Summer

Summer’s almost here, and you know what that means! Gorgeous summer weather, no school for kids, pool trips, and backyard barbecues for days. The summer is a time of rest and relaxation, where you’re given the free time to pursue passions that you were unable to partake in freely. One popular way people spend their summer is to take on a variety of DIY backyard projects. After all, what’s more exciting than spending time with your loved ones while adding improvements to your home. Don’t have any ideas? No worries! Check out these 10 DIY backyard projects to tackle this summer.

DIY cinder block bench

Outdoor benches can add a simple and stylish touch to your backyard. Assembling the bench isn’t difficult either, and it will save you more money than it would to actually purchase. Here’s what you need to start with:

  • Cinder blocks
  • Standard wooden garden posts
  • Paint for the cinder blocks--don’t be afraid to switch up color combinations with the exterior and interior parts of the cinder blocks. Utilizing darker and lighter pigments will help to give your bench more depth and dimension.
  • Paint for the wood
  • Wood boards to attach to the garden posts
  • Cushions, for added comfort
  • Cinder block glue

Try sprucing up the bench even more by adding some greenery, accent pillows, and other embellishments that will help create your perfect bench. This bench is a fantastic way to repurpose materials while still having a fully-functional and chic piece of furniture.

DIY Fire Pit

Fire pits are great for evening get togethers, where you can hang out with friends and family, enjoy some food and drink, and just take in the summer night. There isn’t one way to make the perfect fire pit either, so let your creativity flow. A good place to start is by considering what you want your entire backyard to look like, and what purpose do you want it to have. Are you planning on having plenty of social gatherings? Is there a certain environment that you would like your backyard to have? All of these factors matter when you start designing your fire pit.

Build A Watering Can Fountain

This watering can fountain is a lovely little accent piece to your backyard that’s easy to make. They don’t take up a lot of space, and can add character to your garden!  We highly recommend galvanized steel for this project, as it is less susceptible to rust.

DIY Pergola

Pergolas are an excellent way to bring atmosphere to your backyard. LIke most projects, tackling a DIY pergola is a labor of love, but the results will bring a more personalized touch to your backyard. Try installing some sheer curtains and string lights to give it a personality. The combination makes for a very soft, relaxed environment that’s perfect for backyard hangouts. Add some comfortable and colorful furniture inside the pergola, and voila! This is probably going to be your new favorite hangout during the summer, especially in the evenings when the air is cooler.

String lights

Let’s establish one thing right now: lighting can make or break any setting. It doesn’t matter where you are, if you have poor lighting, then your entire operation is ruined. That being said, taking up the task of adding string lights through your backyard will improve the mood of your entire yard. Use hanging lights for your pavilions.

Light-lined Pathways

Try experimenting with lining paths with ambient lights. The great thing about some of these lights is that you’re able to change color so you’ll be able to create any atmosphere that your heart desires.

Reuse buckets and milk cartons as planters

This is a great way to repurpose old containers that otherwise would have gone into a trash bin. Simply wrap the containers in linen, hot glue the strips to the outside of the carton, place your plants inside the container, and top it off with moss. This kind of project is perfect for plants that have a metal container. If you’re looking to use a larger container, like a metal bucket, as a planter, simply drill holes into the bottom of the container, covering the holes with a mesh covering, fill the bucket with a soilless potting mixture and add your plants. These planters can add splashes of color to your backyard, and you can place them anywhere too.

Pool

We all strive to get our body healthy and swimsuit-ready, but keep in mind that your pool should be healthy before you dive in as well!

  • Preparing your pool is a big job for just one person, so make sure you have a friend to help lighten the load
  • Consider opening your pool early. Opening your pool early helps prevent algae growth, as algae thrives in dark, warm places.
  • Make sure you have everything you need before you open your pool.
  • Once opened, start your filter and pump. Often times, when you open your pool, you’re greeted with water than isn’t crystal clear. Therefore, try running your filter and pump until the water is clear.
  • Test your water quality.
  • Shock your pool to kill all the bacteria. This is especially effective if you have a chlorine pool.

Outdoor Lounge Area

You don’t need to invest a ridiculous amount of money on a lounge area. Just a little bit of effort and a massive imagination is necessary. For example, use a fire pit as your centerpiece; add your cushioned cinder block benches and add some DIY bucket planters. One interesting idea is to create a table using wooden pallets. These pallets are plentiful and inexpensive (some businesses give them away.) Just paint over the pallets, stack them, and you have yourself a beautiful new coffee table for your outdoor lounge area.

Backyard Bar

If you usually expect a lot of guests in your backyard during the summer, then consider a DIY backyard bar. These trendy countertops add a modern, sophisticated twist to the backyard. If you add ambient lights to the bar and use the right colors, then your backyard will be the envy of the entire neighborhood.

Posted by Dennis DeSouza on
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