The JAC Journal

Plan your outdoor space with confidence.

Straight answers from the team that designs and builds East Bay backyards: materials compared, design ideas, planning and investment, behind-the-build stories and what's new at JAC.

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Planning and Investment

What a Complete Backyard Transformation Includes

Patio, kitchen, shade, lighting and planting, planned as one design. Here's everything a full transformation covers.

Materials and Comparisons

Artificial Turf vs. Sod in the East Bay: How to Choose

Turf or real grass? The honest trade-offs for East Bay yards, and the one thing that decides whether either lasts.

Projects and Process

How to Choose an Outdoor Living Design-Build Firm in the East Bay

Seven questions that separate a true design-build partner from a contractor with a sales pitch.

Plan your outdoor space with confidence.

Three reads before you plan anything.

What are you planning?

All articles

Let’s design the outdoor space you’ve been imagining.