Do longer days and warm weather stir the DIYer in you? With a little planning, there are plenty of projects even a novice can tackle without too much frustration. We’ve included a few ideas to get you started and help you spruce up the outdoor area in time for summer.
1. Yard Cleanup
Start with a neat and clean base before embarking on any other outdoor projects. Check your tool arsenal and make sure you have the appropriate assortment of tools to prune shrubs, cut the grass, rake out leaves, make repairs, and power wash the deck or patio. If winter’s left you with a sizable cleanup project, you might need a wheelbarrow to haul off the debris.
2. Deck Lighting
There are few things as enjoyable as relaxing on your deck on a summer evening. Wired and solar lighting, such as wall sconces and post, railing, and step lights, are practical features that also enhance the ambiance. While electrical wiring may be beyond your DIY skill set, requiring professional installation, it’s an updating detail you should consider.
3. Accent Lighting
Extend the area’s lighting features to include accent lighting. String and solar walkway lights allow you to maneuver safely through your yard. They’re also a detail that adds interest to your outdoor space. Lights strung across your patio or deck provide a soft backdrop that shines on the outdoor eating area. Solar lights illuminate pathways, architectural features, and landscaping.
4. Built-In Planters
Building a planter box can be as simple or complex as your skills and motivation permit. Creating a stone planter requires more advanced DIY skills and might take a few weekends to complete. However, using lumber, such as cedar, fir, or pine, for your square or rectangular deck or raised bed box can be completed in a day.
Once the built-ins are completed, you’ll have accent patio and deck pieces that will allow you endless options for rotating color schemes and textures. Grow your own produce in neatly placed raised beds that provide improved drainage and protect from critters.
5. DIY Pergolas and Arbors
Once you’ve tackled planter boxes, you might feel confident to challenge your DIY skills and move on to more advanced projects like pergolas and arbors. While you can complete each project by yourself, these are really two-person jobs. Because arbors are typically seven feet high and pergolas can range from eight to 12 feet, it’s helpful to have someone hold the beams in place while the other person secures them.
Add interest and shade to your patio or deck seating space with a pergola. These versatile structures support screening fabric, hanging plants, and lights.
An arbor tucked in with your backyard garden is a statement piece that doubles as a quiet sanctuary. Added bench seats provide a quiet space to relax and reflect.
6. DIY Yard Games
Create some family time while enjoying the fresh air away from the electronics this summer with DIY yard games. With some basic building materials and tools, you can customize a unique set of dominos or a colorful corn hole game.
Showcase Your Skills
Each of these DIY lawn and patio updates is an affordable straightforward project that adds interest and enjoyment to your outdoor experience. Plus, you have the satisfaction of knowing you created such a great space yourself.
The professional team at Builders Kearney is available to answer your questions and help you select the best materials for each project. You can also contact us by calling (308) 234-5533.
