Ready to finally create an outdoor space you’ll want to spend time in?
Patios and decks are one of the most overlooked rooms of the house. And research shows that 77% of consumers agree they aren’t spending enough time outside. That doesn’t seem right.
Here’s the secret to fixing it.
You can upgrade your outdoor living space without hiring any contractors or spending a ton of money. By devoting one weekend and putting in some work, any homeowner can greatly improve their outdoor living space… while still making it look like they spent thousands.
Let’s dive in…
You’ll learn
- Why upgrading your outdoor living space is so important
- 5x Easy DIY projects that anyone can do in a weekend
- How to choose which projects will best suit your space
Why Upgrading Your Outdoor Living Space Is So Important
Believe it or not, but every homeowner could use more usable living space. The problem is, outdoor living spaces like patios and decks get neglected.
The issue:
Many homeowners think making improvements to their outdoor space will take way too much time and money. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
And there’s another bonus to having a great outdoor space..
Improving your outdoor space adds to your home’s resale value. A wood deck addition earns back about 83% of its initial project cost at resale. There are few other home upgrades that can recoup that kind of return. For even greater impact, many homeowners turn to experts like JH Landscapes to upgrade their outdoor space with professional design and execution that maximizes both enjoyment and value.
No matter how you look at it, spending time outdoors is important. Whether it’s eating dinner as a family, entertaining friends or sipping coffee in the morning… your outdoor living space can accommodate all those things and more.
If you upgrade it.
Weekend DIY Projects That Improve Any Outdoor Living Space
These projects have been tested and proven to make a real difference to your outdoor space. Pick one (or two!) and clear your weekend schedule.
Project 1: Add Some Shade
Have you ever noticed how being in the sun vs. being in the shade feels?
Outdoor spaces without shade don’t get used. Being out in the direct sun can be miserable. But bring out your lunch or a cocktail and suddenly that pergola covered patio feels like a completely different space.
It’s all about creating a “room” outdoors. A pergola builds instant structure and defines an area that’s designed for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. Not to mention it creates shade and covers up a plain old slab of concrete.
For those looking to find the perfect pergola cover, there are tons of options. Outdoor pergola covers range from affordable to expensive and fixed to retractable. A solid pergola cover takes your backyard from being seasonally used to a comfortable space your family will enjoy year-round.
Bonus:
Installing a pergola or shade structure can be done by most DIYers over a weekend. Pergola kits make it easy. No contractors required.
Project 2: String Lights
This should go without saying but outdoor string lights are magical.
Stringing some lights up around a patio or deck can instantly change its vibe. Quality outdoor string lights create instant ambiance. That’s exactly what you want your outdoor living space to feel like.
Look for LED bulbs, weather-resistant wiring (and fixtures that’re outdoor rated), and warm white tones. Once you have them just throw them overhead in a zig-zag pattern from post to wall to pole. Seriously, it takes about an hour and looks 1000x better.
Project 3: Add Some Planters
No patio or deck feels like a “real room” until you add some plants.
Something as simple as building a planter wall or border around your outdoor living space can bring it to life. Rather than throwing a couple pots around the perimeter, use some planters to create clean lines that build structure. And don’t forget the greenery either.
Fast growing plants like ivy, pergola covers create instant shade. Leaving you with an attractive and decorated space that actually looks like you put some effort into it. Building a planter box can be done in a single afternoon.
Project 4: Refresh The Surface
Nothing looks worse than a worn down patio or deck.
Whether you’re starting with a deck or a patio, both can be revitalized with a few simple upgrades. Decks especially. Scrape and sand away any old stain, clean off the surface, let it dry and give it a fresh coat of stain. Bam. Instantly makes your deck look like new again.
For patios, try power washing the surface first. Then either stain the concrete to give it new life or lay down some interlocking deck tiles to freshen it up.
Surface and foundation are important. Don’t neglect the base that your outdoor living space is built on.
Here’s how to do it in a weekend:
Saturday: Clean, scrape and sand deck. Pressure wash patio
Sunday: Stain deck or lay deck tiles
Boom. Finished.
Project 5: Create A Defined Space
One of the reasons patios and decks get ignored is they just don’t have a purpose.
There’s no designated space to sit, relax or eat. So why would you when your perfectly good indoor furniture is inside?
Define the space by creating a dedicated area for sitting. Grab an outdoor rug. Throw down a table, chairs and maybe an outdoor couch. Finish it off with some pillows and you’ve got yourself an actual room.
Unlike the inside of your home, you want this space to feel open. Leave plenty of open space so it doesn’t feel cluttered.
Tips For Choosing The Right Projects
Not every patio or deck is the same. And not every project will be right for every space.
Look at your outdoor living space and ask yourself what’s missing. Once you know that you’ll know which project to start with.
Need more shade? Start with the pergola. Is it worn down? Refreshing the surface should be your goal. Feel empty? Add some lighting and create a seating area.
Here’s a tip.
Don’t try to do everything in one weekend. Pick one or two projects that you can easily accomplish. Staying focused will ensure the projects get done. When they’re done your outdoor space will feel like a completely different place.
Wrapping It All Up
Weekend projects don’t have to be complicated. Or expensive.
Anyone can upgrade their outdoor living space by dedicating one weekend to it. And it doesn’t take thousands of dollars or contractors.
Simply put:
- Add shade with a pergola or shade attachment
- Create ambiance with outdoor string lights
- Bring it to life with some planters
- Refresh the space by staining your deck or laying patio tiles
- Define your space by creating a seating area
There you have it. Pick one or two projects that fit your space. Complete them and enjoy your weekend away from your backyard.
