Backyard Tips

11 Best Backyard Landscaping Ideas

landscaping ideas

Backyards are one of the most attractive aspects of home ownership. They provide a space for kids and pets to play and serve as a venue for summertime cookouts and picnics. 

10 Best Backyard Wedding Decor Ideas

A view down the wedding aisle of a backyard wedding includes decorated chairs on the side and an archway at the end.

Most wedding venues have limited dates. You have to book months — if not years — in advance. However, there is one venue that is always available: your backyard. Many people enjoy celebrating backyard weddings because they’re budget-friendly, offer flexibility for setting up and taking down decorations, and are perfect for accommodating small groups of people. Your guests can relax in a casual environment or you can make your outdoor living space look like a more formal venue..

Outdoor Bar Ideas: What to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Bar Area

Outdoor Bar Ideas Collage

With so many outdoor bar ideas out there, it can be tough to narrow down your ideal backyard entertainment area. Google is a great place to start, and Pinterest is packed with unique bar options, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Your Backyard

So many appliance choices when working with a limited budget can make building an outdoor kitchen seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Outdoor kitchens are a passion of Homestead Sales Rep Steven Lapp, so we recently sought his hot take on these increasingly popular backyard entertainment additions. We hope his five favorite outdoor kitchen features below provide some inspiration for your newest project.

6 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for Your Backyard

Summer days can get sweltering hot, but some summer nights may make you want to turn up the heat. There’s a fireplace for that. Adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can really set the mood. 

But with all the different options, how do you pick the right outdoor fireplace for your home?

Once you decide whether you want a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it’s time to decide on style. 

Fireplace Ideas for Your Backyard

Heat up your outdoor entertainment space with any of these backyard fireplace ideas.

How To Make Your Backyard More Accessible

An older adult using a wheelchair to water the garden in their backyard.

Backyard accessibility involves creating an environment where everyone can move around safely and comfortably, whether using a wheelchair, a walker, or just their own two feet.

Eco-friendly Backyard Upgrades

Collage of Backyard ideas including a compost bin, solar lights, a garden and a rain barrel.

The world is increasingly aware of the need to be eco-friendly. This means reducing reliance on fossil fuels, recycling and composting where possible, as well as limiting your impact on the environment. In fact, according to a recent Nielsen report, 48% of Americans would change their purchasing habits to minimize environmental effects and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Does a Swimming Pool Add Value to Your Rental Property?

Potted plants adorn a swimming pool with a slide in a fenced-in backyard.

Rental property owners need features that will attract residents. Swimming pools are one option if you want to stand out from your competitors. 

Analysis by Zillow's rental search engine, HotPads.com, found that pools not only attract more residents, but people are willing to pay higher rent for them. The study, which included data from 50 major American metro areas, found that renters were willing to pay 4.5% more (that’s $70 per month, on average) for a place with swimming facilities. 

Family-Friendly Pool Games and Activities To Help You Stay Active

Four smiling family members in a pool float side-by-side on a pool noodle wearing sunglasses and posing for a picture.

Summer is a time for family, fitness, and fun. Some may spend the break from school indulging in lazy days in front of the television, but for many of us, the warmer weather invites us outdoors. It’s important to find a balance and encourage your entire family to get outside an be active. One of the best ways to accomplish this during the simmering summer days is to plunge into the cool water of a swimming pool.