Money-Saving Tips for Creating a Backyard Oasis

It does not need luxurious outdoor fixtures and features to create a fantastic haven in your backyard. Just a few cost-effective and carefully chosen outdoor additions, you can very well create your own backyard oasis.

The best way to make sure you save money, is planning ahead. Star by visualizing how would you want your patio to be, how will you use it, and what features you need. Creating a sketch or a plan will help you determine what you need and what you do not need. You can simplify to just satisfy your needs.

Pavers
At the very beginning of the project, you build a flooring or a platform in which your outdoor room will be created. Building with pavers and stones is considerably the cost-effective way. Easy to build your own, and does not need technical skills and tools. A good combination of pavers and stones of different color would add interest to the setting.

Pool
A swimming pool is undeniably a great feature for your backyard. However, building a pool is exhausting and really expensive. If you really love to dip in the water, pretty sure you’ll also love a portable hot tub. Though not a real alternative to a pool, at least you’ll get a similar sensation. A great benefit is that you can enjoy it all year round because of the hot feature. You may even place it in the ground to make it look like a little pool.

Cover
The best cover alternative to a pergola and roofing are outdoor umbrellas and shade sails. Obviously, building a pergola or a roof is much more expensive and a tedious task. Whereas buying an outdoor patio umbrella is cheaper and you can get a good cover form that sun and even rain quickly.

Fire Features
Building an outdoor fireplace is expensive, but you can build a simple fire pit which also gives heat you need and the dancing flame you want to see.  It can be built using stones and bricks only. Please read this quick guide on building a fire pit.

Another alternative is a portable fire pit or fire bowl. You can choose either gas or wood fuelled. It is a great alternative in many ways. First, you don’t have to build anything or change your setup. Second, its portability allows you to place it anywhere around your backyard. And lastly, you can save on maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Patio Furniture for a Purpose

A patio or deck will never be complete without patio furniture. However, we have to select the right set and there are several setup aspects that is worth to consider. These include the size of the area, the location, and the type of environment. The sun, the wind, and the humidity are just a few of the factors that affects the durability and the longevity of the furniture. Alongside of these, the purpose of your setup is also an important thing to remember. Whether you want your patio to be relaxing place for leisure, entertainment, or dining, there are furniture types that are just right for the purpose.

If your purpose is to have a peaceful space for relaxing on the patio, a deep seating set or a lounge chair is a perfect choice. Complete the setup by adding an end table and you will enjoy your time outdoors like a king sitting comfortably while sipping tea and reading a book.

For having a great outdoor dining at home with family and friends, a large dining set is definitely the best patio furniture. You may also consider an expandable dining table. You can expand it to accommodate more seats for unexpected guests and turn it back to regular it’s size again for everyday use.

You can create a great outdoor place out of a little space. Setting up your little patio with a bistro table and a couple of chairs cause it to become a lovely place for a private conversation or just relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee or tea while breathing some fresh outdoor air. A deep seating set or a lounge chair coupled with an end table is also ideal for small spaces.

It is easier to create an outdoor place for any purpose if you have a large outdoor area. Combine it with a modular seating set, your patio or deck will become more versatile. The purpose of this particular patio furniture set allows you to arrange and rearrange easily as you desired to fit any activity.

There are extra things that make your patio more comfortable and safe.

Outdoor Cushions - They provide comfort and an easy way to dress up your patio. A quick way to change the looks of the set.

Patio Umbrella - A patio will not be complete without a shade from the sun. An outdoor umbrella is a great addition to provide a quick shade and it also adds personality to the patio design. You can easily move the shade around to fit in any desired setup. In turn, your outdoor space becomes more versatile. Additionally, a great outdoor umbrella can give a protection from the harmful UV rays from the sun.

Buying Guide for Outdoor Umbrellas

Outdoor umbrellas or otherwise commonly referred to as patio umbrellas are another popular option to make outdoors cool and safe under the sun. They are a great addition to design an outdoor place. With the best choice, you will find it safer and nicer to relax and unwind in the freshness of outdoors.

Before buying, you should measure the space you want to cover. Patio umbrellas are generally measured in feet. The umbrella should cover an entire setup including the patio furniture and outdoor seats for everyone around. The height should be enough to have a comfortable space for everybody.

Patio Umbrellas have different types and styles. They are made for purposes unique to each one of them.

Market Umbrella

Market umbrellas, the standard type of umbrella for outdoors, are typically made of wood. They are naturally pleasing for residential outdoor spaces. Even though made of wood, market umbrellas are durable to withstand the elements of your backyard, patio, or deck. In fact, you can also find them used in some commercial spaces like cafes and bistros.

Beach Umbrellas

Beach umbrellas are specifically made so you can easily set up a little comfy space along the coast. Designed with pointed pole end to easily stick them in the sand. Seashore atmosphere is naturally harsh and add to that the strong wind blows, it is the worst environment for an outdoor umbrella. Be sure you pick one that is durable and resistant to the elements.

Tilting Umbrellas

Tilting umbrellas are useful if you want to stay in the outdoors for a longer period. The design allows it to tilt in an angle to block the sun from hitting you. From sunrise to sundown, you can be covered from the sunshine.

Offset Umbrellas

Offset umbrellas are unique in form and are so versatile. With its post on the side rather than at the center, it can be placed at any angle and spot. You can arrange your setup in any way you like and still be covered by its canopy.

There are some accessories needed or required for your umbrellas to be functional.

Stand or Base

Do not forget about the umbrella base or stand, outdoor umbrellas from the stores do not include it. The reason for this is so that you can choose one that fits well with the type of outdoor setup you create.

There is a type of umbrella base called sand auger that enables you to use other types of outdoor umbrella as a beach umbrella. It also provides a better grip to hold the umbrella aground.

Light

Patio umbrella lights are not required, but will provide a quick and easy lighting for a night in the outdoors.

Cover

Patio umbrella covers keep your umbrella safe when not in use, especially for a longer period. Though not required, but it helps keep your umbrella in good safe.

Quickly Renew Your Concrete Patio with Paver

Feel bored with your outworn concrete patio? Here is a solution to quickly renew your patio without even destroying your existing concrete flooring. It costs less and all you need is time, maybe a day or two.

We can renew the appearance of a patio by upgrading its flooring with paver. Choose a paver you like or better if it matches or complement with the existing materials of your home. Your outdoors will completely look fresh and classy. This is gonna be a fun and rewarding weekend project.

First you need to clean and clear your patio. Begin by moving away your patio furniture and fixtures. Then sweep your patio and remove any debris. Washing and thoroughly clean the concrete is not required to consider that we just lay the pavers on top.

Second, make sure the flooring is flat and level. Grind and remove bumps away and use leveling compound to fill the low spots. Leveling compound will also fill the cracks. Since we will be laying pavers on top of the concrete patio and it will not be having a vehicle traffic, just a paver base is needed. Spread it directly all over the flooring and even out the surface.

Then, start laying the pavers. Arrange them accordingly to create a beautiful pattern. Leave a perimeter space for the edging. The width of the perimeter should be enough to accommodate a single line of paver. Take note that the perimeter should be without paver base. Prepare mortar to be used for the edging paver. Spread a thin layer and press the paver on. The perimeter paver affixed to the concrete will make the pavers secured in place.

Finally, when the laying of pavers is complete, spread polymeric sand using a push broom. Ensure all the gaps are filled and covered. Sweep off all the excess, spray it with water and you are done. Let the new paver set before stepping on it.

That’s it, your patio has now a brand new look. Put back the outdoor furniture sets, open up the patio umbrella and chill.