small, and actually seem proud to do things the right way — no middlemen, no rush jobs, no radio silence, just folks who show up and get the job done. I liked that they mentioned learning from working right here in Moore and OKC — weird weather, quirky soil, and all. And when they said they treat every job like it’s their own home, that just hit different.

It reminded me that working with someone nearby means real accountability. If something goes sideways, I know exactly who I’m calling. I’m still a little anxious (who wouldn’t be?), but this peek behind the curtain made me feel better about moving forward someday — and that maybe my backyard transformation isn’t as intimidating as I thought.

Scrolling Pinterest got me thinking about how every pretty backyard on the internet seems… not quite meant for Oklahoma. All those lush California grasses and flower beds? Not my yard, not my climate. That’s why it was so refreshing to stumble onto Oasis Outdoor Living Construction’s service area page: https://byoasisofedmond.com/service-areas.

They really know Moore and the surrounding towns — you can tell by how they talk about different lot types and weather, not just what “looks good” somewhere else. My block has a mix of flat yards and some surprisingly wild slopes (thanks, Oklahoma wind and rain!), so seeing local projects was reassuring.

It got me thinking about what actually works here: covered spaces for sun and storm, materials that can handle rapid weather changes, and layouts that fit quirky lot shapes. I realized a big part of my backyard vision has to be about what lasts, not just what looks cute for one season.

Now my new obsession is finding creative solutions that look natural in Moore. Like, how can a deck or walkway blend into my slope rather than fight it? How can I use native plants alongside hardscapes? I’m picking up so much from local examples, and feeling way less overwhelmed. Maybe it’s time we give this region its own “backyard style.”

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to have a “retreat” in your own backyard. The Oklahoma summer is no joke — the sun here in Moore feels like it’s got something to prove! Every time I glance out my patio door, I imagine a peaceful, shaded haven just steps away, a spot where I can read or host a few friends without melting. But the challenge? Our yard is a blank canvas. Aside from some patchy grass and a beat-up lawn chair, there’s not much there yet.

During one of my late-night research rabbit holes, I ended up on this page from Oasis Outdoor Living Construction — welcome to my algorithm, folks — and honestly, their “Pavilions” and “Pergolas” section got my wheels turning. It’s here: https://byoasisofedmond.com/services. I wasn’t even sure I knew the exact difference before! A pavilion is more like a full-on roofed structure, while a pergola lets the light through those cool slatted beams. Both could work, but a pavilion seems like the level up I need for true summer survival.

What caught my eye was how they talk about blending form and function. I was picturing drapes, twinkle lights, maybe even some outdoor fans — and suddenly this daydream felt a lot more feasible. They emphasize tailoring everything to the homeowner, which spoke to me because our yard has a weird slope, and I’d hate to get a cookie-cutter setup that sticks out like a sore thumb.

I’m nowhere close to pulling the trigger yet, but it finally feels like these sketches in my head could become something real (and survive our wild windstorms). And honestly, after seeing some of the photos in their project gallery, I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of having my own shady backyard “room.” Maybe this is my summer to make it happen.