Different Ways to Upgrade Your Backyard
January 19, 2021
If you’re lucky enough to have a decently-sized backyard, there are all sorts of ways in which you can decorate it, upgrade it, and generally add to it. Specifically, depending on how much room you have, you can install a pool for family (or personal) enjoyment, build out a flourishing garden, construct a decorative gazebo, an outdoor kitchen, or even create a welcoming firepit.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these backyard additions down below.
Install a Pool
Who wouldn’t want to have instant access to a pool in their backyard? A backyard pool can be a lifesaver during scorching summer days, a refuge after a stressful day, a dream-come-true for children, and serve all sorts of other purposes. You can even treat your pool as a tool to help you kickstart your day by diving into it first thing every morning. Don’t even think about what you’re doing — just rise from your bed, head to the backyard, and dive right in. Depending on your tolerance (and sanity), you can even keep your pool open during cooler months and using it for polar plunges!
Before you can begin installing a pool, however, you first have to decide whether you want it above-ground and in-ground. While in-ground may allow for deeper water levels, above-ground is generally much cheaper and easier to install. It’s also easier to attach above-ground pools to your deck (if you have one). However, properly connecting your deck to your pool requires immaculate measuring and professional precision, which is why if you’re going to connect your pool to your deck, you should first consult people who specialize in decking in Boulder.
This is especially the case if you don’t already have a deck and want to build one concurrently with your new pool. In this case, unless you really know what you’re doing, you’re better off outsourcing the project to people who have professional experience with composite decking in Boulder. Or, if you’re more environmentally conscious, you can check out your options for Trex decking in Boulder instead.
Create a Garden
Whereas a pool is for the center of your backyard, a garden is perfect for its perimeter. After a trip to any yard offering lumber in Boulder, you can get to planning the perfect perimeter garden for your backyard. First off, you want to take your building supplies and lay them down in the shape that you wish your garden to take. With a secure perimeter reestablished, you can then begin to think about actually laying the soil inside of the perimeter, as well as planting the actual plants and crops you wish to grow.
If you’re new to gardening, start with only a few crops. Naturally, what you’re able to grow will largely depending on where you live, but some easy things to start with include tomatoes, mint, lettuce, basil, strawberries, potatoes, and sunflowers. Because you’re limited in terms of space, it’s important to choose your crops based on your purpose for wanting a garden in the first place. For example, if you want to add homegrown elements to your cooking, then don’t waste space growing random flowers — dedicate space to things like produce, herbs, and spices instead.
Fortunately, tracking down seeds is relatively simple (at least for common crops). You ought to find most of what you’re looking for at most Boulder hardware stores. If you’re confident in your building timeline, you can choose to buy your building supplies and seeds at the same time to save you a trip to the store later. Once everything is planted, all that’s left to do is ensure proper protection from animals, maintain a consistent watering schedule, and allow for enough sunlight exposure. In doing these three things, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful first harvest. However, if things don’t go your way the first time around, don’t get discouraged! Gardening is an art — it takes time to learn everything you need to know to ensure consistently successful harvests.
Add a Gazebo
Depending on what already exists in your backyard, as well as things like tree coverage, sunlight exposure can significantly vary from backyard to backyard. While high sun exposure is great for things like growing crops, it’s not so great for humans over long periods of time. If you’ve ever forgotten to apply sunscreen while tanning at the beach you know exactly what this does — it can lead to severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, sunstroke, and all sorts of other negative outcomes.
To avoid these things, you can install a gazebo in your backyard. A gazebo is basically just a structure under which you can enjoy protection from the sun. Depending on how it looks, it can also add a significant amount of class to your backyard. Constructing a gazebo requires a fair amount of constructive know-how, which is why many people outsource their construction to professionals instead of trying to tackle it themselves.
Gazebos are also great to hang things from, such as hammocks. This is great for people who may not have much foliage in their backyard but still want the luxury of being able to relax on a hammock during the warmer months. Gazeboes are also much sturdier structures than trees in most cases, allowing to you feel more confident that your hammock won’t suddenly snap during an afternoon nap.
Takeaway
With so many people on the planet, it’s truly a luxury to be able to deem a piece of property as belonging to you. This luxury comes with the ability to customize your property, such as your backyard, however you please. While you may be limited by size (and your budget), with a little creativity, you’d be amazed by how much you can truly do with your backyard.
However, if you’re staring out onto your backyard, unsure of what to do with it, there are some tried-and-true things you may want to start with. Specifically, you can look into installing a pool, creating a garden, or adding a gazebo.
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Why Wood Decking is Better Than Composite Decking for Your Home Thinking about sprucing up your backyard with a stunning deck? When it comes to choosing the right material for your deck , the decision often boils down to wood vs composite decking. Each option has its advantages, but many homeowners still prefer the classic appeal of wood decking for homes. If you're considering building a deck, we can explain why wood decking might be the perfect fit for your home. It offers a budget-friendly and beautiful outdoor oasis. Timeless Beauty of Wood Decking One of the most compelling reasons to choose wood decking is its natural beauty. Wood has a rich, warm appearance blends naturally with most outdoor environments. While composite decking has come a long way, it often can't replicate the organic feel and timeless charm of wood. Each wood plank is unique, offering varied grains, knots, and colors that make your deck one-of-a-kind. Additionally, wood decking can be easily stained or painted in various shades to match your home's aesthetic. If you ever want to change the look, refinishing wood is relatively simple, allowing you to switch up the vibe of your outdoor space without replacing the entire deck. Affordability When you compare wood vs composite decking, wood generally wins on price. Although composite decking materials have become more affordable, they can still be significantly more expensive than wood. Wood decking is a smart option if you're working with a tight budget but still want a high-quality deck. Budget Home Supply offers various wood types at competitive prices, making it easier to choose a cost-effective material without compromising quality. If you're handy, wood decking allows for a more budget-friendly DIY project. Eco-Friendly Option For environmentally conscious homeowners, wood decking is often the more sustainable option. Most wood used for decking is harvested from responsibly managed forests, making it a renewable resource. With proper care and maintenance, a wood deck can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements that could add to waste. Composite decking, on the other hand, is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While some composite products use recycled materials, many still rely on plastics, which can have a higher carbon footprint. If sustainability is a priority for you, choosing wood could help reduce your environmental impact. Comfort and Temperature If you plan on spending a lot of time on your deck, comfort is key. In the battle of wood vs composite decking, wood is often cooler underfoot, making it a more comfortable choice during hot summer months. Composite decking materials, especially darker colors, tend to absorb heat, making them uncomfortable to walk barefoot. This is vital to consider if you live in a warmer climate or if your deck gets direct sunlight. Wood's natural texture also makes it feel more inviting, giving it an organic softness that enhances the outdoor experience. Plus, wood won’t retain heat as much as synthetic materials, ensuring a more enjoyable space for entertaining and relaxing. Repairability Over time, wear and tear are inevitable, but wood decking is easier to repair than composite. If a section of your wood deck becomes damaged, you can typically replace individual boards or sand them down to restore the surface. With composite decking, repairs can be more complicated. Matching colors and textures in composite materials can be difficult, and some types of composite decking don’t allow for spot repairs, meaning you might need to replace larger deck sections. Wood's natural composition allows for refinishing, giving your deck a second life and saving you money in the long run. Regular sanding and staining can breathe new life into your deck, making it look almost brand new again. Classic Appeal There's something undeniably classic about wood decking for homes. It's a choice that has stood the test of time. From rustic to modern homes, wood can complement any architectural style. It's versatile, allowing various design options like custom railings, built-in seating, or intricate woodwork. The flexibility of wood as a material gives you endless possibilities when designing your outdoor space. While durable and low-maintenance, composite decking may not offer the same level of flexibility when it comes to customization. Wood is often the better option if you want a deck that feels like a true extension of your home. Customization Options When it comes to wood decking, you have several options, whether it’s pressure-treated wood, cedar, or exotic hardwoods like ipe or mahogany. Each type of wood offers unique qualities in terms of durability, appearance, and price. For instance, cedar is very resistant to rot and insects, which makes it a long-lasting option for outdoor decks. Additionally, Budget Home Supply offers a range of wood materials , allowing you to pick the right fit for your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Maintenance It’s no secret that wood decks require more maintenance than composite decking, but it’s often overstated how much work wood needs. Basic care, such as annual cleaning, occasional sealing, and periodic staining, can keep your wood deck looking fantastic for years. Maintaining wood is straightforward with the right products and a little elbow grease. If you enjoy outdoor projects or take pride in keeping your home in top shape, maintaining a wood deck can be a satisfying experience. Plus, wood's ability to be sanded and refinished gives it an advantage over composite, which can show irreversible wear after years of use. Value and ROI When considering the long-term value of wood vs composite decking, wood often provides a better return on investment. Many homebuyers are drawn to the natural beauty of wood decks, which can enhance curb appeal and increase the overall value of your home. While composite decks may last longer and require less maintenance, they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal to prospective buyers. Wood decking provides a sense of craftsmanship and tradition, which can be especially appealing in homes with natural landscapes or older architectural styles. Refreshing your wood deck with stains or paints allows you to keep it looking fresh and appealing, further adding to its value. Bottom Line: Wood Decking Wins for Many Homeowners In the debate of wood vs composite decking, the natural beauty, affordability, and repairability of wood decking make it a standout choice for many homeowners. Whether you want to create a cozy backyard retreat or an elegant outdoor entertaining space, wood offers flexibility, timeless style, and a solid return on investment. At Budget Home Supply, we offer various wood decking materials to suit every need and budget. Consider wood if you want to build a deck that combines beauty with durability. Visit us at Budget Home Supply to explore your options and make your outdoor space the best it can be. So, why wait? Start planning your dream wood deck today!
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