Your backyard can be a great place to spend time, but there are many ways you can boost its appeal and comfort. With the right changes, you can have the perfect backyard for yourself, your family, and your friends. If you would like to know more, check out these four ways to transform your backyard.
1. Decks and Patios
A deck is a great way to expand your entertaining space without adding onto the house. Plus, a new deck can boost the value of your home. In fact, adding a new wooden deck may have a return on investment (ROI) of about 75 percent. In addition to traditional wooden decks, many decks are also commonly made from vinyl and composite wood.
Wood decks require a little bit of maintenance to protect them from the elements. Regular sealing, however, can protect the wood from rain and UV rays. Besides the deck, make sure to consider the railing. Railings come in many styles, and some may be better for you than others. For example, if you have kids, vertical pickets may be better than horizontal pickets, as this prevents kids from climbing and falling.
Patios are an alternative to decks. While decks sit off the ground to some degree, patios sit flat on the ground, so there is no risk of falling or need for railings. Like decks, patios come in many styles and can be made from many materials, including paving, stone, brick, and gravel.
2. Backyard Porch
At first glance, a porch may seem like another type of deck. However, porches are often used as an alternative to sunrooms because of their many benefits. Many porches are enclosed, which prevents bugs and other pests from bothering you.
Despite being enclosed, large windows and screens allow natural light and fresh air to enter the enclosed porches. A backyard porch is also a great way to let kids and pets enjoy some benefits of the outdoors without the risk. Adding a porch can also add value to your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t add as much value as a sunroom. However, the process is cheaper and less invasive.
Since many porches have roofs, they also provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. For this reason, depending on where you live, you may be able to use the porch year-round.
3. Outdoor Bar or Kitchen
An outdoor bar and/or kitchen can help define a dining and/or social space in the backyard. Plus, it’s a great way to entertain family and guests. Because of the many benefits, an outdoor bar and/or kitchen can boost the value of your home, making it a great investment for the future aside from the practical uses of the backyard feature.
On top of that, an outdoor bar/kitchen may help reduce your energy bills. Cooking inside the house quickly heats it up, which is great in the winter. However, during the summer, this excess heat causes your air-conditioning system to work overtime.
Plus, depending on the type of power source, you may also save money. For example, an outdoor gas stove can reduce your electricity costs if you have an indoor electric stove.
4. Pergolas and Awnings
Pergolas and awnings are a great way to add shade, and they also help define spaces. Pergolas are often made from wood, and they don’t have a solid roof. However, many people add plants to the top of the pergola to provide more shade. Awnings, however, are better at blocking sunlight and rain.
Pergolas, however, can be free-standing, so you can install one anywhere in your backyard. Awnings are typically attached to the house, making them great for your deck or stand-alone porch.
If you want to upgrade your backyard, we have you covered. There are many ways we can define backyard spaces by adding something useful or fun. If you would like to know more, or if you’d like a quote, contact us at 13TEN Renovations today.