Getting the most enjoyment out of your backyard for the summer months is easier than you think. While an expensive renovation might not be in the cards for the outdoor portion of your property, a few simple improvements can add a lot of fun. Whether your family is large or small, a great outdoor seating area is a must. Start with a picnic table and benches, or a table and chairs. If you don’t have a covered patio, include an umbrella for shade on sunny days. The size of the table and the number of chairs should basically match the size of your family, but you should also have extra seating available for guests. Add an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit for a relaxing conversation area when the evenings get cool. Some of the latest outdoor furniture groups feature tables with a fire pit in the center, allowing for a great place to set your drinks and snacks while enjoying the warmth. Adding a circular patio couch completes the group.
A swimming pool, either above ground or in ground, will invite everyone to cool off and get some exercise. Youngsters can work off a lot of energy and the convenience of not having to pile everyone and all the swim toys, towels, blankets, and snacks in a vehicle to get to the pool will delight mom and dad. For the competitive swimmer or the ability to swim continuously without the distraction of anyone else, an endless pool is the answer. Numerous sizes and configurations are available. A hot tub or outdoor sauna will be a favorite place for the adults and sports enthusiasts to relax and rejuvenate. Their use can be extended far into the cooler months, making for a worthwhile investment. A gazebo offers privacy for outdoor reading or just relaxing. Adding screens creates a bug-free area. Fencing is available in a variety of materials including wood, vinyl and metal. It will provide security for children and pets, as well as privacy for entertaining.
Swing sets and jungle gyms can transform your backyard into a playground; again, without the necessity to travel to the park for fun. These sets can be custom designed to accommodate the various ages and number of children who will use them. Cedar models offer swings, slides, monkey bars, ladders, forts, rock climbing walls, cabins, picnic tables and benches which can be combined in various configurations. Some of the latest plastic swing sets incorporate a mist system to keep the kids cool while they play.
No backyard fun day would be complete without a meal cooked outside. Whether you prefer a charcoal grill or one of the newer gas grills, nothing compares to outdoor cooking. Put your meat, vegetables and side dishes on the grill at a low temperature and you can sit back and relax while the grill does the work. The newest gas grills, which can be used year round, offer up to four burners, side burners, built-in electric ignition switches, porcelain-coated nonstick primary and secondary cooking grates, a side shelf for tools and ingredients, and two wheels for easy mobility. Some grills can be converted for use with natural gas rather than propane.
After your backyard is set up with everything you want to make it a comfortable extension of your home, you will want to decorate it with a variety of lawn and garden ornaments. Available in glass, metal and wood mediums, fountains and wind chimes add color and interest to the area. Sculptures and statues can reflect your personality. Feeders for birds and wildlife will add interest and probably a lot of excitement while the youngsters learn to help with the task of filling the feeders.
When all the work is done and it’s time to enjoy your backyard, you’ll be excited to cook and eat outside.
Ideas For Your Backyard
