Justin Hartley Shocks His Best Buddy With the Ultimate Backyard Paradise

With big roles in such hit series as This is Us and The Young and the Restless, Justin Hartley has met hundreds of people over the years, but few have had such a lasting impact as his longtime buddy Mat. Although the two friends couldn’t be more different, they’re thick as thieves and rely on one another for guidance and support. As a token of their friendship, Justin recruited the Property Brothers to help Mat get the backyard oasis of his dreams. From rundown to radiant, here’s how the Scott brothers tackled the outdoor project.

Season 2 of Celebrity IOU airs Mondays at 10PM on HGTV Canada and will Stream Live and On Demand on the new Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.

Justin Hartley poses with the Property Brothers and friend Matt outside the gate leading to Matt's outdated backyard

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Best Buds

After years spent living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment with his wife and two daughters, Mat finally moved his family into a stylish Los Angeles bungalow. The downside? Due to budget constraints, Mat wasn’t able to afford the renovations required to overhaul the rundown, ramshackle backyard. Enter: actor Justin Hartley who has been besties with Matt for years after Mat worked as his former property manager.

Outdated, crumbling empty swimming pool in a rundown backyard

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Before: Swimming Pool

For starters, the swimming pool was – despite its impressive size – in need of some major TLC. Crumbling bricks and chipped tiles made it a tripping hazard, while the plumbing was in need of a good cleaning. For backyard inspiration, take a peek at these lavish celebrity pools we want to dive into.

The renovated swimming pool with a new pergola and bar area

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After: Swimming Pool

With only three weeks to complete the task, Drew and Jonathan Scott gave the swimming pool their undivided attention. Gone were those jagged bricks and outdated tiles. Now, with the addition of an electric pergola, the backyard was pool-party-ready. You can also check out how Rebel Wilson turned her friend’s backyard into an outdoor oasis.

Another view of the renovated swimming pool with new tiles and plenty of seating

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After: Pool Party

Jonathan and Scott leveled out the entire backyard (see ya later, tripping hazards!) and installed fresh modern tiles inside the pool for a contemporary update. We also envy the raised pool deck for optimal sun tanning.

Justin Hartley drives a digger to help gut the old swimming pool

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Justin Hartley Goes Heavy Metal

Justin dove right into the renovation, happily operating all the heavy machinery (like this excavator) under the watchful gaze of the Property Brothers. He even knocked over the old wrought-iron gate surrounding the backyard and helped chip away at the crumbling bricks that once surrounded the pool. A friendly competition with the Scott brothers over who could pull up the most tiles ensued – surprise, surprise.

A simple four-seater table shielded by an umbrella and off to the side of the pool by the back door exit

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Before: Bar Area

In the top right, the exterior of the house had some serious rot issues that Jonathan was quick to fix. It was while pulling out dead leaves and removing the crumbling tiles that he decided to transform the spacious patio into an outdoor kitchen with an integrated grill, fridge and pizza oven.

A fully-equipped bar added to the outdoor kitchen – all of which was done with porcelain counters

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After: Bar and BBQ Area

Although it was a last-minute request from Justin, a fully-equipped bar was also added to the outdoor kitchen – all of which was done with porcelain counters and 70 tonnes of concrete. We love the addition of the mini wall herb garden that grows fresh basil, mint and thyme for mixing into drinks. Find more inspiration with these outdoor dining space ideas for the perfect staycation.

Jonathan Scott and Justin Hartley review different grass textures for the golf green

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Turf Wars

One of Matt’s favourite hobbies is golfing – and that includes mini putt with his family. So Jonathan suggested a mini golf green off to the side of the swimming pool as a fun little addition to the new and improved backyard. Justin helped Jonathan select grass and tiles for the firepit area.

With the mini golf green on the right-hand side and the lounge area (complete with firepit) in the middle, the Property Brothers transformed this rundown, unused space into a Zen retreat

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After: Backyard Retreat

With the mini golf green on the right-hand side and the lounge area (complete with firepit) in the middle, the Property Brothers transformed this rundown, unused space into a Zen retreat that Matt can enjoy with the kids – or somewhere he can spend a romantic evening with his wife.

An outdated, rundown backyard with an empty pool and garbage bins lined up outside the gate

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Before: Backyard Nightmare

The bland, rusty wrought iron is gone, as is the crumbling pool bricks and decaying grass. It’s no wonder Matt was disappointed that he couldn’t afford to overhaul his new backyard.

Justin Hartley covers friend Matt's eyes as the Property Brothers look on

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The Reveal

A visibly nervous and emotional Mat was on pins and needles and the Property Brothers as Justin guided him toward his new and improved backyard oasis.

The renovated backyard with a new pergola, lounge area, bar and revamped swimming pool

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Backyard Oasis

Matt praised the Property Brothers and Justin for transforming his backyard from a “turd into a diamond.” We love the clever addition of olive and citrus trees.

Jonathan Scott, fully clothed enjoys a mixed drink while using a floating device in the swimming pool after he was thrown in

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Pool Time!

Was Jonathan prepared to be tossed into the pool, fully clothed, by Drew and Justin? No. But he he make the most of it by demanding a floatie and indulging in mixed drink? Absolutely yes!

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Justin on Friendship

“Mat is one of those human beings that will celebrate the good times with you and celebrate when you’re happy and celebrate when great things happen to you,” said Justin. “But the true measure of the man is, when things aren’t going your way, he’s the guy that’s going to make sure that you’re not alone or that you remember who you are. When you have people like that in your life, it makes it easier to stay on track.”