12 Tips for Creating Your Own Backyard Oasis

Love spending time outside? Here are some tips you can use to enhance your outdoor space! 

Do you love spending time outside? Do you prefer to read a book in the fresh air than in your living room? Do you enjoy hosting your friends at your house, but wish that you could do more entertaining in your backyard? Or, maybe you want to separate your listing from the other homes for sale in your area by maximizing your buyer appeal? Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take to create your own personal outdoor oasis right outside your back door!

Give Your Yard Some TLC

When considering updating your backyard space, one of the first components that should be looked at is the state of your yard. If you have grass, how great of a job are you doing at maintaining it? If your grass is unhealthy, a simple step you can take is giving it a little grass seed or fertilizer to help it along. Then when it starts growing in, make sure that it is mowed and edged regularly so it can add value to the overall look of the home. 

Perhaps you live in a more forested area where grass does not do well! Adding mulch or pine straw to your backyard to break it up and add more texture can do wonders! Depending on what neighborhood you live in, you can also consult with your neighbors to see what steps they take to maintain their yard’s health! When in doubt, seek the help of others! 

Add A New Deck or Patio 

One of the biggest ways in which you can add value to your backyard is the addition of a deck or patio. Although you may have a very nice lawn, the last thing that you probably want to do is have to sit in it. A deck or patio provides a clean, inviting space where you can hold family gatherings or enjoy a nice, sunny day alone with a book. 

What are the differences between a deck and a patio? And which option is the right choice for your lifestyle? Simply put, a deck is often made out of wood and is attached to your home, whereas patios can be placed farther away from the home and can be made of more cost-effective materials like stone, gravel, or concrete. Decks generally require a more solid foundation in order to hold the weight of patio furniture and other decorative items. Both can be covered if you would like more privacy or shelter from the elements, or remain uncovered if you want an unobstructed view of your backyard. 

It should be noted that when choosing to add a deck to your home, you should make sure that its build will be up to code. This is one of the top areas that an inspector will look into if you ever decide to sell your home down the line. If your deck or patio is not going to be connected to the structure of the home, chances are you will not need a permit to build.

Provide Comfortable Seating

Up next on the agenda: seating! It probably goes without saying that when you are out enjoying your outdoor space, you are not going to want to be doing it while sitting in the grass. Depending on your needs, your seating arrangements can be as minimal as a couple of chairs, a piece of larger lounge furniture such as an outdoor couch, or a combination of all of it. If you have a family or maybe want a space in which to entertain, consider purchasing an outdoor furniture set that has multiple seating arrangements and some side tables to accompany them. For an extra level of comfort, consider adding some pillows or cushions to your seating that will not only provide more function to the space but can be a chance to add some additional pops of color and style to your space. 

Create a Conversation Area 

A crucial component to ensuring your outdoor oasis is conducive to entertaining: a dedicated conversation area. When you decide on the type of furniture you want to include in your space, next comes deciding how to arrange it. The number of chairs you have on your porch, deck, or patio will vary depending on your needs, but regardless of the amount, you want to try and arrange them in a way that will encourage conversation. This means making sure that they face one another or at least are situated close to each other. If you have a table for people to gather around, even better! 

Weather-Proof Your Space 

5. It is no secret that over time, your outdoor oasis will take a beating from the elements, especially any furniture that has been placed outside. Investing in furniture that is able to withstand the elements is an investment, but it will be one that you will be able to enjoy for a long period of time. Some of the common weather-sturdy materials for outdoor furniture are as follows: 

• Teak- Teak furniture is inherently water-resistant and is often the material of choice for boat decks and floors. Teak has a high oil content and a tight grain, aiding in its ability to remain water-resistant.

• Polypropylene - Polypropylene is an extremely dense material that makes it hard for water to hang onto it, therefore preventing the formation of mold and rot on your furniture. 

• Wicker- Wicker has been a popular choice in the patio furniture world for many years. Recently, rattan has also become a popular choice due to its more earthy, natural appearance, However, when comparing the two, wicker will be able to withstand more rain, wind, and ice.

• Aluminum - This may come as a surprise to you, but aluminum is actually a very good option for patio furniture. Unlike other metals, aluminum has absolutely no iron in its makeup, meaning that it does not rust.

If you are going to have any pillows on your furniture, the canvas is often recommended to withstand the elements. In addition to choosing materials that you know are going to be more weather-resistant, you can take measures to ensure a long lifespan for your furniture. If you know that it is going to rain, proactively covering your furniture is a good step to take, as well as removing any pillows or fabrics and placing them in a sheltered area. 

Dedicate an Area for Grilling

Who does not love grilling in the summer months? Not only is there less clean-up, but you can make and enjoy your food in some beautiful weather. An area to grill can be the key to an outdoor oasis. There are many ways in which you can design your grilling area, but ensuring that you have enough space to prep and cook your food is key.

Plants!

Plants add so much value to a home and can be customized to fit your needs and your level of 'green thumb.' Whether you decide to include a few potted plants to compliment your outdoor furniture or you want to create a forest in your backyard, the choices are yours for the taking.

When considering what to plant, it is a good idea to do some research about what plants are indigenous to your area and will be able to survive in the climate you live in. A good place to start is to look up as much information as you can find on the internet. However, if you would rather go speak with someone about your ideas, any local home improvement or garden shop would provide you with the expertise you need. They may also be able to provide you with some design ideas for your space if you are undecided about how you want to organize your space. 

Shrubs, bushes, and trees usually require the least amount of maintenance and also double as a measure of extra privacy between your space and your neighbor’s. Planting them along the outside edges of your yard creates a natural fence, so long as they are maintained. 

Add Some Fun Features 

It is a nice touch to include some fun, functional features in your outdoor space to maximize its usage. Depending on your lifestyle this can include kid-friendly features such as a playset or game area for horseshoes, Bocce Ball, etc. Depending on your location, a pool may even be an option for your backyard. If you are going to include a pool in your yard, be sure to do your research to learn the ins and outs of pool maintenance. 

Whether you have a family or not, fire pits are becoming common components of a backyard oasis. These can often be built by you as a fun DIY weekend project! From roasting s’mores to just sitting around it enjoying the fire and the company, fire pits can be a focal point for your outdoor oasis. 

Control Any Bug Problems 

Unfortunately, enjoying your outdoor space can also mean that you are having to enjoy your space right alongside insects and other creepy-crawlers, especially during the summer months. The humid weather is the perfect environment for them and if you are enjoying any summer treats, that is an added attraction for their attention. Eliminating them completely will be an endless pursuit on your part, but controlling them is entirely possible. One of the first things that you can do is to eliminate any standing water from your outside oasis, as that is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Citronella candles are also a good idea to include in your space and can be purchased in many different sizes. If those efforts do not work, you can hire a local pest control company to come to your home and spray for mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and other insects.

Provide Some Shelter

It is important to have some form of shelter in your outdoor space so you can have a break from the elements if need be. This can be as simple as purchasing an outdoor umbrella and placing it near your seating area so you can have some shade on a hot day. Another option is to build a trellis for shelter, but also some style. There are many design options available when it comes to trellises, so there will be no problem finding one that suits your home’s individual style. 

Light It Up!  

Although you may be picturing yourself spending the majority of your time outside during daylight hours, lighting will give you the freedom to also enjoy it in the evening! There are so many options for ways in which you can provide lighting to your backyard, some being more energy-efficient than others! Solar lights around the perimeter of your fence or patio are always great options if you are wanting to make sure your energy bill stays low. Tiki torches are also a popular option, as they will just cost you some oil and a lighter. Other popular options include string lights, candles on tables, and outdoor sconces attached to your home’s exterior. 

Not only will these features add character to your outdoor space, they will also provide an added measure of security to the outside of your home. 

Give Yourself Some Privacy

Although you want to share your outdoor oasis with others, you will admittedly want to have some privacy between your yard and your neighbor’s. There are many options available to you in order to provide you with some privacy in your yard! The first one that probably comes to your mind is a fence of some sort. But if you want a more natural option, tall bushes, planters, and trees can serve as a fencing alternative! 

Urban Living

If you live in a more urban area, you can still use this checklist as a way to create your own oasis in the city! Trellises can easily be added to urban space in order to provide your space with a little privacy! Although you may not have as much space for a full set of patio furniture, a couple of chairs and a table can still be added to your space! Think about tying it all together with some colorful throw pillows, an outdoor rug, and some string lights! The world is open to any and all of your ideas!

Final Thoughts On Creating A Backyard Oasis 

The best thing about creating your backyard into your own personal oasis is that the options are endless. Whether you live in New York or Florida there are so many great ways to create a fantastic backyard that compliments your local weather patterns and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. From patio furniture and decorative accents to the types of plants you want to include in your yard, all of these components can be tailored to your individual style. Not only does it add value to your life, but taking pride in your yard will serve you well if you ever decide to sell your home! But until that day comes, enjoy your own personal oasis with those you love.