BKYD Life

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Features/Structures

Outdoor Holiday Decor

Quick question, do you decorate the outside for the holidays? If you do, do you only decorate the front yard or front of your house? Have you ever thought about spreading some of that holiday cheer to the backyard?

I don’t know how your house is laid out, but my family room (the place we spend most of our time in the evenings) is in the back of the house. So when I decorate the front porch and front yard, my neighbors get to see all my hard work. That is when they drive by because, again, their house is laid out like mine which means they are in the back of their house when all the Christmas lights are on in the evening.

I guess my real question is ~ Why not decorate the backyard? I know I would enjoy the beautiful decorations and the glow of the lights by looking out the back windows. Of course, my tree is inside. Specifically, in my family room so I can enjoy it in the evenings. But I think that setting up the backyard, spreading some of those outdoor decorations in the back of the house would be worth it. There is no rule that the front yard should get all the attention. Time to think out of the box or in this case out of the front yard!

Do we really just put up yard decorations for others or do we want to enjoy them ourselves? I know I decorate for myself and for others. How about you? Will you join me in spreading some cheer into the backyard?

Here are a few things I found that I will be adding to my backyard ~

These lights are great. Both color and clear are available. They are actually solar lights so I don’t have to turn them on or off – they just magically come in and will look beautiful in a tree out in my backyard.

These rope lights would be another great option. They can be snaked through plants or wound up tree trunks. Lots of different light color options, too.

I think adding lots of lights is my preferred way to decorate my outdoors, but you can find lots of options to add to the yard such as these light up presents.

However you choose to decorate your backyard, just have fun and do what suites you and your backyard style.

Q & A with the Editor

Well, hello ~ glad you are here. We have had a couple questions that fall into the either/or category.

Question #1 What do you like for walkway finishes? Concrete or pavers?

Personally, I like the look of pavers. They add a nice texture and character to the yard. Your yard will look more finished with pavers. And, I really prefer a tumbled paver ~ they look a little aged and not fresh and new. I also prefer the lighter tan colors, they seem natural to me. The darker or red/pinks just don’t appeal to me the same. But go with the tones that blend with your house.

As far as pricing goes, concrete and pavers are relatively the same (at least in the Phoenix market). Keep in mind pavers can be made from concrete or natural stone. The natural stone option, in most cases, costs a bit more.

Please share a photo of you walkway. We would love to see how it turns out!

Question #2 Should we go with a gas or log fire pit?

We have a full article on fire pits, here, for more information. But to answer this question ~ do you have gas to your property? That might seem like a strange question, but in Arizona not all homes have gas, some are all electric. If you have an all electric home, you can purchase a fire pit with a gas tank. It would be similar to a gas grill and you would need to refill the tank when it runs out.

Personally, I prefer a gas fire pit. While the natural flame of logs is nice, I don’t like the smoke that comes off it. In my area, we have ‘No Burn Days’ to keep our air pollution to a minimum. Gas fire pits can still be used, just like a gas fire place in the house and a gas grill to cook. Also, with gas you can turn it on and off. You don’t have to plan for a fire by making sure you have logs. You don’t have to wait for the logs to burn out before walking away from it. Basically, gas is just more convenient.

If you have any other questions, let me know. Have a great weekend, gang! Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels, linked below.

Tips for Planning & Budgeting Your New Landscape

To be fair, entire books have been written on this subject.  You could spend months planning and preparing or spend thousands of dollars with certified backyard planners on this very subject. 

A short-read article can’t really claim to do justice to the wide range of possibilities and options available.  But there are a few basic points that will help you save some time and/or money before you jump head first into your new landscape project or hire someone to do it for you.

  •  Draw it up

The first step is to get an accurate drawing of the yard.  Take the time to measure the length, width and design of the existing area you want to landscape.  Perhaps you just want to modify an area of the yard or even if you want to (re)design the whole yard, you will need to start with the layout of the yard.

You can go online and pull up a map of your yard using Google Earth or even your local County Assessor office.  That should get you a nice satellite view and dimensions of the yard.  Or, just go old school and measure it out by hand using a tape measure or laser distance measurer.

  • Pick a Scale

Transfer all of your measurements onto a piece of paper or use a free, online computer software to help layout the yard to scale.  Most landscape professionals use either 10th scale or ¼ scale when drawing plans for construction.  It all depends on the size of the yard you’re planning for.  A basic subdivision backyard might measure out at 75’ x 40’ deep (*this is just an example and you should measure your own yard), then 10th scale will work just right.  Larger lots or wider open spaces might require a different scale.

Important Note:  (This is where you will use your geometry skills, and you thought you would never use them after high school!) Scale allows you to put a measure to the specific areas you want to plan for.  Scale provides accurate square footages for planning and budgeting.  While dimensions on a piece of paper might work, they don’t accurately depict the scale of the yard and the features within the space.  Don’t skip this part or it will end up costing you more time and money.

  •  Create Zones

You can name them what you want, but segment your yard into areas that you want to use the space for.  You might create space for:

Extended patio seating area

BBQ/Outdoor kitchen area

Lawn/grass area

Pool/Spa area

Play Structure or Swing set area

Gardening Area

There are a number of names and functions you might want to include into the planning of your yard.  Just label them out and where it makes the most sense based on what and how you want to use your yard. 

  • How Much Room Will I Need?

Suppose you want a new outdoor kitchen area so you can start cooking like a pro.  Or perhaps you want a vegetable and/or herb garden.  How about a bocci ball court or a corn hole game setup.  Knowing how much space you’ll need will affect the planning and space you have for each zone.

There are several calculators on line, but start with the areas you want and Google it.

Bocci Ball Court (regulation) 91’ x 13’

Half-Court Basketball Court (regulation) 47’ x 25’

Outdoor Kitchen:  Varies…but a good kitchen area might require 12’ x 12’ space

Those are just a couple ideas, but just keep narrowing down the spaces until you have all of the specs accounted for.

  •  Finishes & Features

By this point you have narrowed down most of the yard.  You’ve identified your zones or spaces into segments, determined the required dimensions needed and have them all scaled to your backyard planning sheet.  Now you need to add the specifications and the features & finishes for the yard.

This might take a little more planning and research then what we can cover in a simple article.  You’ll need to spend some time looking at decking surfaces, turf or lawn types, masonry items, landscape lighting options, plants, trees and ground cover options.  The big box stores have most of the options covered or you can go to landscape-outdoor centers or masonry supply stores.

Another option would be to take your plan to a couple landscape stores and have them walk you through the options for plantings, finishes and features.

  • How much Will it Cost?

By now, I’ve either lost you and your off to hire a high-priced landscape team or you have the gumption do it yourself.  If you’re the later, congrats and stay the course.

The next step is price things out.  Again, to be fair, pricing can vary widely and be based on a number of aspects from the types of finishes, availability and where you live. 

To help out, we created a quick spreadsheet with some of the more common items you will need to consider when planning for your backyard.

Landscape budget worksheet

If you need help with your plans and planning, we’ll be featuring more stories and provide you with more tips and links to resources to help you along the way.  Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day and your backyard doesn’t need to be either.  But with a plan in place you can work toward the completion of it as time and money presents itself.  In the end, it will be well worth the effort when completed.

If you found this information helpful, please let us know. We want to be a useful resource for you so that you can get the most out of your backyard.

5 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Backyard Structures

Have you been itching to give your backyard a makeover, especially after being stuck indoors so much lately? “But doesn’t backyard remodeling cost a fortune?” you may ask. It doesn’t have to.

The good news is your vision can become reality on a limited budget. Changing or adding some backyard structures is a great way to give your outdoor space new life — and it can be budget-friendly if you do it right. Here are some ideas for affordable backyard structures that will create the perfect at-home outdoor retreat. 

UPCYCLE PALLETS 

Stacks of pallets to make backyard structures

Ah, pallets. They’re perfect for DIY projects since they’re super easy to work with (even if you’ve never attempted a DIY project before). They’re extremely inexpensive – you could even score some for free if you’re lucky. Plus, you can use them as they are or give them a fresh coat of your favorite paint. Upcycling pallets is also an environmentally-friendly way to beautify your yard. Here are some ideas for upcycling pallets into backyard structures. 

1. Pallet Planters 

Save space and money by using pallets to create vertical planters. Growing vertically offers a way to enjoy some of your favorite plants while maximizing growing space and taking up less room. Pallets make great raised planters too. 

2. Pallet Furniture 

Pallet outdoor sofa and pergola showing backyard structures

Need new patio furniture? Wood tends to age well when it comes to outdoor furniture and is extremely durable. With pallets, you can create anything from sofas to tables, rustic to fancy – the options are plentiful. Since pallets are so inexpensive, if furniture goes beyond your DIY talents, you can use the money saved to get furniture made for you. 

3. Backyard Storage 

Outdoor pallet storage area

Need a useful yet attractive storage unit for all your backyard odds and ends? Pallets are an easy way to create a variety of storage options. From shelves to bins, benches to worktables, pallets can easily take care of your storage needs at a fraction of the price. 

DIY FIRE PIT 

When it comes to budget-friendly backyard structures, you’re allowed to think big. You can have a safe, sturdy, and good-looking outdoor fire pit on a budget. Fire pits are always a great idea, no matter the season. From cozying up on cold nights to throwing steaks on the grill, you can’t go wrong with a fire pit. Here are some inexpensive options to get you started. 

1. Paver Fire Pit

Backyard fire pit with a stick roasting marshmallows

All you need are pavers for the floor, retaining wall blocks for the wall, and sand to sweep across the pavers to lock them in place. This quick, inexpensive fire pit can be completed in a weekend. Begin by laying a ring of blocks, then install the pavers inside as the floor. Be prepared to channel your inner mason because you may have to round out some of the pavers to create a circle. If so, use a masonry chisel and hammer. Don’t forget to wear eye protection and heavy gloves. Safety first! 

2. Pond to Fire Pit 

If you’re thinking of getting rid of your Koi pond – don’t. Consider a transformation instead. Unused backyard ponds are the epitome of inexpensive backyard structures as they require very little money (and effort) on your part. Simply layer the bottom with sand, cover with rocks, and pile on the firewood. As long as your pond is lined with stones or concrete and is the right size, you may just have a new place for friends and family to gather.

THROW SOME SHADE 

If your backyard sees a lot of sunshine during the day – maybe even a little too much – you might want to consider installing a shade structure; especially if you live in areas with extremely high temperatures. Trees are ideal, but they’re not always possible. Plus it may take a few years before you can enjoy some real shade. Here are some backyard structures that give shade without blowing your budget.  

1. Penny-Pinching Pergola 

Pergola as one budget-friendly backyard structure option

Pergolas are great because they allow some sunshine to sneak through the beams while also providing a bit of shade. Save money by using reclaimed wood or beams. Not only is this an extremely affordable type of budget-friendly backyard structure, but it looks great too. Consider planting ivy or climbing roses to grow onto your structure to provide even more shade and add some height. 

2. Shade Curtains 

Curtains aren’t just for indoors, they’re perfect for outdoors too. Repurpose some old curtains or purchase inexpensive material to hang over and around a basic structure for quick and easy cover from the sun. Another benefit – you can swap out the material for a different color whenever you get bored. Shade curtains also provide privacy that other shade structures don’t.

REPURPOSING 

If you take a look around your backyard, you may see some random items that you no longer use or that are losing their “shine.” While you may see junk, I see items that can be given a new purpose. Repurposing items you already have means not having to spend any more money – all you need is a little elbow grease. We touched on repurposing some items above, but here are more ideas. 

1. Wheelbarrow Planter 

A wheelbarrow planter as one type of backyard structure

Got an old wheelbarrow hanging around? Clean it up, give it a fresh coat of paint, throw in some soil and your favorite flowers, and turn it into one of your new favorite backyard structures. You could even leave the rust on for a vintage look!

2. DIY Water Features 

This may require some creativity on your part – go wild! The most random of objects can be repurposed into personality-filled water features or fountains: 

  • Hanging watering cans 
  • Rustic windowpane with water falling like a waterfall 
  • Old teapot pouring water into a wooden barrel 
  • Old gutters 
  • Terra cotta pot fountain 

FIXER-UPPER 

A young woman outside building a backyard structure

Sometimes your existing backyard structures just need a little TLC. Perhaps your garden shed needs a fresh coat of paint or a new (reclaimed) door. Does your porch need more pops of color? Consider covering your outdoor furniture in inexpensive fabric or adding colorful cushion covers (DIY, of course). Maybe some of your garden pathway pavers need replacing or could go in a different direction? The point is, the problem isn’t always as big as it seems. Sometimes, something small can make a huge difference. 

Budget-Friendly Backyard Structures: Think Outside the Box 

No matter how big or small your plans are for your backyard, you can achieve the outdoor oasis of your dreams on a limited budget. A little creativity goes a long way (so does some elbow grease). Remodeling your yard could even become a fun activity with family and friends – call in some favors, ask for help when you need it. It might take some time, but your affordable backyard structures may soon be the envy of the neighborhood! 

Vertical Garden

Have you ever wanted to start a garden, but don’t have the space? Would your patio look and feel better with some greenery on it? A vertical garden just might be the solution.

Vertical gardens don’t take up a lot of space. They can actually be a large or small as you want or have room for. Sometimes called a growing wall, a vertical garden can also provide privacy.

Want a green wall? Maybe some fragrant flowers? What about vegetables? Yes, yes, and yes. Each of these options are viable in a vertical garden. You could even mix all three. Need to keep it small and simple? How about growing herbs in your vertical garden? They would take very little space, are easy to grow and make a big difference in your cooking!

You can make your own vertical garden. Wooden boxes or a trellis is a great start. Get creative, it will add personality to your space.

Would you rather use a pre-made product that allows for more conventional planting? I found this one on Amazon (it is an affiliate link) and it will be a great asset to your space. It looks good and functions fabulously.

I hope you have enjoyed the idea of a vertical garden to enhance your space. Please let me know if you have a vertical garden in the comments below and share you pictures on Instagram, don’t forget to tag us ~ @bkyd.life

Privacy and Peace in your Backyard

I think we can all agree that 2020 is unlike any other year in recent history. Finding a place for calm in all the chaos can be tricky, but so necessary. We need to relax and recharge, we need time to learn how to move with the new rhythm of life. Creating a space outside is perfect for accomplishing this.

Clean up

Start by cleaning up your outdoor space. It doesn’t matter if you only have a small balcony or a large patio with extensive grounds, dead leaves and clutter need to be cleaned up. Being surrounded by excess stuff does not bring calm to anyone.

Sweep the ground, get rid of cobwebs and contain any children’s toys. This will be the start of a soothing space. I would even suggest getting your children involved, if you have them. They should be in charge of their toys, they play with them, they should put them away. As a former teacher, I know that when reasonable, but high expectations are set for children they always step up to the challenge!

Furniture

You can use our backyard style quiz to identify your style, here. Having a comfortable spot to sit in your preferred style contributes to finding calm and peace on your patio or backyard.

Water

While a pool is a great place for relaxing, if your backyard is on the smaller size you might want to opt for a water feature. The sound of flowing or babbling water always contributes to a calming atmosphere.

Fire

Fire is another calming element and can make the evenings a perfect time to relax and recharge in your backyard. Read all about different fire pits or features here.

Plants

Plants help soften the hard edges and can increase privacy. While I would love to direct you to specific types of plants, the best options will depend on where you live. Contact your favorite local nursery for the best recommendations.

When speaking with garden professionals, you might want to ask about plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies. I would also suggest you consider fragrant plants with beautiful blooms, as both visual and aromatics can impact your ability to relax on your patio or backyard.

Other types of plants to consider are trees for shade and quick growing vines for privacy. Again, your local nursery professionals can guide you in the best choices for your needs and what will grow best in your area. They can also guide you in maintenance for your selections.

Getting fresh air out on your patio or in your backyard is a great way to relax and recharge. You deserve a great space that is private and peaceful so that you are better able to face the challenges of the day.

If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment below or on our social media. We would love to see how you are using your outdoor space.