Making the most out of your outdoor areas is one of the best ways to extend your home's living space. With the right furniture and accessories, it’s easy to transform your patio into a relaxing retreat that will soon become one of your home's best features.
Not sure where to start? No worries! The following patio decorating ideas will help you create a comfortable outdoor space where you can dine al fresco, entertain guests, or kick back and relax with your favorite book after a long day at work.
1. Put Comfort First
If you want to create a space where people will enjoy spending their time, simply decorating isn't enough. First and foremost, you have to make it comfortable. Start with an attractive outdoor rug that will soften the space and feel good under your feet. This is also a great way to add a pop of color and some texture to the space.
Next, add enough quality outdoor furniture, so there’s plenty of seating for you and your guests. Nobody wants to sit on rock-hard furniture, so make sure you also have enough cushions and pillows. You can make the space even cozier by bringing out some throw blankets during the cooler months. Floor pillows are another great addition. They're easy to pull out when extra guests arrive and can add another splash of color.
If you have enough room, make sure you also provide one or two places to lounge. This may be a daybed, lounge chair...
Are you ready to step up your entertainment game? Nothing says backyard fun quite like an outdoor bar! A patio bar is the perfect gathering place for family and friends and will make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood.
Whether you add some accessories to your current patio or you go all-out and create a full free-standing bar, you’re sure to enjoy this upgrade for years to come. Here are a few ideas to inspire you as you make plans to build your own DIY patio bar.
How to Build a Backyard Bar? Start with a Plan!
The first step in building a DIY patio bar is deciding what size is best for your backyard and what style you prefer. Some homeowners like to go all-in, pouring a foundation and installing a freestanding structure. This will give you the widest variety of options and will allow you to create a fully functional bar space. Others prefer to choose portable bars or patio accessories to create a more versatile option that won’t take up as much room.
You’ll also need to decide whether your need a wet bar or a dry bar. A wet bar comes fully equipped with running water, an ice maker, a refrigerator, and, sometimes, beer or wine taps. Obviously, this requires more space and is a larger DIY project. On the other hand, a dry bar is used for storing liquor bottles and other bar implements. So if you entertain a lot, you might want to go all-in and install a wet bar. Otherwise, a dry bar is an economical solution that is fine for small gatherings and less frequent use.
Are you looking for a way to add style, character, and shade to your outdoor space? You need a gazebo.
A gazebo can spruce up your backyard or patio, plus increase the appeal and value of your property. But finding the right gazebo size for your backyard might prove difficult. That explains why most customers often ask this question “What size gazebo do I need for my backyard?”.
If you are one of these customers, you have come to the right place. Here we will help you select the right size gazebo for patios and backyards. You will also discover more information about gazebos that will come in handy when installing one. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Gazebo?
A gazebo is an open, freestanding structure with a roof that offers homeowners a sheltered area in their backyard, patio, or garden. The structure might come in a wide of shapes, including hexagonal, rectangular, or octagonal, meaning there is something to suit your backyard design.
Gazebos can be constructed from metal or wood, and the structure usually features built-in seating. People who love privacy can get gazebos with outdoor drapes or curtains, or latticework.
This open structure can serve as a focal point over furniture or hot tub or get installed in an area on your property that offers a beautiful view while sheltering you from the sun and even rain. A gazebo aims to create a private area with shade within your backyard or garden where you can relax and unwind alone or with your friends.
Have you been dreaming of spending your days relaxing outdoors on your backyard patio? You'll be surprised how easy it is to make this dream a reality! While you might expect installing a patio to be a major project, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you can create a beautiful gravel patio in your backyard in as little as a day or two.
This simple, economical project will give you years of enjoyment, so don’t let another summer go by without creating the backyard you've always wanted. Here’s everything you need to know so you can get started on installing your own gravel patio right away.
Why Build a Gravel Patio?
There are many advantages to choosing gravel for your backyard patio. Not only is it a very inexpensive option, but installing a gravel patio is a beginner-level project that you can easily do without any help.
Pea gravel is an excellent material because of its small size. This allows you to create a variety of unique designs using edging and borders for exciting gravel patio ideas for every outdoor style. The stones also drain naturally and won’t crack during winter freezes and thaws. Many homeowners also prefer the attractive, natural look the stones create.
A gravel patio will make your backyard look beautiful and provide you with a functional space where you and your guests can dine, socialize, and relax. Even better, long-term maintenance is a breeze. This will allow you to enjoy a beautiful backyard patio that looks like new for many years.
When crisp temperatures lead to gorgeous foliage, it’s time to celebrate the beginning of fall. From festivals to fire pits, there are so many reasons to enjoy this time of year. To fully take advantage of all fall has to offer, many homeowners decorate their properties to celebrate the holidays. Here are festive landscaping ideas perfect for fall that can also add style year-round.
Begin with Clean Slate for Fall
Before you begin deciding on which backyard landscaping ideas to utilize, it’s time to give your space a thorough sprucing up. Start by raking leaves and taking care of your lawn ahead of the cooler weather. Remove branches and cut the grass to provide a clean canvas for your fall décor. Other easy steps to take that will set the stage for all your backyard garden ideas include:
Mulch: Adding mulch to plant beds and garden areas doesn’t just make your property look tidier. It also acts as a natural root protector from frost.
Refresh shrubbery: Now is a great time to trim shrubs or even add more to areas in your backyard that need extra love.
Prepare garden for winter: While you’re at it, this is an ideal time to clear the garden of summer vegetables and get ready for the winter months by creating compost and preparing the soil for new plants.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your outdoor space this summer, you might have started thinking about installing a backyard deck or patio. While both options will provide you with a relaxing space you can enjoy for many years, there are some significant differences.
When it comes to deciding between a deck vs. patio, you’ll want to consider your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide which is right for you.
Deck vs. Patio: What’s the Difference?
Before you can decide whether to invest in a deck or a patio, you need to understand the differences. A patio is typically built at or around ground level. These versatile structures are often made of concrete, brick, stone, pavers, or tiles. You can also make a patio out of pea gravel, rocks, or pebbles.
A deck is usually made of wood or wood composite. Some of the most common deck materials include pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. Most are raised, allowing you to take advantage of your home’s views. Since they're elevated, most decks also need a railing.
Cost Comparisons
One of the major differences between a deck and a patio is the cost. Generally, patios are far l...
How to Build an Outdoor Picnic Shelter for Your Vacation Home
Being able to enjoy the outdoors is one of the best things about having a vacation home or cabin. If you’re ready to take your vacations to the next level, it’s time to start thinking about building a custom picnic shelter.
An outdoor picnic area can range from a simple covered table to an upscale structure with fun features like a fire pit and a pizza oven. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’re in the right place! Take a look at these top tips for creating the perfect picnic shelter.
Choose the Location of Your Outdoor Picnic Area
First, you’ll need to think about where you would like to place your outdoor picnic area. This will depend on the size and shape of your property, your personal preferences, and how you plan to use your picnic shelter. For example, if you’re planning to build a full outdoor kitchen, you may want to attach it to your home or place it conveniently nearby. However, if you have a large outdoor space, you may find it’s much more interesting to locate your picnic shelter on the outer edges of the property.
Do you have a beautiful garden or a forested area? You may want to consider placing your picnic shelter nearby as this will give it more visual interest. Just make sure you pay attention to the grade of the land. If you choose an area that is relatively flat, you won’t have to put as much effort into leveling the space. It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the area’s drainage and determine if you’ll need to make some adjustments before you lay your foundation.
There are thousands of kinds of flies and even more insects classed under the order Diptera. These insects are in the same order since they have one set of wings, and they are by-and-large "nuisance" flies. Houseflies are among the most common types of flies that aren't afraid of showing up in hordes around human development.
Houseflies aren't necessarily dangerous, but they are an irritating pest, especially if you try to hang out in your backyard only to be mobbed by these winged insects. They lay their eggs in all kinds of garbage, rotting material, or animal feces. An infestation of the pests limits the amount of time you can spend time enjoying your outdoor space. If you are ready to get rid of the flies interrupting your outdoor time with your family, you have come to the right place.
Why Are There So Many Flies in My Backyard?
First, let's take a look at why you might have an infestation of houseflies. These aren't extremely logical creatures, so there isn't always an obvious reason. However, getting rid of them might be as simple as figuring out why they are there and taking away that geographic incentive.
For example, houseflies will be attracted to areas in which they can sense rotting material or feces. Do you have a dog that regularly eliminates in the backyard? How often do you clean up after them? If your backyard is littered with feces that you haven't had time to grab yet, the presence of all these flies is telling you that now is the time.
Another common item that attracts houseflies is open or overstuffed garbage cans. Are your garbage cans placed in a part of your backyard where it is easy for the flies to get into the rest of your backyard space? Consider moving your trash cans so that they are further away from where you enjoy sitting. That is especially true if you enjoy eating outside since the flies will happily move from the trash to swarm around your new, great-smelling food.
When the sun is too hot or if rain threatens to cancel your plans, a shelter like a gazebo can keep the outdoors enjoyable. However, hot weather and storms aren’t the only threat to a good time outdoors. Summer weather also brings out the bugs and hot sun, which can seriously put a damper on an outdoor soirée.
Beat insects and blistering temperatures at their own game by outfitting your structure with gazebo curtains. This expands your entertainment options by giving you the ability to block out any excess wind and sunlight on all sides.
Gazebo curtains also serve as an additional barrier against pesky mosquitoes, wasps, and other nuisance pests. This guide will explain how curtains can make outdoor time more enjoyable and give you some fun gazebo ideas for your next social event.
Why Gazebo Curtains Matter
Gazebo curtains add an extra layer of protection from outdoor elements. While most Sojag shelters come with tinted bug screens, these barriers are perforated to allow the open fresh air breezes. Bug screens grant you more exposure to outdoor elements — which is excellent when you’re in the mood for full sun and wind. However, sometimes you want more privacy or protection from events such as a mild rainstorm or a day that is particularly hot.
This is why Sojag makes summer curtains that you can add to your gazebo. They are useful accessories for a shelter that needs coverage beyond bug protection. They add more privacy and shade from the sun and can block wind-driven rain.
When you have both bug screens and curtains, you get the best of your yard while leaving out all the elements that make it difficult to sit outside long-term. You don’t need to slather on bug repellent or sunscreen every time you enter a gazebo with double curtains because you’re entering a protecte...
Outdoor upgrades are one of this year’s most popular home improvements. In fact, according to a recent survey, 90% of Americans agree that their outdoor living space is “more valuable than ever before.” Sadly, the survey also found that 88% of people are currently dissatisfied with their outdoor spaces.
If you’re part of this majority, don’t fret. A backyard makeover is easier and less time-consuming than you might think. Whether you want to increase your curb appeal or create a completely new outdoor living space, there are many simple projects that will help you reach your goal. Best of all, you can complete most backyard projects in just a few days. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Refresh Your Deck or Patio
If your home’s deck or patio has seen better days, a simple refresh will go a long way. You can easily restore your deck by making repairs, cleaning the surface, and adding a fresh coat of stain. Not only will this improv...
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