Justin Hartley Converted His Friend's Yard Into a Stunning Outdoor Retreat

Actor Justin Hartley wanted to give back to his buddy, Mat, so he teamed up with Jonathan and Drew Scott to transform a dated backyard into a family-friendly outdoor oasis.

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Dennys Ilic

Justin Hartley + His Best Friend, Mat

Justin met up with Jonathan and Drew Scott to surprise his friend, Mat, with the ultimate backyard makeover. The first day involved Justin driving an excavator and tearing down part of Mat's fence, while Mat was watching TV. Needless to say, Mat was surprised.

"Our friendship started over our love of beer and the Dodgers, and it's since turned into a deep love for him and his daughters and his wife. I would do anything for him, and Mat is the kind of guy that's the exact same way. He's been there for me countless times in the past. To be able to pay him back with something that I know is really going to help him and his family. It's the least I can do," said Justin.

Pulling Out the Big Equipment

Even though Justin had never driven an excavator or taken on a renovating project, he jumped right into the demo. The Scott brothers were impressed with how quickly he picked up the new skills. "Justin is good at all the projects we've given him. I think we need to keep him on our show and not let him go back to his show," said Drew.

Before: The Backyard

Mat and his family were living in a small apartment until about a year-and-a-half ago. They saved up money to buy and renovate their home, but were going to have to wait a few years before they could make over the backyard. Justin wanted to give them the ultimate outdoor oasis.

After: The Backyard

Since they live in southern California, the backyard is an extension of the house for nine months out of the year. Now, Mat and his family have a whole new wing of their home. First, Jonathan and Drew leveled out the yard so they were working with a functional blank slate and then they transformed every aspect of the yard — from the patio and pool to the landscaping and hardscaping.

Before: The Pool

Not only did the pool not work, but it was also a safety disaster. The uneven patio had an abundance of trip hazards — neither kid-friendly nor conducive to family gatherings.

After: The Pool

Leveling out the pool surround not only made for a safer border, but it also instantly transformed the backyard into a contemporary retreat. Low-maintenance synthetic turf softened the new concrete patio and added a chic, geometric style.

Before: The Pool

The pool needed a complete refacing. They had to chip and sandblast the old plaster out, as well as remove the old tile that was falling off.

After: The Pool

Modern coping and fresh porcelain tiles revolutionized this once unusable pool. Decking was laid parallel to pool for lounging, and landscaping turned the outdoor space into an oasis. A variety of plants in different textures and heights — agave and citrus, olive and mesquite trees — balanced and softened the retaining and privacy walls.

Finalizing the Materials

Jonathan worked with Justin to figure out Mat's finishes and materials. "Justin is picking finishes like a seasoned pro," said Jonathan. "He knows Mat so well, and he wants everything to be perfect for him."

The Key to a Sturdy Pebble Patio

For the firepit area, Jonathan and Drew laid down interlocking ground grids before spreading the pebble patio. The grids locked the pebbles into place, keeping them from moving or sliding.

Before: The Backyard

The side yard was uninspiring and drab. Since the area is right off the master bedroom, Justin had a vision of creating a cozy space for Mat and his wife to enjoy after the kids are in bed.

After: The Backyard

For a fresh backdrop, the privacy fence and retaining wall were painted dark gray. Smart landscaping made a huge difference in the look and feel of the outdoor space. The Scott brothers opted for greenery to create a lush surrounding without requiring a lot of watering and maintenance. A cozy firepit area with a loveseat and two cushy armchairs is ideal for relaxing at the end of the day.

The Unveiling

After staying in a rental for three weeks, Mat was excited (and a little nervous) to see the changes to his backyard. Justin and the Scott brothers revealed the incredible transformation.

Before: The Patio

Parts of the house exterior were rotting, and the patio right off the backdoor was unusable. Where Mat and his family live, it gets very hot most of the year. The patio had no relief from the sun.

After: The Patio

A welcoming gathering place now greets the family when they walk out into their backyard. They can enjoy or escape from the sun with a touch of the button — the state-of-the-art electric pergola — which covers the contemporary dining area. The pergola will also shed water and keep them from getting wet, so they can appreciate the outdoors even if it's raining.

Before: The Patio

The patio was not only uneven but also outdated. Justin and the Scott brothers wanted to incorporate an outdoor kitchen and dining area where the whole family could gather.

After: The Patio

Justin told the Scott brothers that Mat wanted to install a bar inside, but couldn't figure out the best place for it. The new outdoor kitchen area turned out to be the perfect spot. A porcelain-topped bar is a stunning feature and entertaining-ready spot.

The Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

The outdoor kitchen extended the indoor living to the outside. Clad in porcelain counters, the kitchen features an integrated grill and fridge. Pizza night is a weekly tradition for Mat's family, so Justin also asked for a pizza oven to be included.

Inviting Outdoor Dining

Underneath the electric pergola is a comfy place for dining alfresco. A sleek gray table pairs with modern wicker chairs, and a linear planter full of succulents is a contemporary, low-maintenance centerpiece.

On the Green

Mat and Justin tried out the new putting green. The Scott brothers wanted to create a fun activity the whole family could enjoy together, so they installed this mini golf-inspired area in the corner of the backyard.

Celebrity I.O.U.

Justin Hartley Converted His Friend's Yard Into a Stunning Outdoor Retreat

Shop This Look

Justin Hartley + His Best Friend, Mat

Pulling Out the Big Equipment

Before: The Backyard

After: The Backyard

Before: The Pool

After: The Pool

Before: The Pool

After: The Pool

Finalizing the Materials

The Key to a Sturdy Pebble Patio

Before: The Backyard

After: The Backyard

The Unveiling

Before: The Patio

After: The Patio

Before: The Patio

After: The Patio

The Outdoor Kitchen and Bar

Inviting Outdoor Dining

On the Green

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