When the ice caps start to melt and the temperature rises to an acceptable “cotton tee and jeans” level, it’s time to uncover the patio furniture and get ready for summer. Traditional prep tasks include garden prep, cleaning up debris, power-washing driveways, and clearing your gutters. Once the cleaning is done, it’s time to setup the space so you and your family can enjoy it all summer long. Here are 10 tips for ensuring your patio, deck or yard is attractive and ready for summer.

1. Create Multiple Spaces

The more spaces to hang out in the backyard, the better. Try to create areas for specific activities like dining, lounging, and recreation. A beautifully landscaped backyard in Scarborough has all the bells and whistles for complete outdoor living. There is a raised deck with an outdoor living area with lots of comfy seating. There is also bar seating around the outdoor grill and an outdoor dining table and chairs. Plenty of space for the family to lounge around.

2. Add Stylish Pillows

Nothing dresses up a space more than adding a few key accent pieces that are both functional and stylish. Accent pillows are a cost-effective way to refresh the colour scheme of your backyard space while giving it that pop of colour. This trendy backyard in Oakville brought vibrant blue hues through the accent pillows on their comfy couches. The neutral furniture they chose also leaves room for the homeowners to change up the look next summer.

3. Roll out the Grill

Summer is the ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy the unique taste of grilled cuisine. Don’t have an outdoor kitchen? No problem! Consider investing in a grill or a smoker. An outdoor patio in Brampton has its BBQ grill in place and ready for lunch or dinner. Have one already? Make sure it’s in good working order and that you have the proper grilling utensils. Once that is sorted, all you need is to have a fully stocked cooler or outdoor fridge nearby.

4. Insert Natural Touches

Real estate investor and renovator, Scott McGillivray, headed the remodelling of a beach-front West Lake cottage on HGTV’s Scott’s Vacation House Rules. Taking advantage of the naked lakefront, the team transformed the back deck into an eye-catching outdoor space. The use of textured rattan furniture, potted plants and ferns, adds a natural look and warmth that screams summertime. Include those accent pillows mentioned in tip #2 for that pop of colour and your patio is ready!

5. Hang Ambient Lighting

Strategically adding lighting to certain spaces around your yard or patio helps to illuminate the area while setting a certain mood and ambiance. Lighting fixtures can be solar and LED, including different types of spotlights and patio string lights. A raised deck in Waterloo already has a ceiling light and wall sconces installed. To have beautiful mood lighting in the evening into the night, the homeowners hung bistro string lights on to their privacy fence.

6. Bring the ‘Cool’ Factor

Outdoor ceiling fans are great options for helping to cool an outdoor space. They can also provide air circulation, illumination, and charming ambiance on a patio, pergola, or deck. An expansive outdoor space in Fairfax County has ceiling fans mounted over all of the living and dining outdoor areas. As summer approaches, there are many spaces for the family to hang out while keeping cool.

7. Make Space for Dining

While the family is chowing down on grilled Mahi Mahi and roasted veggies, it’s nice to sit at the table to focus on food while conversing. A top tip is to invest in a solid wood dining set that’s low maintenance and big enough for the entire family. Homeowners in Massachusetts created a patio space with an attached pergola. Underneath they set up an 8-seater dining table which is the family’s favourite spot to hang out.

8. Focal Point Fire Pit

Why a fire pit in the summer you ask? It’s the perfect time for s’mores and ghost stories. Make your fire pit or fire pit table the focal point so you and the family can gather around it on a cool summer night. This second-floor balcony in Charlottetown created the ideal place to cozy up with the family. When the nights get chilly, the homeowners have a stylish but functional fire pit table in the centre of their patio and surrounded by a comfy sectional.

9. Incorporate a Pool

Having a pool is one of the best ways to enjoy your summer while staying cool. Homeowners in Waterloo installed a large lap pool in their side yard. They incorporated a freestanding canopy over the shallow end so they can lounge in the shade during the day. Don’t have a pool? Other homeowners opt for the quicker installation of an above-ground pool or a temporary inflatable set-up.

10. Don’t Forget Shade

The weather forecast may predict clear blue skies and sunshine but there’s always a chance of rain during this time of year. Consider adding shade to your patio or deck that can protect you from the wind, rain, and scorching sun. Your family will thank you later. A beautifully landscaped backyard in Langley has a retractable shade over the two areas the homeowners spend the most time: the hot tub and the dining table. The shade fabric they chose is both water-repellent and resistant to harmful UV rays, ensuring dual weather protection when summer comes.

Summer is best enjoyed outdoors and the best place to do that is in a space you’ve laid out yourself. By following some or all of these tips, your backyard will be fully prepped for ultimate enjoyment all summer long.

Need help finding the right shade for your outdoor area? We can help.