Today, more and more people spend their free time outdoors and enjoy cooking, grilling, relaxing and entertaining in the great outdoors. With a renewed interest in outdoor living, many homeowners are reinventing their backyards as extensions of their homes by adding outdoor kitchens, lighted patios, fire pits, and other features to make the outdoors an enjoyable place to relax.

Outdoor Kitchen – Building an outdoor kitchen is a great option for homeowners who enjoy entertaining friends and cooking on the grill. Some things to consider when installing an outdoor kitchen are size and location. Outdoor kitchens can be quite spacious, making them ideal for homeowners with larger patios. The outdoor kitchen should be located near electrical outlets and water connections. Other accessories that you can include in your outdoor kitchen are custom countertop cabinets, as well as weather-resistant appliances and furniture.

Fire Pit – Another great addition to an outdoor space is a fire pit. Fire pits can be built in your yard or you can choose to purchase a portable one. When entertaining guests or friends, a fire pit is a great central place for people to socialize. On cool summer nights, it’s nice to have a small fire to add warmth and light to your outdoor space. Fire pits can come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, making it easy to find one to match any home design.

Landscape Lighting – To complete the look of your outdoor space, outdoor lighting is a must. It will brighten up your backyard and accentuate the best features in your home and garden. Don’t leave your guests in the dark: If you plan to have late-night parties and socializing outdoors, make sure your garden and patio are well lit. Outdoor lighting can set the mood, create ambiance, and also light your way so you and your guests don’t trip or fall.

The complexity of an outdoor living home improvement project will vary depending on your needs and desires for your home. With a few small changes, like adding a portable fire pit and some string lights, you can easily take on the project yourself. However, if you are adding a full outdoor kitchen or landscape lighting for your entire yard, you will benefit from hiring a professional.

Make the most of your outdoor space. Whether you’re adding to an existing patio or creating an entirely new design, an outdoor space will allow you to make the most of your home and garden.