Your outdoor space is something to really make use of, especially if you’ve been neglecting it recently. There are plenty of ways to help get more out of your backyard, rather than letting it sit in a messy and abandoned space.
Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it can provide your household with a livable space to enjoy. Here are some useful tips to transform your messy yard into a relaxing space that the whole family will enjoy.
Rethinking your yard as a family hangout
In order to create a backyard family hangout, consider defining functional areas so that there’s more interest throughout the space for all family members.
Areas like play zones, dining spots, and relaxation areas are all beneficial to separate so that each family member can enjoy their time in the backyard without feeling like one is encroaching too much on the other. Even in small spaces, these ‘zones’ can be well defined.
Incorporate comfortable, weather-resistant furniture and make sure there’s enough for everyone to lounge in. Adding soft lighting can really help to bring out the evening vibes, especially if you’re looking to spend more time outside.
Look at adding some greenery to the space where you can, and water features are helpful when you’re looking to enhance the atmosphere around you.
Practicalities should also be considered, especially when it comes to younger members of the family. From shade for play areas to privacy from neighboring properties, these are important to make sure the space is a safe and private place for all family members to hang out in.
Choosing the right materials for safe, low-maintenance play
To keep your little ones safe when they’re playing out in the yard supervised, or unsupervised if only for a brief amount of time, it’s good to think about the right materials for the space.
Ideally, you want durable and low-maintenance materials that are also safe for kids to enjoy. There are a variety of material types that are suitable in this case. Here are a few examples:
HDPE plastic
HDPE is an ideal outdoor play material because it’s durable, safer than most materials, and weather-resistant. Therefore, it makes for an ideal option for outdoor play equipment if you’re looking to incorporate some into your outdoor space.
Solid cedar
Solid cedar has many natural properties that make it a strong, safe, and reliable material for outdoor structures, particularly for playsets.
Rubber
The benefits of recycled rubber are endless. They’re great for outdoor play, enhancing safety with their superior shock absorption and slip resistance. There are also environmental advantages, being made from recycled materials, and from an aesthetic point of view, you can pick from a wide range of colors.
Adding those finishing touches that make it feel special
To add the finishing touches to your backyard and to make it truly special, consider other materials beyond just a fresh lawn that you could add to the space. Textured materials like gravel and the use of paving stones can be great when looking for yard materials that add something extra.
Consider a fire pit and unique accessories like mirrors, water features, and even artwork in the space.
There’s plenty to incorporate into your backyard to make it a family-friendly outdoor retreat.
