Summer is upon us as temperatures rise, and people are filled with an urge to get outdoors. More people have been picking up DIY projects with extra time to themselves. Why not make sprucing up your backyard your next project? There’s never been a better time to learn how to create the ultimate summer hangout spot, complete with an outdoor bar or firepit.

The Benefits of Being Outdoors

There are plenty of health benefits to being outdoors more often. Spending time taking in the fresh air is great, but some people would never think about sitting out in their unsightly yard. All yards have potential, and upgrading an outdoor living space to hang out in will give a great reason to get outdoors.

Being outdoors helps in more ways than you realize. Outdoor cooking, for example, can help you eat better. Using a grill to cook outside is convenient, and grilling is one of the best ways to cook something. Outdoor spaces can also be more environmentally friendly. Also, they prevent everyone from crowding around and making a mess by giving people enough room to breathe and move freely. Here are some great features that you can use to create a hangout spot in your yard.

Add a Pergola

A pergola or other shaded spot is a good place to get started with outdoor living spaces. Think about the materials, features, and size of the pergola when making a purchasing decision.

The size refers to how much space the pergola will take up. You want to get one that will fit comfortably in your yard. Consider measuring out space in your yard first, so you have an idea of how big you need yours to be.

Pergolas are made from all manner of materials. Almost all pergolas are weatherproof by nature, so which material you choose is a matter of personal preference. Wooden pergolas are an excellent choice because they come in different stains to better blend in with their natural surroundings. Vinyl is easier to maintain, and steel is more durable.

Different pergolas can have various features, such as privacy walls and trellis roofs. Think about what you want to do with your pergola to choose between different options. There’s no point in paying extra for something like a privacy wall if you don’t have neighbors or don’t feel the need to have extra privacy.

Create a Kitchen Area

Take the party outdoors with some help from an outdoor kitchen area. How big you want your outdoor kitchen to be is up to you. Keep things simple with a portable grill and bar cart. Take it to the next level with some storage space and an outdoor refrigerator. Go all out and bring in lots of other appliances, including pizza ovens and sinks. The choice is yours!

Outdoor BBQ grills and built-in patio grills are the most popular options but don’t think they are your only one. Choose a pizza oven to add some European charm to your yard, or get a wood-burning smoker to enjoy smoked meats outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for traditional outdoor grilling or want a full outdoor kitchen, there are plenty of options to get just what you need. The wide variety of cooking options, heat sources, and finishes means that you can cook pizzas, burgers, brats, and anything else you can imagine outdoors.

Outdoor kitchens come in handy for outdoor parties and gatherings. Indoor kitchens can quickly get crowded with so many people around grabbing food. Having usable space outdoors offers more room to spread out. An outdoor kitchen also means people have less need to run in and out of the home if they want something to eat or drink. You will be able to find outdoor kitchens for sale at reasonable prices.

Create a Bar Space

An outdoor bar is an easy and fun way to stay cool in the summer. Avoid constantly taking a trip to refill a cooler by building an outdoor bar. Ensure everyone gets a drink.

There are different types of patio bars, including bar tables, carts, and full patio bars with stools. Bar tables are simple ice chests and buckets for making drinks, complete with a cooler or other accessories. An outdoor bar cart is more like a portable outdoor bar on wheels, which offers more convenience – but less space – than a full outdoor bar with seating. Consider taking your outdoor bar to the next level with a TV or wine fridge.

An outdoor bar can be made from all kinds of materials, including wood, stone, and wicker. Metal and wicker patio furniture is the current trend because these materials are durable and lightweight while offering weatherproofing. Synthetic resin patio furniture can be an ideal addition that is suitable for all conditions. While most outdoor bars are designed to be weatherproof, you shouldn’t leave them outside during severe weather. Cover them up to keep them safe when not in use.

Add a Firepit

A firepit gives you a great little campfire for your own backyard where friends and family can gather to keep cozy. The modern firepit is more stylish than you’d expect, given the name.

The most basic option is a firepit kit, which makes it easy to install one right in your yard. Each kit has everything you could need to put the pit together, including the stones and tools required. These pits come with fire rings that safely contain flames and prevent them from spreading across the garden.

Fire bowls are another kind of firepit to consider. These are metallic bowls suspended over the ground. Bowls make for portable firepits that you can keep in a small yard or patio. Concrete bowls offer a more industrial look and feel, while metal designs can be more intricate and beautiful.

Firepit tables are another way to enjoy all the smores you want at home. These tables sit a bit higher than fire bowls and are generally made with metal or stone. Tables have more surface area and are an excellent choice for parties and drinking. Firepit tables are an excellent choice for entertainment spaces, especially if you choose a decorative option.

Firepits can be powered by wood or gas. Go for wood for a more traditional way of doing things, or choose gas for more convenience.

Consider a Water Feature

The term “water feature” can refer to several different things. Water features can be something simple like a hanging fountain to something more elaborate like a tiered outdoor fountain. If you have the room for it, then you should think about getting a floor fountain with LED lighting to create a stunning visual. Including a pond or a pool fountain is another kind of water feature that goes a long way.

Including a water feature, such as a fountain, can make things a lot more peaceful and tranquil. Water features can also complement the current furniture for a more “finished” look that is sure to dazzle visitors. The soothing sounds of cascading water over a fountain is serene, to say the least. The sounds of water can cover up other unwanted sounds while adding to the visual appeal of the outdoor space.

Anyone who has been around water knows how calming the sound of running water is. Just about everyone feels those soothing effects, even if they don’t understand the cause behind them. Whether you choose to get a premade fountain or water feature or want to build your own, there are some beautiful options out there. These features really highlight a lovely natural element in the world — water.

Final Thoughts

We hope you feel inspired to create a fantastic summer hangout spot in your backyard. The ideal summer spot is built to be great for you, your friends, and your family. Whether you add an outdoor bar, firepit, or water feature, you’ll have a space you enjoy. Some of these projects can be done on your own, while others you’ll want professional help. Luckily, we offer services in all of these. Don’t hesitate to contact us, we can help make your dream summer spot a reality!