Photo by Tolga Ahmetler
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The perfect backyard is no longer just a nicely manicured lawn and a garden gnome.
The garden has become an extension of the home, increasing your living space into the outdoors, really. A fantastic deck can be the center for family activities, amusement, and self-rest.
Imagine a personalized deck where you can have summer BBQs, play horseshoes, or bocci ball, and best of all, you can make a space for the kids to do their homework or create crafts, all in the fresh air of your yard. You not only benefit from a bigger living space, but you are making lifelong memories for you, the kids, and even the neighbors.
Taking on the challenge of making the awesome outdoor living space, a.k.a the back yard, will be fun and creative, and can be a family project (there WILL be thrifting shopping involved!)
Take a look below to find five things to think about to have the backyard of your dreams.
Creating Zones
A straight deck, just one level, can feel stifling, and won’t give you the wow factor you dream of! I would go big! Why not have a multi-level deck?
No matter what state you reside in, a company such as Keystone Custom Decks – or another business that builds fully custom-made decks – can help you design a spectacular deck that can fulfill so many needs by designating intentional ‘zones’ for different purposes.
- The Dining Area: A main, slightly elevated space on the edge of the house near the kitchen inside, with a patio door access, can be pretty (French doors maybe?). AND, pretty useful. You can easily ferry food and dishes from the kitchen to outside, and it will feel like all part of the same room.
- The Lounging Area: A lower-level area allows for a cozy, more intimate environment, big comfy sofas, or built-in bench seats with storage. You can have a focal point like a fire pit and throw in a reading nook for a hammock or egg chair. This will create intimacy for goofy games, gossiping with your bestie, or a nice cool bottle of something nice with your neighbors.
- The Play Zone: This could be children-focused or simply an adult place to do your crafts, paint, write, have a coffee, and do a word puzzle. The benefits of being with nature and grounding yourself will make you feel less stressed and nurture the self-care we all need.
- However, if you do have kids, give them a space to grow. Hopscotch, sandbox, and floor puzzles can turn into a place to listen to music, create a little movie theater for sleepovers, or a game of Cards Against Humanity or RISK when they are older.
My friends still talk about how great it was to hang out at my house. My parents made that happen. Everyone I knew was one of theirs as well. It was always a welcoming place that gave you a hug where you could breathe and be.
Seating and Storage Systems Built-In
Built-in features make the deck feel clean and useful.
Benches with Storage Seating that is integrated directly into the deck structure (like railings or low walls) save money on patio furniture and allow an open floor space for multipurpose uses:
- Built-in seating: Bench tops can be designed to lift up and reveal deep storage, ideal for storing blankets, cushions, pool noodles, or outdoor games.
- Planter boxes: Adding permanent planter boxes can provide a natural component, provide room for privacy, and serve to provide an educational opportunity for younger members of your family to grow herbs or flowers.
- Shelves: You can take yourself to the thrift store and pick up fun storage bin ideas for aesthetics and usefulness. Even an old dresser can be gussied up to create a unique storage idea.
In Michigan and comparable climates, where quick and seasonal cleanup is required, built-in storage is especially helpful.
The ability to keep stuff out of the way before anything can rain down on you is something lots of people forget, but it’s SO important.
Incorporately Integrated Lighting for Safety and Ambiance
In your outdoor living space, lighting can help define your zones, keep areas bright, and create the mood.
It’ll also offer security and safety when running around outside playing hide and seek or simply walking up some stairs:
- Stair and Riser (Level 1 Lighting): This should be considered non-negotiable for safety reasons. Little LED bulbs that go behind the risers of steps so people don’t trip over them, and that really separate out how the transition happens following sunset, which is extremely.
- Under-Rail Lighting: Subliminally-run strip illumination behind the top railing shines softly and softly, which is very atmospheric and useful for reading or quiet conversation, and allows you to easily mark the corner of the deck.
Integrated lighting systems are often low-voltage, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, so everyone can safely experience daylight from dusk to bedtime on the deck.
Low-Maintenance, High-Durability Materials
Family life teaches us that time for maintenance is limited.
Selecting the correct materials for your custom deck will save money, and innovative materials will keep you cleaning less and having more fun:
- Natural wood decks might be amazing, but they need an annual load of staining, sealing, and repair. Time-saving, long-lasting, and low-maintenance composite or synthetic decking is better for the family that enjoys its time.
- Composite Decking: These materials can endure fading, staining, scratching, and molding or mildew development. They lend themselves very well to washing them every once in a while with soap and water. No sanding, staining, or sealing needed.
- Hidden Fasteners: The use of hidden fasteners in a system provides a clean, smooth surface without nail heads or screws to avoid splintering, rust marks, and happy barefoot lounging.
Conclusion
An investment in your home will not only give you more actual living space, but it’ll give you a retreat, a place completely yours to relax, enjoy nature, and encourage the well-being of the whole family for many years to come.
OH, and don’t forget those awesome outdoor heaters that are available for your deck, you could spend Christmas Eve having cocoa by the fire and next to that heater.
Warm and cozy, like you all deserve.
*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.