Summer is here, which means it’s time entertaining guests outside. Whether you’ll be hosting the family’s Fathers Day BBQ or you’re expecting all the neighborhood kids to use your backyard as the summer hangout, these are some steps you should take to make your yard summer-ready.
Deck
If you don’t have a deck, you are missing out. First off, decks add a lot aesthetically to a backyard space. Plus, if you create designated spaces for different activities, it becomes a functional space that makes entertaining easy.
You could have an area for cooking where you could have a grill and prep space. You should also include a space for outdoor dining, and, lastly, there should be a place to relax. This can be a simple space with a lounge chair or hammock where you can read a book to wind down after a long day.
There are quite a few material options when it comes to decks. You can use pressure-treated wood, cedar, hardwood, or go for composite decking. Each has its pros and cons, but the deck will easily become the most used part of your home, whichever material you choose.
Firepit
Another fun feature for your outdoor space is a firepit. Firepits are the perfect gathering space.
You can roast marshmallows, tell stories, or sing songs – if you’re into that. Don’t worry, today’s outdoor firepits don’t look like they belong on a campground.
We can create an elegant-looking fire feature. We would use materials like stacked stone, pavers, or travertine to build a stunning firepit. The firepit can be round, square, or any other space you can think of, plus we can create a seating area to complement that shape.
If you are worried about having to chop down wood to throw on the fire, don’t be – we can install a gas firepit for you, so all you have to do is flip a switch, and your fire will be ready to go.
Lighting
Even though the sun stays up longer in the summer, you still need to think about some lighting options for the late-night get-togethers.
One of the most popular outdoor lighting options is glass string lights. These can be hung over your deck to create a festive atmosphere. While these are easy to hang yourself, you’ll also want to think about ambient and accent lighting to make your yard inviting and beautiful.
You should also include some practical lighting with safety in mind. You should have security lights and lighting along any paths or steps that may be in your yard. You can get a motion-activated sensor light or a security camera/floodlight combination. This will help keep you safe whenever you are entertaining guests outside and worry-free all year long.
Shade
Lastly, your yard needs shade to keep your guests cool and out of the sun. A simple way to do this would be to have us install sun shades that are anchored into posts we would strategically place around your yard.
If you want something more long-lasting than a sunshade, we could build a pergola or patio cover for your deck or patio. Depending on how much protection you desire, it could be a solid cover or slatted.
Let’s Get Summer Ready!
We are ready to help you get your yard summer-ready. Give us a call so we can get started today!