Summer is just around the corner and that means pool parties, barbeques, and lots of outdoor activities. Has the winter decimated your once beautiful backyard? Don’t worry! You still have a few months to bring it back to life before summer arrives. If you need some inspiration for outdoor home improvements, this list is a great starting point.
Patio Furniture
Patio furniture can take a beating from the elements, especially during the winter months. If you forgot to apply weather-resistant defenses to your outdoor furniture over the snowy season, don’t worry! See this as an opportunity to replace that old worn out table and chairs with some trendy new patio furniture. Many retailers will slash prices on patio furniture during the colder months. If you can, pick up some of these discounted items before summer arrives. Iron dining tables, cloth umbrellas, and wicker patio chairs are perfect additions to any outdoor setting. These items require minimal upkeep and aren’t terribly expensive.
Landscaping Overhaul
Has that once beautiful lawn suffered through the winter months? Are your hedges and bushes struggling to bounce back? It might be time to find a contractor who can help you bring your backyard back to life. A professional landscaper has the vision, knowledge, and expertise to turn your boring backyard into an activity-friendly Feng Shui masterpiece. Consider a side path that cuts through your new rock garden, or a new deck for summer revelry. Landscaping contractors can advise you on all of your outdoor goals, whether you’re interested in adding artificial grass or installing a water feature.
Build a Fire Pit
Nothing tops off a fun summer night quite like a fire pit. Building a fire pit makes for a great DIY project-all you need is a little bit of cement mix, stones, and sand. There are plenty of designs that don’t require a gas line. Wooden fire pits have a more authentic feel that will transport you back to the last camping trip you took with the kids. However, if you already have gas hooked up to your home, it can be incredibly easy and cheap to attach a line that runs to the fire pit as well. Roast some marshmallows and make s’mores under the stars in your own backyard!
Grab a New Grill
The grill is the most important aspect of any back patio. You can’t have killer cookouts and big barbeques without an exceptional grill. If you’re still using that old grill that looks like it’s fresh out of a LIFE magazine ad from the 50s, it’s time to upgrade. You don’t have to break the bank to get a high-quality grill-you can pick up a heavy duty grilling machine to entertain multiple guests for under $300. Blow your family and guest away with some grilled tri-tip steak tacos or grill up some corn on the cob and burgers for the Fourth of July!
Start a Garden
Much like a fire pit, a home garden is a wonderful DIY project to do with the kids. Plant the seeds for your vegetable garden just before spring so you can enjoy freshly grown vegetables that came right from your backyard. There is a perfect vegetable for every season. During fall, plant lots of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and beets. When spring rolls around, start planting for the summer! Beans, melons, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers are always perfect for warmer months. Planting a vegetable garden is a great way to motivate the whole family to eat healthier and spend more time outside getting fresh air. Your wallet and your waistline will both thank you for incorporating fresh garden vegetables into your evening meals.
Don’t let the dreary energy of winter carry over into the summer months! Renovate the backyard and create the BBQ pool party paradise you need to enjoy memorable summer celebrations.