Are you and your family not spending enough time outdoors because your backyard is not conducive to gatherings or even hanging out on a lazy Sunday afternoon? There is a wide range of options for backyard remodeling projects to get you outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while visiting with friends.

Build a Deck

Building a deck in your backyard creates an entirely new gathering and entertaining space that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come. The right deck design will incorporate your home’s style and character and fit snugly into space in your backyard.

Here’s a tip: Use modern hidden deck fasteners for a clean and refined look.

Adorn your deck with benches, built-in furniture, planters, latticework, or even add a protective cover using beadboard patio ceiling techniques to keep the elements away from all or part of your deck area.

Pool/Spa Additions

A backyard pool or spa can add hours and hours of family fun time for years to come. Whether you are looking at adding an above-ground pool or you have space and equipment for the proper pool drainage to install an in-ground swimming pool or spa, this backyard remodeling project will get you and your family outdoors for days at a time.

Install an Outdoor Kitchen

One of the most popular recent trends in backyard remodeling projects includes the installation of an outdoor kitchen, an ideal space for entertaining outside. Among the features and amenities to enhance the outdoor cooking and dining experience include:

• Bar
• Two-Sided Grille
• Serving station
• Seating area
• Pizza oven
• Outdoor barbeque smoker
• Icemaker
• Outdoor refrigerator
• Sink with garbage disposal and dishwasher

Add a Fire Pit

A fire pit can add style and character to your backyard while offering an ideal gathering place to spend the evening outside with friends and family, and providing heat and aesthetic beauty to your outdoor space.

Before installing a fire pit in your backyard, make sure you are complying with all applicable local regulations, and always take appropriate safety precautions around live flames. 

Get Sporty

There is nothing quite like a competitive game played in the comfort of your backyard with family, friends, or neighbors. You do not need too much space to add a permanent or temporary surface or equipment to turn all or part of your backyard into a mini-sports arena.

Some common ways to add a sporty element to your backyard that the whole family can enjoy:

• Baseball diamond
• Basketball court
• Bocce ball or croquet court
• Giant board games, such as chess, checkers or Connect 4
• Horseshoe pit
• Ice or street hockey rink
• Putting green
• Soccer field
• Tennis or paddle tennis court
• Volleyball or badminton net

Light the Way

Proper and ample lighting will allow you and your family to enjoy your backyard amenities at any time of the day or night. Advances in LED lighting technology offer a wide range of options for sizes, styles, colors, and timing features for entertaining or just hanging with your loved ones outside.

Options and techniques to lighting your way to backyard fun throughout the year include:

• String lights
• Lanterns
• Hidden wall and floor lights
• Uplighting to feature walls and plants
• Light orbs and spheres

In our digital age, more and more Americans are spending more time behind smartphones or TVs than spending time in the outdoors. Getting your family outside and active may be as simple as making your backyard an inviting place to spend time. Reduce screen time and increase quality time by turning your backyard into a family-friendly oasis!

Mandy Lee is a contributor to Innovative Green Building Materials. She is a blogger and a content writer for the building materials industry. Mandy is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that increase property value, maximize energy savings, and turn houses into homes.