Outdoor Living Spaces in Waterloo, Iowa
Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces, and custom seating areas designed to extend your living space beyond the back door — built for Iowa's four seasons.
Schedule a ConsultationYour Backyard, Reimagined for Year-Round Use
Outdoor living is about more than a patio with some furniture on it. It is about creating a space where you cook dinner outside on a weeknight, gather around a fire on a cool October evening, and host family for a Saturday afternoon cookout — all without leaving your property. In the Cedar Valley, where summers are warm and autumns are spectacular, a well-designed outdoor living space gets months of use every year.
At Matthias Landscaping Co., we design and build complete outdoor environments. That includes outdoor kitchens with built-in grills and countertops, fire pits surrounded by custom seating walls, fireplaces, pergola-covered lounging areas, and integrated lighting that makes the space usable well after dark. Every project is tailored to your property, your lifestyle, and the way you actually want to use your backyard.
We have been building outdoor living spaces across Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and the surrounding communities since 1991. Every project begins with a consultation and custom 2D design plan, so you can see the layout, materials, and features before any construction begins.
Outdoor Living Features
Outdoor Kitchens
Built-in grills, countertops, storage cabinets, sinks, and bar seating — all constructed with weather-resistant materials rated for Iowa conditions. We design kitchens that function as a real cooking space, not just a standalone grill. Gas lines, electrical connections, and drainage are integrated into the design from the start. Whether you want a compact grilling station or a full kitchen with a pizza oven, we build it to last.
Fire Pits & Seating Areas
Nothing extends the outdoor season quite like a fire pit. We build both wood-burning and gas fire pits in round, square, and rectangular configurations. Surrounding seating walls provide built-in seating that eliminates the need for dragging chairs around, and we integrate the fire pit into the overall patio design so it feels like a natural part of the space rather than an afterthought.
Outdoor Fireplaces
An outdoor fireplace becomes the focal point of your backyard. Built with firebrick interiors, block exteriors, and chimney structures that draw smoke upward, these features provide heat, ambiance, and architectural presence. We design fireplaces that complement your home's style — from tumbled block to clean contemporary lines — and position them for optimal wind protection and viewing angles.
Pergolas & Shade Structures
Pergolas, pavilions, and shade sails define outdoor rooms and provide relief from the summer sun. We design freestanding and attached pergola structures that integrate with your patio, kitchen, or dining area. Options include natural wood, composite, and aluminum — each selected for durability in Iowa's weather. Add string lights or a ceiling fan and the space becomes comfortable from morning through evening.
Enjoying Your Outdoor Space in Every Iowa Season
Many homeowners in the Cedar Valley assume outdoor living is limited to June through August. With the right design, your outdoor space can be used comfortably from early spring through late fall — and even on mild winter days.
Spring and Fall: Fire pits and fireplaces provide warmth on cool evenings, extending your comfortable outdoor hours by weeks in both directions. Pergolas with retractable shades offer rain protection for unpredictable spring weather.
Summer: Shade structures, ceiling fans, and strategic positioning of cooking areas keep the space comfortable even during Iowa's hottest weeks. Landscape lighting lets you stay outside well into the evening.
Winter: Fireplaces and covered areas with wind protection create cozy spots for coffee on a sunny winter morning or a holiday gathering. Gas fire features ignite instantly — no wood splitting required.
The key is designing for all four seasons from the beginning. We consider wind patterns, sun exposure, shade coverage, and heating sources during the design phase so your space works year-round, not just in perfect weather.
How We Design Your Outdoor Space
Consultation
We visit your property, discuss how you use your yard, what features interest you, and how the space connects to your home. We review sun exposure, wind patterns, and access points.
Custom Design
Our team creates a detailed 2D design plan showing the layout of every feature — patio, kitchen, fire pit, seating, lighting, and plantings. You review materials and approve the design.
Construction
Our crew builds the project according to the approved plan — from base preparation and utility rough-ins through masonry, countertop installation, and finish details.
Enjoy the Space
We clean the site, test all features, and walk through the completed project with you. Your new outdoor living area is ready for its first cookout, bonfire, or quiet evening.
Outdoor Living FAQ
Most full outdoor kitchens benefit from gas and electrical connections. Gas lines supply built-in grills, side burners, and fire features. Electrical connections power lighting, outlets for blenders and appliances, and ventilation fans. We coordinate with licensed plumbers and electricians as needed to run these utilities to your outdoor kitchen during the construction phase. Some simpler grilling stations can operate with propane tanks and battery-powered accessories if utility connections are not practical.
We build outdoor kitchens from concrete block — weather-proof and provide structural support for countertops and appliances. Countertop materials that perform well in Iowa include granite, stone, and concrete — all of which resist heat, moisture, and freeze-thaw damage. We avoid materials like marble and certain tile that can crack or stain in outdoor conditions. Stainless steel appliances rated for outdoor use are standard for all our kitchen builds.
Yes. Many of our projects involve expanding or enhancing an existing patio. We can extend the paver surface, add a fire pit or fireplace, build an outdoor kitchen island, or construct seating walls — all integrated with your current layout. If the existing patio base is in good condition, we tie into it. If it needs work, we can renovate the existing area as part of the project. We evaluate your current setup during the consultation and recommend the best approach.
Related Services
Create Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space
From a simple fire pit to a complete outdoor kitchen and entertainment area — we design and build outdoor spaces that match how you live.
Schedule a Consultation