transform-your-backyard

5 Simple Tips To Completely Transform Your Backyard

Tired of staring at your lackluster backyard? Perhaps you dream of being able to host incredible backyard barbecues and summertime gatherings — but with the current state of your outdoor space, that's just not possible.

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Not to worry! A boring outdoor space can be easily transformed with the right upgrades, so it's time to start thinking of your backyard as a blank canvas. And if you're not sure where to begin, we've got plenty of ideas for transforming your outdoor space into one that you'll be proud of!

1. Build a Deck or Patio

patio

If you don't have a dedicated deck or patio space already, this should be your first priority. This will give you the space you need for an outdoor dining set, an outdoor sectional, or any other dedicated seating/entertainment area you may be envisioning.

Decks and patios can be built to suit just about any budget, too. Typically, if you're looking for a cost-effective option, a basic poured concrete patio or a small wooden deck is the best option. However, because of the recent increase in the cost of lumber, wood decks have become more expensive (and they also require more maintenance). As a result, homeowners are instead selecting stone patios – both natural stone and concrete pavers, which are now affordable and require little to no maintenance.

If you want to get a little fancier, look into options like intricate paver patios, stamped concrete, or low-maintenance composite decking. Regardless of how much you spend, you can enjoy knowing that deck and patio additions tend to yield large returns on investment — so you'll be adding significant value to your home in the process.

To make your deck or patio a true extension of your indoor living space, you might also consider installing a sliding glass door or French doors leading from your home to your deck/patio. This will make it more accessible from your home, which also means you'll probably get more use out of it.

2. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

outdoor-kitchen

If you want to take your outdoor living space to the next level, look into installing a dedicated outdoor kitchen. This can be a great choice if you enjoy cooking and dining outdoors, as an outdoor kitchen allows you to remain outside to continue interacting with your guests as you prepare an amazing meal.

There's a lot to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen. For example, what types of materials are suitable for an outdoor kitchen? Depending on the climate, you’ll want it to be UV resistant and durable for harsh winters as well as easy to clean. Some popular exterior options include granite, Neolith, or Dekton – available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures.

In addition, Caesarstone has created a popular Solaris Collection with engineered quartz. Previously engineered quartz was only suitable for interior use, so this development allows homeowners to take their favorite designs outdoors. Whichever natural stone option you do choose, you’ll want to ensure it’s durable; that way, you won’t have to worry about it holding up to the test of time.

3. Don't Forget the Fire Pit

fire-pit

Having a fire pit or outdoor fireplace somewhere on your property is another great way to transform your outdoor space and optimize its use. On cooler nights, you and your loved ones will enjoy being able to maximize the use of your backyard by gathering around a warm fire.

A fire pit or fireplace can be installed on your existing deck or patio — or elsewhere on your property. If you want to create a separate gathering space away from your deck, consider installing a pathway that leads to a beautiful fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating.

When selecting a fire pit, you have plenty of options to choose from. For example, free-standing fire pits are portable and can be easily moved – they’re also relatively inexpensive. Built-in fire pits are another option. Available in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes, and colors, these fire pits come in a kit (like the ones from Nicolock) with everything you need for an easier installation. Lastly, Breeo fire pits are a popular option that comes in various styles and sizes. Types like the Breeo X Series even offer an optional sear plat so you can cook steaks, seafood, or veggies.

4. Add a Little Greenery

potted-plants

The whole point of having a great backyard space is to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, so you won't want to overlook your landscaping when designing your outdoor entertaining space. Potted plants and flowers are a great way to add a pop of color to a patio or deck — and you can swap out flowers to suit the current season quite easily.

Planter boxes added to deck rails are another great way to add greenery to your outdoor entertaining space. You might even consider adding some plants that will grow vines/ivy up a trellis around your deck or patio to create a natural privacy screen. The possibilities are endless here, and you don't have to have a "green thumb" to incorporate some natural beauty.

You might also consider hiring a landscaper to add some shrubs and plants around the perimeter of your patio or deck. A great mulch or rock bed filled with colorful flowers and low-maintenance plants can keep your outdoor living space looking beautiful and inviting all year round.

5. Don't Overlook Your Lighting

lighting

If you plan on doing any outdoor entertaining into the evening or nighttime hours, then having the right lighting is a must. If your deck or patio has any steps, make sure these are well lit to prevent tripping injuries. The same applies to any pathways on your property; solar stake lights are a great way to add soft lighting to garden walkways and pathways without needing any access to electricity.

You'll also want to look into mood lighting for your deck or patio space. String lights are a great way to set the mood and can be easily wrapped around deck rails for more ambiance. Meanwhile, brighter task lighting ensures that you can see what you're doing when you cook late-night meals in your outdoor kitchen. Try to incorporate a good mix of task and mood lighting to make sure that you can effectively use your outdoor space day and night.

Beautify Your Backyard Today!

There are so many ways to transform your backyard space — and many of them can be customized to suit just about any budget. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful oasis you can retreat to at the end of a long day or wish to do some serious outdoor entertaining, these practical tips are worth considering.

With a little time and effort, you can make your backyard the envy of your entire neighborhood. Meanwhile, you'll be adding some significant resale value and appeal to your home!

About the Author Laura Bennett

Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.

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