Thursday, October 1, 2026
The backyard has become one of the most coveted amenities in real estate, and nowhere is that more apparent than on Long Island. What began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a desire for private outdoor space has evolved into a long-term investment in lifestyle, entertaining and home value. Today's homeowners are spending less time dreaming about vacation destinations and more time creating resort-inspired retreats just steps from their back doors.
Pools remain at the center of many of these projects, but the modern backyard is about far more than swimming. Outdoor kitchens, fire features, custom masonry, artificial turf, integrated technology and carefully planned gathering spaces are reshaping the way Long Islanders use their properties.
According to Larry Gurino, co-owner of Big Becks Pools and Pavers, a family-owned company based in Massapequa, demand for comprehensive outdoor living projects remains strong years after the pandemic boom. The company specializes in pool construction, masonry work and outdoor living design, providing a single source for homeowners looking to transform their yards. Big Becks has earned recognition as an award-winning pool builder and offers in-house design, construction and service capabilities.
"Pools are still very popular," Gurino said. "We are averaging installing two pools a week here, almost all year, except when the snow is too deep."
While the appetite for pools remains robust, the design priorities have changed significantly. Gone are the days when homeowners wanted deep diving pools designed primarily for swimming laps or showcasing a diving board.
"Deep pools with diving boards; that's gone," Gurino said. Insurance considerations have played a role in that shift, but changing lifestyles are driving it even more. Today's homeowners want spaces designed for relaxation and social interaction.
"People want hangout pools," Gurino said. "They want five and a half feet, they want to hang out, they want to have benches and sun decks, stadium steps."
One of the fastest-growing features is the sun shelf, often called a tanning ledge. These shallow platforms allow loungers to sit partially submerged in the water while children play nearby. Combined with built-in benches and wide entry steps, these features transform the pool into a social environment rather than simply a place to swim.
Industry discussions among pool owners and builders have similarly highlighted growing demand for tanning ledges and sun shelves, particularly for family-oriented entertaining spaces.
The emphasis on socializing extends beyond the pool itself. Increasingly, designers are approaching the backyard as a fully integrated outdoor living environment.
"The layout of the backyard is based on fun," Gurino said.
Rather than treating the pool, patio and outdoor kitchen as separate elements, homeowners are seeking cohesive designs that encourage interaction. Gurino said successful projects begin with understanding how families and guests will move throughout the space.
"Your outdoor kitchen and patio should not be very far from the steps in the pool, because the people that are sitting in the pool want to talk to the people at the outdoor kitchen or the people at the table," he said.
The result is a more intentional approach to site planning. Outdoor kitchens are positioned to maintain conversation between swimmers and guests. Dining areas are integrated into the overall design rather than tucked away in separate corners. Fire pits create gathering spots that extend backyard use well into the evening.
For many homeowners, these additions have become as important as the pool itself.
"The outdoor kitchen, the waterfalls, fire pits," Gurino said, listing some of the most requested features. "People are doing all kinds of different kinds of pavers."
Masonry has become a defining element of these projects. Premium paver patios, natural stone accents, retaining walls and custom seating areas help establish a sense of permanence and sophistication. On Long Island, Cambridge pavers remain one of the most recognizable brands among homeowners, according to Gurino.
Another trend gaining momentum is artificial turf. Once viewed primarily as a commercial landscaping material, today's high-quality synthetic grass products are finding a place in residential properties.
"A lot of people are doing turf," Gurino said.
Artificial turf is particularly attractive in backyards dominated by pools and hardscape features. With less natural lawn remaining, homeowners are looking for ways to reduce maintenance while maintaining a clean appearance.
"You don't have to have the guy come in the back, cut the grass, blow all the leaves and grass clippings into the pool," Gurino said.
The material also appeals to families with pets, especially when paired with irrigation systems that help keep surfaces clean.
Perhaps the biggest shift since COVID, however, is not the specific products homeowners choose but the way they approach projects. Many homeowners no longer want to coordinate multiple contractors for excavation, masonry, electrical work, landscaping and pool installation.
"I think people are getting to a point where they don't like to coordinate too many contractors for a single project anymore," Gurino said.
Instead, homeowners increasingly prefer a specialized experience managed by a single company. The trend reflects both convenience and the growing complexity of outdoor living projects, which often require extensive coordination among multiple trades.
Gurino believes his company's ability to manage every phase of construction in-house is a major advantage.
"We specialize in this turnkey experience, handling all of the details of the project with our customers," he said.
That guidance often extends beyond technical construction decisions. Homeowners frequently change their minds after seeing projects begin to take shape, whether adjusting pool depths, adding sun shelves or modifying layouts.
The collaborative approach resonates with homeowners making significant investments in their properties. Many are treating backyard projects with the same level of customization and planning traditionally reserved for interior renovations.
As Long Island's housing market continues to emphasize lifestyle amenities, outdoor spaces are increasingly viewed as extensions of the home rather than separate recreational areas. Pools are still central to that vision, but they are now part of a larger ecosystem that includes masonry, landscaping, technology and entertainment.
For homeowners investing in Long Island properties, the goal is no longer simply to install a pool. It is to create a destination—one that blends comfort, functionality and year-round enjoyment. The post-pandemic backyard has evolved into a private resort, and on Long Island, that trend shows no signs of slowing down.
