Where To Start When Giving Your Backyard a Makeover

When the time has come to remodel your backyard, the best place to start is by considering what your priorities are when it comes to outdoor living. Here are some questions you can ask yourself, and your family, to get started on your makeover plans.

Is Your Family Active?

If your family isn’t made up of couch potatoes, then designing outdoor space tailored to an active lifestyle is probably a smart move. By installing a pool, you’ll be giving everyone in your family a great way to spend time together outside, whether you all take a daily dip for exercise or just splash around to cool off. By working with pool builders in Austin or near you, you’ll be able to find an option that suits your space and meets your family’s needs.

For yards with tons of room, the sky’s the limit on the type of activity spaces you can create. Putting greens, ziplines and even dog agility courses can be installed. Outdoor gyms are becoming increasingly popular, as are items for fun and games like grass bowling lanes or in-ground trampolines. A half-size basketball court or a batting cage can be great options for sports-minded homeowners with ample backyard space.

When you’ve still got little ones in the house, consider incorporating yard equipment that will get them excited to play outdoors. Everything from swingsets to climbing walls to custom treehouses can be installed to provide countless hours of fun. Having a play space so close by can encourage your kids to put down the video games and have a good time outside in the fresh air.

Will You Cook Outdoors?

While many homeowners might have a grill for occasional cookouts, if you’re passionate about spending as much time outside as possible then a full outdoor kitchen might be a great addition to your yard. Built-in grills, refrigerators and sinks make it easy to cook outdoors without having to traipse back and forth from your patio to your in-home kitchen. Having a prep and dining space on your deck can make it easy to undertake everything from entertaining a crowd to romancing your spouse with a romantic alfresco meal.

Even if you don’t think you’d get enough use out of a complete outdoor kitchen to bother installing one, it’s still a good idea to plan some space in your backyard for dining. You won’t need anything elaborate; a simple bistro table and a portable grill are all you’ll need to enjoy meals in the great outdoors without making a major investment in cooking equipment.

What’s Your Climate Like?

Although the perfect backyard will be designed for comfortable use year-round, most families usually spend more time outside during the spring and summer months. If the climate where you live tends to have mild springs and cool summer evenings, then outfitting your backyard with elements like a fire pit and plush seating will help everyone feel more comfortable when it’s a bit chilly outdoors. However, if your spring and summer temperatures run high, then shade and other cooling elements should factor into your design choices.

Large trees and hedges can be placed around your yard to create pockets of shade, and water elements like fountains and ponds can also be cooling. You might install a pergola over your seating area to maximize sun protection; a mister system can even be added for extra cooling. Retractable awnings can be employed to further block bright rays from roasting your patio, while portable umbrellas are a great option for yards that get direct sun throughout the day. They can be repositioned as sunlight moves around your outdoor space to make you comfortable in almost any spot.

Before undertaking a backyard makeover, spend some time thinking about your space and your family’s lifestyle. By making sure you’re designing the perfect yard for your family’s needs, you’ll be sure to create a yard that everyone will enjoy for years to come.