It can be tricky and intimidating to come up with a final design for your backyard. When plans are so permanent, how do you choose whether to install a pool or dedicate your yard to a full-size garden? While no one can choose for you, many backyard features can complement each other in the right space. The first step to making such a monumental design choice is to learn what options are available that best fit your lifestyle.
Deck Space
What is an outdoor space without an area to enjoy it all? Decks are excellent for any type of backyard or terrain, as they can be built to virtually any height, perfect for sloping or uneven spaces. It’s also a good area to lay out furniture, a pool, or an outdoor kitchen if desired. Dedicated deck space will help you plan your backyard and give you an excuse to enjoy it more. With materials like composite wood, you can save money on a durable deck that can entertain your family for decades. While DIY labor is more cost-effective, you can get the job done easily and quickly with a deck builder. I found a deck builder near me at some excellent rates. Search around your area for a local builder if you don’t have the construction expertise. If you’re not sure what to do with your space, start with a deck; it’s great for relaxation and entertainment.
Swimming Pool
If you’d like a great way to cool off in the summer and get some joint-healthy exercise into your schedule, a swimming pool is a wonderful choice for families. In-ground pools add value to any home, but they usually come with five-digit price tags. Above-ground pools will cost far less, but won’t last as long or add as much value. Visit swimming pool builders or suppliers to get a good idea of price ranges and ideas for the installation.
Hot Tub
Just like a swimming pool, adding a hot tub provides a soothing relaxation zone at the end of a busy day. During colder months, hot tubs can be a great relief from the chill in the air, too. Hot tubs can be built into an in-ground pool design or installed as an above-ground solitary option. If you don’t have a pool, you’ll need to ensure your hot tub can be hooked up outside with a sufficient electrical outlet (120-volt to 240-volt, but the 240 option is more popular).
Themed Gardens
Adding enriching gardens to your backyard invites some beautiful wildlife, helps the environment, and gives you a lovely place to relax in the sunshine. Themed gardens can be a fun and playful way to spruce up your landscaping. You can add some small crops for use in the kitchen, for example. A pollinator garden can help you enjoy the birds, bees, and butterflies. A zen garden can be the perfect backdrop for a meditation session. A secret garden can be fun for both you and the kids. Explore different garden themes and determine which would look and fare best in your yard. The sky is the limit! You’ll just need to test your soil or opt for container planting. Choose native flowers and plants for the most benefits and an easy gardening experience.
Fish or Plant Pond
You can diversify the plant life in your yard by adding some aquatic versions. A small pond makes a beautiful contribution to any garden, especially when you add water lilies or water hyacinth. You can also include some koi fish for further enrichment; in zen gardens, these can be thematic and beautiful. It’s easy to build your own pond, but you can also opt for some pre-built options or professional installation for the easiest result. The process requires excavation, lining the bottom, and adding elements like landscaping and rocks for finishing touches.
Fountain or Water Feature
If ponds aren’t your preferred water feature, there are plenty more to choose from. Elegant fountains, natural deer scares, and a peaceful waterfall—they’re all wonderful choices to add diversity and visual enrichment to a yard. The sound of running water makes for a perfect addition to a sensory garden—landscaping that appeals to multiple senses. Prefabricated fountains or water features are often found at nurseries or garden centers. You can also build your own using a pump and a filter.
Gazebo or Pergola
If you want a scenic place in your yard to relax in partial shade, a gazebo or pergola is a romantic choice. These structures, typically made of wood or composite material, serve as both decor and a place to relax. A gazebo is an enclosed structure with a roof and surrounding fencing, typically with seating inside, though this is optional; the traditional octagonal gazebo shape is iconic and stylish. A pergola is more of an open-concept covering, providing partial shelter under a canopy on poles. Add some climbing vines or string lights on either option for a scenic relaxation zone right in your own backyard. While you can build your own, most homeowners opt for prefabricated versions found in outdoor furniture stores or nurseries.
Comfortable Furniture
When you’re sprucing up your outdoor space, you don’t want to forget a place to sit, relax, and enjoy it all. You’ll need comfortable furniture in your deck or gazebo (or both) to sip a summer beverage, enjoy a hearty meal, or to entertain with friends and family. Opt for different styles of furniture for various purposes; a lounge chair by the pool, or a comfortable bench under your shaded gazebo. Ensure the furniture is intended for outdoor purposes to ensure durability and style. You can change up the style for the season with decorative outdoor throw pillows and blankets. Consider finding natural materials like bamboo or metal to live in harmony with the environment.
Children’s Play Area
If you have kids (or are planning to), a dedicated space for your kids to safely play and enjoy the outdoors is important, especially in today’s screen-obsessed world. A playground, treehouse, swingset, or simple tire swing can make a world of difference in a child’s upbringing. There are plenty of prefabricated versions of playgrounds or treehouses to make construction easier. You’ll want a relatively level foundation with material that can support accidental falls, like rubber mulch.
Outdoor Kitchen
It’s difficult to find a new home without a dedicated outdoor kitchen. From barbecues to miniature bars, there are many backyard kitchen setups for all types of families and cooking preferences. Most outdoor kitchens include a wet bar, grill, and prep space, but you can include anything you want. Consider your electrical and plumbing hookups, as reworking these systems can cost thousands to your installation bills. You can also start with a simple grill and work your way up to a full kitchen setup. A deck is also a great choice for starting your outdoor kitchen.
Conclusion
If you’ve got a blank backyard, you’re wasting your home’s potential by not utilizing the outdoor space. Even if you’re not outdoorsy, you can still build a beautiful backyard where your kids, pets, and family can entertain. All you need is the plan, tools, and budget. Some additions are very budget-friendly, like simple gardens. From outdoor kitchens to zen gardens, you’ll find that there’s something to enjoy about a well-designed backyard for anyone.
