Article 5 ways to improve your backyard space, Read Now

Summertime means backyard BBQs and time spent outdoors relaxing with family and friends. But if your yard could use some sprucing up, don’t be discouraged. There are lots of steps you can take to make your yard more enjoyable, and many aren’t too expensive. Check out these 5 great tips for getting the most out of your outdoor space.

Build a deck

Depending on the material you choose, a deck can be a little pricey upfront, but studies show you’ll get at least a 77 per cent return on your investment when you decide to sell your home. And in the meantime you’ll get years of relaxation, neighbourhood parties, and backyard enjoyment.

Wooden decks are cheaper to build initially but require yearly maintenance and will need to be replaced after 7 to 10 years. Composite decking materials are more expensive but offer a longer life with lower maintenance. Both will make a great addition to your yard.

Get organized

When you look out at your yard do you see a landscape full of lawnmowers, gardening tools, and kids toys? One simple way of improving your yard’s appeal is to create a storage space to hide the mess.

Installing a concrete sectional shed provides an attractive, durable way to store all your outdoor equipment. A storage shed can also provide you with valuable workspace for hobbies. Whether you’re an avid gardener or your hobbies involve woodworking, pottery, or welding, having an outdoor workspace allows you to be creative in new ways.

Add an awning

Awnings provide shade and protect your grill and patio furniture. They can also lower your cooling bills by protecting your rear windows from UV rays during summer months. If you choose a retractable style, you can easily stow the awning during winter months to take full advantage of the sunlight.

An awning can add some colour to your yard and help define an entertainment space. It also lets you enjoy your yard even when the sun is beating down.

Install solar lights

Solar lighting has come a long way, and today’s lights offer around 10 hours of outdoor illumination. One obvious advantage is that you won’t have to worry about cords or outlets, but solar lights can be cost effective in other ways. They require no installation and will not add to your electric bill.

Decorative lighting can add flare to a backyard BBQ, and solar lights are available in many styles and colours. You can drape strings of lights from your deck or fencing, add coloured accent lights, and use staked path lighting to make sure your guests don’t stumble in the dark.

Build a fire pit

Building your own fire pit is a budget friendly way to improve your backyard and add fun to your next gathering. Just check local regulations on open flames first, and make sure to position the pit away from your house and any overhanging trees.

You can find many online tutorials describing how to dig the pit, lay down the gravel lining, and interlock concrete blocks. But if you’re not a DIY type or don’t feel comfortable trusting your building skills around fire, don’t worry. You’ll find tons of manufactured fire pit options as well.

Being outdoors is a ritual of summer and having an organized, attractive backyard lets you make the most of your space. Just a few small improvements can really increase your enjoyment.