Nothing beats an amazing backyard, especially during the summer months. But how exactly do you transform a stretch of lawn into a backyard for family fun and entertainment? Here are five tips you can use to take your backyard up a notch.
Add some mood lighting
When you think of a gorgeous backyard, chances are you think of those outdoor spaces with twinkle lights and lanterns that make the backyard look magical. Fortunately, outdoor lighting isn’t too difficult to accomplish for yourself. About 10% of outdoor lighting installations use LED lights, and you can line any garden or patio with them. All you need are a few sturdy poles and you can string them back and forth from the roof of your deck.
Install a dog-friendly fence
Installing a fence is a must-have when you have kids or a dog. Fences gives your little ones (furry or otherwise) an outlet for their energy, and your dog will have plenty of freedom exploring the backyard. Fences are also important for keeping your dog and kids safe from strays or unleashed dogs in the area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and half of those victims are children. Opt for wooden fences over chain-link fences, which can pose a choking hazard to your furry family members.
Install a patio
About 61% of homeowners will choose to renovate their house rather than move, but it’s good to consider which renovation investments will give you the most bang for your buck. When you’re on a budget, a patio is typically the better option to go with rather than a deck. Decks can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 while a patio typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000. Patios are also significantly easier to install. Even better, they only take about a weekend to complete.
Set out an outdoor rug
Whether you’ve chosen to go the patio route or you’re still gung-ho about installing a deck, an outdoor rug is a great way to elevate your outdoor space either way. Large outdoor rugs can change up the appearance of your space instantly and they can add a lot of color.
Get your gardening on
Speaking of adding a lot of color, a great way to take your backyard up a notch is by getting your gardening on. Plant both annuals and perennials to give your yard some color all year long. Just be sure to check where the sun shines best in your backyard so you can give your plants the sunlight they need.
Your backyard is your own little oasis. Try out some of the tips above to help boost your backyard experience even more.