Calling all weekend warriors! Believe it or not, you’re just a short stretch away from the height of summer, and we want to help you get your backyard bbq/campout/pool party ready. These seven projects are the definition of “one and done” — simple enough to complete in a single weekend.
Read on for our tips to transform your backyard and make space for summer.
1. Paint Your Patio Furniture
You’d be surprised what a fresh coat of paint can do for a weather-worn chair or table. Although neutral colors will match almost any decor, consider going for a bold color, like turquoise or tangerine, which can help brighten up your outdoor space.
2. Build a Fire Pit
You may not have realized this was simple enough to tackle in one weekend, but there are several online tutorials t hat offer step-by-step instructions on how to build and install your own fire pit in just a few hours. Just shop for your supplies in advance to help save time.
3. Refinish Your Deck
Wood refinishing can be a time-consuming process, but if you plan ahead and follow the right DIY tutorial, you can finish this in just one day. The most labor-intensive step is prepping the deck by scrubbing the planks with deck cleaner before you apply the sealer.
4. Hang Outdoor Solar Lights
Outdoor solar lights have the two-fold benefit of being environmentally friendly and saving money on your energy bill. Installation can be as easy as hanging them from the gutter, around deck or trellis railings, or from the branches of a tree. Make sure you install them in an area that is directly exposed to sunlight and, ideally, look for lights that utilize a battery to store solar energy for later use. Then sit back and let the light shine.
5. Revamp Your Garden
If you already have a flower bed installed, try swapping out your existing flora with seasonal plants like Marigolds, Blanket Flowers, and Verbenas. If you don’t have a flower bed, you can still spruce up your backyard by adding a few well-placed potted plants. Just be sure that you choose a pot that leaves space for the plant to grow through the warm months.
6. Amp up the Shade
In the summer, shade is a prized commodity, so set yourself up for success by adding as much as possible. A few cost-effective options include shade sails, patio umbrellas, or rolling shades. If you’re willing to drop a few extra bucks, it could be worth investing in a gazebo, which is an attractive addition to your backyard year-round.
7. Upgrade Your Backdoor
Admit it: nothing ruins the effect of a beautiful backyard faster than a disheveled back door. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Depending on the door, you might be able to get away with a fresh coat of paint and a set of new doorknobs. If the damage is severe, though, consider taking the plunge and replacing the entire door. In addition to the aesthetic benefit, a well-constructed door will help keep your home as insulated as possible, which saves energy .
The backyard has always been a haven, even more so over the last couple years as indoor gatherings have been restricted. These tips– and a healthy dose of elbow grease! –should help you make your backyard the ultimate summer retreat.
+++
For larger scale projects, AAA House Manager can help connect you with expert home maintenance and repair services for as low as $89/hour. AAA House Manager is a Member-based subscription service that provides proactive home maintenance and upkeep strategy planning to homeowners in Northern California.
