Complete Your Yard this Summer with One of These Ideas

Summer is a time to get outdoors and enjoy time relaxing and playing in the sun. You could spend a small fortune on an elaborate vacation or hassle with heading to a nearby beach, pool or lake for a day trip periodically throughout the season. Another idea is to add a few special features to your yard to make it the ideal destination for many of your family’s summer activities. These are a few of the ways that you can complete your yard this summer.

An Outdoor Living Area

An outdoor living area is the perfect place to kick back and relax just steps from your back door. Depending on your preference, this may be a shaded area with an overhead fan, an area with a retractable awning or a full-sun space. You may have a comfy outdoor living area combined with a dining area. This space may even be completed with a firepit, an outdoor TV, a sound system and other exceptional features.

An Outdoor Kitchen

If you enjoy grilling or entertaining, installing an outdoor kitchen is a great idea. You can hire a contractor to do the work for you, or you can book dumpster rentals and put your own touches on the kitchen with a do-it-yourself project. This area may have a built-in grille, an outdoor fridge, a bar and other features.

A Hot Tub

Both of these ideas can be combined with a hot tub. A hot tub can be used year-round and is the quintessential feature for outdoor relaxation. In the summer, you can adjust the water temperature downward so that it is comfortable to sit in on the warmest days of the year. You can also relax under the stars alone or in the company of your favorite people during the evening hours.

A Pool

If space and funds permit, you can transform your backyard into a tropical oasis with an in-ground swimming pool. With your own pool, you can swim laps to stay in shape. You can take a dip to cool off or even spend the day sipping on a cool beverage and relaxing on a floaty.

Now is the perfect time to create a plan for your backyard. Consider your budget, your ideal use of your space and the available space that you have to work with. If you are not up for a do-it-yourself project, take the next step to gather quotes from contractors.

Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds