Creating a Dreamy Backyard

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Small outdoor projects

With the weather warming up, you probably have your mind on spending more time outside. Does your home have an inviting outdoor space? Let’s look at some DIY projects that can make you more excited to spend time in your backyard oasis.

Creating a welcoming patio

When inside in your family room, you likely spend a lot of time sitting on your couch. Maybe this is to watch tv or to enjoy the quiet while sipping a cup of coffee. Create a similar space outside. If you have unfinished concrete, you have lots of options to upgrade the flooring.

  • Paint the concrete. Clean the space thoroughly using a pressure washer and then you can apply a solid color paint to help it look cleaner or you can even use your creative juices to make a pattern.

  • Apply wood decking. You can use real wood for decking. This will need to be maintained to protect it from the weather or you can use composite deck board like Trex.

  • Lay slate tiles. There are lots of tiles in the brown and gray color families that will soften your space outside to make it more inviting. 

  • Stain the concrete. There are lots of youtube videos to help you achieve the look you are going for. You can even create the look of tile.

Regardless of the finish you give your flooring, adding an outdoor rug can make the space feel more like a room. Once you have the flooring set, you can refresh your outdoor furniture. Maybe you want to add a couch or some lounge chairs. If you already have those pieces, some new cushions can make the space feel updated.

You may also want to consider the technology that you have in this space. Do you want a TV to watch the big game or speakers surrounding your outdoor area? This could be as simple as adding a TV mount to a bit more sophisticated where you have to install the electrical wiring for the project. If you don’t feel comfortable with the job, hire a professional to do this task. 

Do you want to add lighting outside to enjoy the space in the evenings? If so, you can look at path lighting options, to spotlighting for focus areas, and even string lights to bring in a more playful feeling. 

Add a firepit

There are so many options for fire pits these days. Check out all the different options to achieve the look and feel that best suits your family. Different products will market specific safety features. Be sure to consider that before your installation.

  • Metal fire pit. There are lots of different options where you can purchase a prebuilt firepit where all you need to add is wood to start your fire. The big box stores have lots of options and Solo Stove is a newer option that markets low smoke to help you enjoy the fire a bit more.

  • Built in firepit. If you want to DIY a firepit, HGTV can walk you through the steps to building a custom wood burning pit with retaining wall blocks. 

  • Gas firepit. In the same way that you can purchase wood burning pits, you can also buy ones that hook into a propane tank. These can often match your outdoor furniture.

Add to your garden

If you want to create that perfect outdoor space, you will likely want to add a few plants. 

  • Maybe you want some hanging plants to help bring the outdoor space into your patio.

  • You should also consider plants that attract bees and butterflies. These are often colorful. Adding color brings joy to your garden. 

  • In the same way, you can consider plants that repel pesky insects like mosquitoes. Lavender, marigold, catnip are all excellent options.

Install an outdoor kitchen

If you love spending time outdoors, an outdoor kitchen may be your dream. Depending on the extent of your vision, this could be a DIY project to something you would want to hire a contractor to help with. Lots of outdoor kitchens have a sink, grill and/or smoker, prep space, a warming drawer, and ample storage space for your cooking equipment. If you are needing help designing and installing your outdoor kitchen, our team at Hardwood Specialties is here to help. We can get plugged into your project to provide as little or much help as you would like. Reach out to our team to discuss your space.