THE 10 BEST Outdoor Living Services in PORTLAND, OR
| Business Name | Key Services | Best For | Address | Hours | PS Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Backyard Living | Patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, water features, custom wood structures | Award-winning landscape design | Portland, OR (Serving Portland Metro) | By Appointment | 4.7/5 |
| Lewis Landscape Services | Poolscapes, patios, covered structures, outdoor kitchens, fire features | Custom poolscape design | 21500 NW Farm Park Dr, Suite A, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | Winter: 9am-3pm, Summer: 9am-4pm | 4.8/5 |
| Northwest Outdoor Living | Patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, fireplaces, pergolas | Street of Dreams projects | Portland, OR (Greater Portland Area) | By Appointment | 4.6/5 |
| Landscape East & West | Outdoor living spaces, kitchens, patios, water features, sustainable design | Full-service design-build | Portland, OR Metro Area | By Appointment | 4.5/5 |
| Three Rivers Custom Decks | Custom decks, overhead structures, fire pits, outdoor kitchens | Custom deck construction | Portland, OR (Greater Portland Area) | By Appointment | 4.7/5 |
| Drake’s 7 Dees | Complete landscape design, outdoor living rooms, fire pits, patios | Complete landscape renovation | 5645 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Portland, OR 97225 | Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5:30pm, Sat: 9am-5:30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm | 4.6/5 |
| Golden Eagle Hardscapes | Hardscaping, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire features, lighting | Budget-friendly solutions | Portland, OR (Serving Portland) | By Appointment | 4.3/5 |
| Grasstains LLC | Patios, decks, fences, garden features, sustainable spaces | Eco-friendly design | 5255 NE 74th Ave, Portland, OR 97232 | Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm | 4.0/5 |
| Western Paver Design | Paver installation, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, retaining walls | Paver and hardscape specialists | Portland, OR (Greater Portland Area) | By Appointment | 4.4/5 |
| Vulcan Design & Construction | Hardscaping, outdoor living design, permits, engineering | Complex project management | Portland, OR (Serving Greater Portland) | Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun: By Appointment | 4.5/5 |
#1. Premier Backyard Living – Best for Award-Winning Landscape Design
Key Highlights:
- Over 29 years of experience in Portland’s outdoor living market with multiple awards for water feature design
- Advanced project management with 24/7 client access to monitor project progress and communicate with staff
- Full-color 3D renderings so you can preview your outdoor oasis before construction begins
Premier Backyard Living has been transforming Portland backyards into stunning outdoor spaces since 1995. They handle every step from consultation to final cleanup with care and precision. Their team specializes in creating authentic, beautifully designed landscape projects that include outdoor fireplaces, custom wood structures, water features, and complete outdoor living spaces.
They use high-end project management solutions that allow clients to monitor their projects through a detailed schedule and budget tracking system. This transparency makes the construction process smooth and stress-free. Whether you want a small intimate patio or a grand outdoor entertainment area, Premier Backyard Living has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Their designers are some of the best in Portland’s landscaping market, and their work speaks for itself through their extensive portfolio.
#2. Lewis Landscape Services – Best for Custom Poolscape Design
Key Highlights:
- 29 years of specialization in poolscapes with custom paver pool decks and resort-style designs
- Personal approach where owner Jim Lewis personally oversees projects to ensure everything is perfect
- Comprehensive irrigation maintenance services to keep your outdoor space thriving year-round
Lewis Landscape offers exceptional outdoor living space design and installation in the Portland area. They are especially known for their stunning poolscapes that transform ordinary pool areas into resort-like retreats. Their services include custom paver patios, covered structures, seat walls, fire features, outdoor kitchens, and synthetic turf installations. The company takes pride in creating functional and beautiful outdoor living rooms you can enjoy spring, summer, and fall.
Jim Lewis and his team work closely with clients from initial consultation through project completion. Their experienced designers create spaces that perfectly complement your home and lifestyle. Clients consistently praise the quality of workmanship, clear communication, and attention to detail. The office staff is kind, the crews are professional, and Jim makes every project personal because he understands it’s your home.
#3. Northwest Outdoor Living – Best for Street of Dreams Projects
Key Highlights:
- First place winner of Street of Dreams “People’s Choice Landscape” award
- Featured on the front page of Belgard’s national Idea Book brochure
- Angie’s List “Super Service Award” winner and named one of Portland’s best contractors
Northwest Outdoor Living brings award-winning expertise to every project they undertake in the greater Portland area. This licensed, bonded, and insured company has won numerous accolades for their exceptional work. They specialize in creating custom walkways, patios, outdoor kitchens, water features, fireplaces, and fire pits. Their retaining walls help maximize space and improve the overall look and feel of outdoor environments.
The company has received recognition at home and garden shows throughout Portland. Their designs have been featured in national publications, showcasing their ability to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Whether you want to enhance your backyard with a custom patio or create a complete outdoor living area for entertaining, Northwest Outdoor Living has the experience and creativity to make it happen.
#4. Landscape East & West – Best for Full-Service Design-Build
Key Highlights:
- Decades of experience providing comprehensive landscape design and build services in Portland
- Sustainable and award-winning practices with customer-centric approach
- Eliminates need for separate architects by offering complete design-build solutions in-house
Landscape East & West takes pride in turning rarely used yards into beautiful spaces meant to be enjoyed year-round. Their experienced account representatives customize landscape plans and deliver consistently top-notch service. The team can produce detailed engineered drawings and execute build specifications that meet or exceed industry standards. By consolidating all services under one qualified professional, you’ll streamline communication, reduce costs, and speed up the process.
They specialize in outdoor living spaces including patios, outdoor kitchens, covered structures, and fire features. Their process starts with an initial phone conversation to discuss your project and budget. Then they conduct an in-home consultation to capture your vision. The team creates a concept design with a ballpark budget before moving to full design. Nothing is set in stone and they’re happy to make changes as your vision comes to life.
#5. Three Rivers Custom Decks – Best for Custom Deck Construction
Key Highlights:
- Nearly 20 years serving Portland with crew leaders averaging 15 years of experience
- Specializes in custom overhead structures, fire pits, and outdoor living spaces
- Competitive pricing with exceptional value and quality that exceeds industry standards
Three Rivers Custom Decks is one of Portland’s leading companies in outdoor living design and construction. They bring a unique blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and Pacific Northwest flair to every project. The company builds more than just decks. They create complete custom outdoor living spaces from simple pergola installations to full backyard landscapes with outdoor kitchens. Their custom overhead structures provide the perfect combination of comfort and exposure to the elements.
They use top-quality materials to ensure maximum lifespan with minimal maintenance. Three Rivers offers custom fire pits and outdoor fireplaces that become the centerpiece of your outdoor space. Their talented design team works with you face-to-face to understand your needs and discuss your ideas. They welcome photos, Pinterest boards, and wish lists to help create your dream design. The final walkthrough includes going over warranty procedures before final payment.
#6. Drake’s 7 Dees – Best for Complete Landscape Renovation
Key Highlights:
- Over 50 years of landscape design and construction experience since 1974
- Full-service approach from initial concept through final completion
- Lifetime plant warranty and sustainable practices for long-term peace of mind
Drake’s 7 Dees has been crafting premier residential gardens and outdoor living spaces through their proven design process for over five decades. Their core team has been together an average of 11 years, which creates exceptional collaboration and customer experience. This longevity separates them from others in Portland’s landscape industry. They offer comprehensive outdoor living solutions including outdoor rooms, fire pits, patios, water features, and custom outdoor kitchens.
One landscape designer visits your home to view your property and discuss your vision. This collaborative meeting brings together your dreams and their expertise. The designer develops a detailed plan incorporating measurements, city regulations, and your specific goals. Upon approval, skilled project managers and crews install your landscape while maintaining high standards and excellent communication throughout the process. Their garden center location on Scholls Ferry Road provides easy access to materials and consultations.
#7. Golden Eagle Hardscapes – Best for Budget-Friendly Solutions
Key Highlights:
- Cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or craftsmanship
- Comprehensive outdoor living services including hardscaping and landscaping
- Competitive pricing structures that align with budgetary requirements
Golden Eagle Hardscapes is a leading landscaping and hardscaping company in Portland renowned for transforming outdoor spaces into captivating, functional havens. Their commitment to excellence ensures every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability. They understand the value of your investment and offer competitive pricing without breaking the bank. The company provides comprehensive services including hardscaping, landscaping, outdoor kitchens, water features, fire features, and landscape lighting.
They specialize in crafting stunning hardscape features from elegant patios and walkways to durable retaining walls and fire pits. Their skilled professionals meticulously craft outdoor living plans tailored to your needs and lifestyle. They create tranquil retreats with cascading water features or vibrant entertainment spaces with custom outdoor kitchens. Their customized plans make your property a true reflection of your unique style and a haven of beauty.
#8. Grasstains LLC – Best for Eco-Friendly Design
Key Highlights:
- Portland-based design-build firm focused on sustainably built spaces
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for outdoor element installation
- Collaborative creativity approach to conceive functional and inspiring places
Grasstains is a Portland design-build contracting firm that strives to build a better world to live in. Whether working on outdoor, indoor, or in-between spaces, they believe in their ability as designers and craftsmen to improve functionality and aesthetics. Through collaborative creativity and hard work, they create fun and inspiring places for people to live, work, and play. The company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for installing outdoor elements including patios, walkways, decks, fences, garden features, walls, plantings, lawns, irrigation, and low-voltage lighting.
They focus on delivering wonderful service by being transparent and streamlining the design-build process. This approach allows them to deliver amazing finished products at controlled costs. If you want to create an outstanding outdoor space, Grasstains is ready to help bring your vision to life with their sustainable practices and creative solutions.
#9. Western Paver Design – Best for Paver and Hardscape Specialists
Key Highlights:
- Premier paver and outdoor living contractor specializing in custom installations
- Expert craftsmanship using high-quality materials and innovative techniques
- Professional-grade island and grill options with gas and wood-burning fire pits
Western Paver Design is Portland’s leading outdoor hardscaping and construction company. They specialize in custom paver installations, retaining walls, turf, decks, lighting, and more. Their skilled professionals are dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service in every project. Using high-quality materials and innovative techniques, they transform outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional areas.
The company proudly serves the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Wilsonville, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Vancouver, Clackamas, Tualatin, Sherwood, and Oregon City. They install professional-grade outdoor kitchens with island and grill options. Their fire pit installations include both gas and wood-burning varieties. Western Paver Design also handles pergola design and installation to create shaded outdoor spaces. Their comprehensive services ensure your entire outdoor living project is completed by one trusted team.
#10. Vulcan Design & Construction – Best for Complex Project Management
Key Highlights:
- Specializes in handling planning, permits, engineering requirements, and HOA guidelines
- Focuses on unique designs built with beauty and durability in mind
- Extensive service area covering Portland and surrounding communities
Vulcan Design & Construction specializes in all types of outdoor living and hardscape projects throughout the Portland metro area. They handle every aspect of complex projects including planning, permits, and engineering requirements. The company even works with HOA requirements to customize projects that meet community guidelines. Their core work focuses on unique designs that fit your personal style while being built with both beauty and durability in mind.
Vulcan serves an extensive area including Aloha, Beaverton, Boring, Clackamas, Fairview, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Portland, Sandy, Sherwood, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, and Wilsonville. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, with Saturday and Sunday appointments available. This flexibility makes it easier to schedule consultations around your busy schedule. Whether you need a simple patio or a complex multi-element outdoor living space, Vulcan has the expertise to manage your project from start to finish.
How Much Does an Outdoor Living Space Cost in Portland?
The cost of an outdoor living space in Portland varies widely based on project scope and materials. Basic outdoor kitchens start around $5,000, while elaborate setups can exceed $40,000 or more.
For custom decks, expect to pay between $50 to $150 per square foot. Simple paver patios might cost $5,000 to $15,000, while complete outdoor living spaces with multiple features can range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more.
Fire pits typically cost $2,000 to $8,000 depending on whether you choose a simple design or elaborate custom fireplace. Outdoor kitchens depend heavily on appliances and materials, ranging from basic setups under $10,000 to fully equipped spaces over $50,000.
Portland contractors generally recommend setting aside 10 to 20 percent of your budget for unexpected expenses like dry rot repairs or permit fees. Most reputable companies provide detailed estimates and work within your budget. Getting multiple quotes helps you understand fair pricing for your specific project needs.
What Maintenance Does a Portland Outdoor Living Space Require?
Portland’s climate presents unique maintenance challenges with 155 days of measurable rainfall annually. Regular maintenance keeps your outdoor space looking beautiful and functioning properly year-round.
Paver patios and walkways need occasional sweeping and power washing to remove moss and debris. Seal pavers every 2 to 3 years to protect against moisture damage. Check for settling or shifting pavers after heavy rains.
Wooden decks and pergolas require annual inspection for rot, warping, or damage. Apply water-repellent sealant every 1 to 2 years. Clean regularly to prevent moss buildup. Composite materials need less maintenance but still benefit from occasional cleaning.
Outdoor kitchens need protection from winter freezes. Drain water lines before cold weather hits. Cover appliances when not in use. Clean grills and surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
Fire pits and fireplaces should be cleaned of ash after each use. Check for cracks or damage annually. Keep drainage clear around the feature. Store cushions indoors during Portland’s rainy season to prevent mold. Most contractors offer maintenance services to keep your outdoor space in top condition throughout the year.
How Long Does It Take to Build an Outdoor Living Space in Portland?
The timeline for outdoor living projects in Portland depends on project complexity, weather, and permit requirements. Simple projects like fire pits or small patios might take 1 to 2 weeks from start to finish.
Medium-sized projects including decks, covered structures, or outdoor kitchens typically require 4 to 8 weeks. This includes design time, permit approval, and construction. Weather delays are common during Portland’s rainy season from October through May.
Large, complex projects with multiple elements like complete backyard renovations can take 8 to 16 weeks or longer. Design development alone might take 4 to 8 weeks depending on complexity. The permitting process adds additional time, especially for structures requiring engineering.
Most Portland contractors work year-round, but scheduling flexibility is greater in spring and summer. Winter construction is possible but may include weather-related delays. To minimize timeline surprises, work with experienced contractors who understand Portland’s climate and permitting requirements. Clear communication throughout the process helps keep projects on schedule. Starting the design phase in winter allows construction to begin as soon as spring weather arrives. This approach maximizes your ability to enjoy your new outdoor space during Portland’s beautiful summer months.