With the warm weather finally here, it’s time to get your backyard ready for summer. Whether you’re planning on hosting barbecues or just spending lazy weekends outside, there are a few things you can do to get your backyard summer ready. In this blog article, we’ll give you 9 tips for preparing your outdoor space for the warmer months. Let’s get started!
1. Refresh your patio furniture
The best way to make sure your patio furniture is ready for summer is by giving it a good refresh. If your patio furniture is looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry – a few simple updates can make it look good as new. First, give everything a good clean with soapy water and a scrub brush. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas that have accumulated mould or mildew. Once everything is clean, check for any areas that need to be repaired. For instance, cracked legs can easily be fixed with a little glue or some replacement parts. If your cushions are looking faded or stained, consider buying new ones – or try revitalising by giving them a vacuum before covering them with weather-resistant covers.
Finally, add some new accessories to give your patio furniture a fresh look. A few colourful throw pillows or a new outdoor rug can make all the difference. With fresh clean and updated patio furniture, you’ll be ready to enjoy many lazy summer days in your backyard.
2. Check your grill
As the weather gets warmer, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors, and that often means firing up the grill. However, before you start cooking for your friends and family, it’s important to give your grill a thorough inspection to ensure it’s in good working condition. Check the gas lines for any leaks and give the grates a good scrubbing. You may also want to consider investing in a grill cover to protect your investment from the elements. By taking a few simple steps, you can help ensure that your grill is ready for summer.
If you’re looking to upgrade your grill, you should consider an outdoor kitchen. It is the perfect way to enjoy the summer weather while still being able to cook delicious meals for your family and friends. By adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, you can create a space that is both functional and stylish. Some popular design choices include a built-in hotplate, sink, refrigerator, and storage cabinets. With careful planning, you can create an outdoor kitchen that will be the envy of your neighbourhood.
3. Add lighting
Nothing sets the mood quite like lighting! By adding some well-placed lights, you can extend the use of your backyard well into the evening hours. String lights placed along your patio or around trees are an easy way to add a touch of ambiance and make your backyard space more inviting. Path lights can help guide your guests, while accent lights can highlight features such as a waterfall or garden path. Solar-powered lights are a great option if you don’t want to run extension cords, otherwise lanterns can also create a lovely effect, and they can double as decorations when they’re not in use. Candles are another option but be sure to use citronella candles if you’re worried about mosquitoes.
By considering your backyard’s unique features and needs, you can create a lighting plan that will let you enjoy your space long after the sun goes down.
4. Plant flowers
Get your garden ready for summer by adding some colourful flowers and plants. Choose ones that are known to be heat-resistant to ensure they last throughout the season.
Flowers not only add colour and beauty to your yard, but they can also provide a pleasant fragrance. When choosing flowers for your garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight and water they will need. If you have a shady spot in your yard, try planting impatiens or begonias. For a sunny spot, marigolds or zinnias are great, low-maintenance options. With just a little effort, you can transform your backyard into a blooming sanctuary that you can enjoy all summer long.
5. Install a water feature
Imagine lounging in your backyard while listening to the sound of running water, masking unwanted noises, such as honking car horns or barking dogs. By installing a water feature, you can create a place to unwind and escape the everyday grind.
Water features can range from simple birdbaths to elaborate ponds, and they can add both visual interest and a refreshing hint of coolness to your outdoor space. Best of all, they’re relatively easy to install and maintain. Water features can also help to cool the air on those hot summer days, making your backyard a more comfortable place to spend time. So, if you’re looking for ways to get your backyard ready for summer, consider installing a water feature.
6. Clear out clutter
Make sure you clear out any clutter that has accumulated over the cooler months to make room for summer activities. If your backyard is cluttered with toys, lawn equipment, and other odds and ends, now is the time to get it organised. Not only will this make your outdoor space more inviting, but it will also help to prevent tripping hazards and mosquito breeding grounds.
One way to get started is to designate a storage area for items that are only used seasonally. This could be a shed, garage, or even under the deck. Lawn mowers, grills, and patio furniture can all be stored safely out of the way when they’re not in use. For smaller items, try using bins or containers to keep them organised. This will also make it easier to grab what you need when you’re ready to use it.
Clearing out clutter can be a daunting task, but it’s well worth the effort. A tidy backyard will provide you with an enjoyable space to relax and entertain in all summer long.
7. Check your deck’s structure
A deck is the perfect place to relax and entertain guests. But before you start inviting friends over for barbecues, it’s important to make sure that your deck is in good condition. Inspect the structure for signs of rot or damage and make any necessary repairs. It’s also a good idea to give the deck a thorough cleaning. Sweep away any debris and wash down the surface to remove any dirt or mildew. You may also want to give it a re-oil, which is recommended once a year to ensure longevity. For more tips and tricks on decking maintenance, click here to check out our blog.
Once your deck is ready for action, you can start enjoying all the benefits of summertime entertaining.
8. Add a kids play area
A play area is a great addition to any backyard, providing hours of fun for kids of all ages. There are a few things to consider when adding a play area to your backyard. First, you need to decide what type of play area you want. There are many different options available, from simple swing sets and sandpits to elaborate multi-level playscapes. Once you’ve decided on the type of play area you want, you need to choose a location. It’s important to choose a level spot that’s free of obstacles like trees, shrubs, and rocks. You also need to make sure the area is large enough to accommodate the playset or playscape.
Finally, you need to choose a material for the flooring. A soft surface like artificial grass or rubber mats is best for safety. Artificial grass is also low maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about watering or mowing it. Plus, it’s easy to clean – just remove the leaves and debris and you’re good to go. If you’re looking for a fun and practical way to add a touch of green to your backyard, an artificial grass play area is a great option.
9. Create shade
Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy your backyard, but the heat can sometimes be too much to bear. One way to stay cool and comfortable during the summer months is to create shade. It could be as simple as placing some umbrellas around patio furniture or for something more permanent, installing a pergola or arbour.
Pergolas are a popular type of structure that can provide shady relief from the sun. If you already have a pergola, you can also consider outdoor blinds for an extra layer of protection from the extreme weather elements, such as strong UV rays. Another option is to plant trees or shrubs that will provide natural shade as they grow. Whatever approach you take, creating shade in your backyard will help you to enjoy the summer months even more.
Now that you have these 9 tips for getting your backyard summer ready, you can start preparing for the warmer months and your outdoor space will look better than ever. Enjoy!
Australian Outdoor Living is passionate about helping people bring their backyard dreams to life. We offer a range of products, including:
- Outdoor Blinds
- Artificial Grass
- Roller Shutters
- Carports
- Timber Decking
- Pergolas, Verandahs and Patios
- Outdoor Kitchens
